5 States With the Highest Rates of SNAP Recipients

In this article, we will discuss the 5 states with the highest rates of SNAP recipients. If you want to read our discussion on the latest SNAP statistics, you can go directly to the 20 States With the Highest Rates of SNAP Recipients.

5. Oklahoma

Percentage of Residents Receiving Food Stamps: 16.9%

Number of Residents that Participated in SNAP: 679,337

Oklahoma recorded a real GDP of $191.4 billion in 2022. Meanwhile, the state has a statewide poverty rate of 15.6%. The city of Hugo is particularly affected, with an alarming 42.8% of its residents living below the poverty line.

4. Oregon

Percentage of Residents Receiving Food Stamps: 17.4%

Number of Residents that Participated in SNAP: 737,793

Oregon has secured sixth place on our list of the 20 states with the highest rates of SNAP recipients. Around 12.2% of people in Oregon were living in poverty in 2022.

3. Louisiana 

Percentage of Residents Receiving Food Stamps: 18.6%

Number of Residents that Participated in SNAP: 854,595

During Q2 2023, Louisiana’s real GDP grew by 3.2%, surpassing the growth rates of 40 other states and significantly outperforming the national real GDP growth rate, which stood at 2.1%. However, the state’s poverty rate is still high at 18.6% as of 2022.

2. District of Columbia

Percentage of Residents Receiving Food Stamps: 20.8%

Number of Residents that Participated in SNAP: 139,485

The District of Columbia is at the second position on our list of the 20 states with the highest rates of SNAP recipients. Approximately 13.3% of the state’s population lives in poverty as of 2022, leading to around 20% of its residents relying on food stamps for assistance.

1. New Mexico

Percentage of Residents Receiving Food Stamps: 22.5%

Number of Residents that Participated in SNAP: 475,354

New Mexico is a state known for its diversity in landscapes and rich culture. Approximately 4% of the state’s population is unemployed, while the poverty rate stands at 17.6% as of 2022. These issues emphasize the critical role of assistance programs in supporting the state’s residents.