This is the Poorest Town in Michigan? Says Who?

What makes this little village in Wexford County “The Poorest Town in Michigan”? I don’t know who gave it that nickname but I cry BS. There are a good number of towns, villages, hamlets, burgs, etc. that can be called our ‘poorest’, but I’ll delve back into that after a brief backstory...

It’s the village of Harrietta, split into two county townships: Boon and Slagle.

The town was first platted in 1889 and incorporated in 1891 as "Gaston". It was later renamed 'Harriette" after a local railroad official named Harry and his wife, Henrietta. By 1900 the village had grown to a population of 419. In 1923 the last 'e' in "Harriette" was dropped, an 'a' was added, and the town has since been called "Harrietta", even though it was still listed as "Harriette" on atlases.

Get our free mobile app

During this former lumber town's prosperous period, they had a brick factory, dentist, three doctors, two general stores and a sawmill. Once the trees/timber were depleted, the townsfolk split for greener pastures, leaving Harrietta to a mere few who chose to remain.

Today, the village has no main businesses, even though there are a string of old storefronts along the main road. There is a fish hatchery, a couple of churches, and post office. The closest store & gas station is "The Mitt Shop" a/k/a "Market 37" just 3 and a half miles west of town, along with a couple of restaurants.

Some call Harrietta a 'ghost town', but I just don't feel right calling it one, even though it fits some websites' descriptions of a 'ghost town'.

Now for an explanation of why some people call Harrietta "The Poorest Town in Michigan". Their reasoning is due to Harrietta’s average yearly income: $2,264. The 125+ townsfolk don't appreciate that title, as they are perfectly happy and content with the town and what it offers. They hunt their own food, grow their own produce and heat their homes with wood stoves.

That being said, this little secluded village would make a cool place to stop during a roadtrip and check it out for yourself. Scroll down a way to see some photos...