Bangor, Maine
While Bangor was once known as the “lumber capital of the world,” the city has successfully redefined itself and is now considered a significant commercial center for retail and service businesses in Maine, according to the city’s administration. Although this new economy has begun to recover from the Great Recession of 2007 to 2009, it has not yet reached its full potential. As reported by the Bangor Daily News, more than a fifth of Bangor residents live below the poverty line, and despite the fact that the city is home to the third-largest school district in Maine, more than half of the students qualify for free and reduced-price lunches. The median household income in this area is $46,625. (Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Altamont, Oregon
According to legend, this census-designated place was named after a famous racehorse, and it is currently lagging far behind the rest of the country. According to OregonLive, Altamont is one of only three communities in the state where incomes are actually declining. Wages in Newport and St. Helens fell by a combined 5% between 2010 and 2018, making them the only cities to do so. The median household income in this area is close to $47,000, compared to a statewide median household income of $63,000. Home values are only half the state median value, and one-fifth of the population lives in poverty, according to the census.
Altamont, Oregon