In a cataclysmic event (such as a major New Madrid earthquake) these people would be least affected and most likely to survive. Some may consider this poverty but others call it living off-the-grid.

We take for granted that most of us have water delivered to our homes via electric pumps. If the electric grid were to fail, we'd have no water to drink and it would render our plumbing useless. The man with the hand-pump well and the outhouse would suddenly become a wealthy man.

As I was reading the article, I kept thinking that 1) they looked happy enough and 2) one power line in Ohio sagging and touching a tree and we'd all be living like that in the space of 3 days (without the benefit of being used to it).

"the median household income is $19,351"
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There are no doubt many localities within suburban or city limits with the same rate of income.
As far as the unwashed dishes and the unorganized household appearance I can find that in many homes in communities. It's all up to family members to bring in the water from the well to get them done.
The article made sure they posted the most cluttered home I would gather to make an impact story here.
I have been in homes owned by landlords in the city and suburbs of Charleston and seen worse than in these photos.