The town has an adult population of several thousand with an average income of $15,000.
That tells you that there’s a lot of people sitting idle every day. What did she think people did in Scottish villages in the 18th century when the village had issues? Say “if there were English here, the king would fix things”. Nope.
That income does not include all the government benefits they receive, nor does it count money make in illegal or underground activities. If someone provided you with food, shelter, utilities, school for the kiddies (even if it is awful), the unearned tax credit, and even a free phone, then $15000 would keep you in video games and Nike shoes.