Fort Deposit is the poorest town in Alabama as of 2025, according to recent data and national rankings.
Why Fort Deposit Ranks as Alabama’s Poorest Town
- Median Household Income: $20,542, which is dramatically lower than the state median of $59,609.
- Poverty Rate: 43.8%, nearly three times the statewide average of 15.7%.
- Education: Only 5.5% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, compared to 27.2% statewide.
- Home Values: The median home value in Fort Deposit is $65,400, far below the Alabama median of $179,400.
- Population: Approximately 1,734 residents.
How Fort Deposit Compares to Other Alabama Towns
While cities like Selma and Atmore also face high poverty rates and economic challenges, Fort Deposit stands out due to its exceptionally low household income and high poverty rate. These factors combine to make it the poorest town in Alabama by both income and percentage of residents living in poverty.
The Broader Context
Communities like Fort Deposit often struggle with limited economic opportunities, lower educational attainment, and lower property values. These challenges are common among the poorest towns in the state and across the nation.
Fort Deposit, with a median household income of just $20,542 and a poverty rate of 43.8%, has been named the poorest town in Alabama for 2025.
Sources:
- https://953thebear.com/alabamas-10-poorest-cities-may-surprise-you/
- https://www.roadsnacks.net/poorest-places-in-alabama/
- https://zipatlas.com/us/al/city-comparison/highest-poverty.htm
- https://www.homestratosphere.com/worst-towns-for-families-in-alabama-april-2025/