Not every county is a major recipient of federal dollars. While the national average for per-capita federal spending is approximately $7,500, many counties receive a fraction of that amount. Understanding which counties receive the least funding helps reveal gaps in federal investment distribution.
We analyzed USASpending.gov FY2024 data to identify the 25 counties with the lowest per-capita federal spending among counties with population above 10,000.
The 25 Counties with the Lowest Per-Capita Federal Spending
Ranked by FY2024 per-capita federal obligations from lowest to highest.
| Rank | County | State | Per-Capita | Total Spending | Population |
|---|
Why Some Counties Receive Minimal Federal Funding
Counties with low federal spending typically share several characteristics:
- No major federal facilities: Counties without military bases, research labs, or federal offices have fewer channels for federal investment.
- Limited contracting opportunities: Rural and small counties may lack the infrastructure or business base to compete for federal contracts.
- Smaller grant-eligible institutions: Counties without major universities, hospitals, or nonprofits have fewer grant recipients.
- Agricultural economies: While some agricultural counties receive USDA grants, many operate with minimal federal intervention.
Methodology
Data from USASpending.gov, U.S. Department of the Treasury, FY2024. Per-capita spending is calculated by dividing total federal obligations by county population (U.S. Census Bureau estimates). Only counties with population above 10,000 are included. Counties with missing spending data were excluded.
Data source: USASpending.gov, U.S. Department of the Treasury, FY2024 (Oct 2023 – Sep 2024). All figures are estimates based on federal obligation data and may not reflect current spending.