Highest Poverty in Free State

Top 69 cities ranked by highest poverty

Largest Cities Smallest Cities Most Dense Least Dense Highest Income Lowest Income Lowest Unemployment Highest Unemployment Lowest Poverty Highest Poverty Highest Rent Lowest Rent Most Educated Youngest Cities Oldest Cities Safest Cities Highest Crime Warmest Cities Coldest Cities Rainiest Cities Driest Cities

All Countries · South Africa · Free State

Highest Poverty — Free State

1 Heilbron 31.2%

2 Dewetsdorp 31.2%

3 Edenburg 31.2%

4 Edenville 31.2%

5 Excelsior 31.2%

6 Ficksburg 31.2%

7 Fouriesburg 31.2%

8 Frankfort 31.2%

9 Harrismith 31.2%

10 Deneysville 31.2%

11 Hennenman 31.2%

12 Hertzogville 31.2%

13 Hoopstad 31.2%

14 Jacobsdal 31.2%

15 Jagersfontein 31.2%

16 Kestell 31.2%

17 Koffiefontein 31.2%

18 Koppies 31.2%

19 Boshof 31.2%

20 Bethlehem 31.2%

21 Smithfield 31.2%

22 Virginia 31.2%

23 Phomolong 31.2%

24 Tshiame 31.2%

25 Allanridge 31.2%

26 Bethulie 31.2%

27 Bloemfontein 31.2%

28 Kroonstad 31.2%

29 Bothaville 31.2%

30 Botshabelo 31.2%

31 Winnie Mandela 31.2%

32 Bultfontein 31.2%

33 Clarens 31.2%

34 Hlohlolwane 31.2%

35 Dealesville 31.2%

36 Villiers 31.2%

37 Steynsrus 31.2%

38 Thaba Nchu 31.2%

39 Theunissen 31.2%

40 Trompsburg 31.2%

41 Tweeling 31.2%

42 Tweespruit 31.2%

43 Ventersburg 31.2%

44 Viljoenskroon 31.2%

45 Senekal 31.2%

46 Vrede 31.2%

47 Vredefort 31.2%

48 Warden 31.2%

49 Welkom 31.2%

50 Wepener 31.2%

51 Wesselsbron 31.2%

52 Winburg 31.2%

53 Paul Roux 31.2%

54 Kutloanong 31.2%

55 Ladybrand 31.2%

56 Lindley 31.2%

57 Marquard 31.2%

58 Memel 31.2%

59 Odendaalsrus 31.2%

60 Oranjeville 31.2%

61 Parys 31.2%

62 Zastron 31.2%

63 Petrusburg 31.2%

64 Mamafubedu 31.2%

65 Phuthaditjhaba 31.2%

66 Reddersburg 31.2%

67 Reitz 31.2%

68 Rouxville 31.2%

69 Sasolburg 31.2%

Cities with the highest poverty rates in Free State face deep economic challenges affecting a significant portion of their population. Heilbron has a poverty rate of 31.2%.

High poverty rates impact communities in multiple ways: reduced access to healthcare and healthy food, lower educational outcomes, higher crime rates, and deteriorating infrastructure. These challenges are interconnected and require comprehensive solutions.

Addressing poverty in these cities requires a multi-pronged approach including economic development, affordable housing, quality education, healthcare access, and workforce training programs targeting underserved populations.

Did You Know?

1. In Heilbron, 31.2% of residents — roughly 1 in 3 people — live below the poverty line.
2. Child poverty rates in these cities are often even higher than the overall rate, sometimes exceeding 40%.
3. Poverty is measured by household income relative to family size — the threshold varies from $15,060 for an individual to $31,200 for a family of four.

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