Recent analyses using U.S. Census Bureau data and reports from outlets like 24/7 Wall St. have identified the poorest towns in each state, including Indiana. The findings are based on five-year estimates from the American Community Survey, focusing on towns with populations between 1,000 and 25,000 and ranking them by median household income.
Austin: Indiana’s Poorest Town
According to a 2023 report by 24/7 Wall St., the town of Austin in southeastern Indiana holds the unfortunate distinction of being the poorest town in the state. The ranking is based on median household income and poverty rates, with Austin emerging at the bottom among Indiana communities that met the population criteria.
Other Notable Mentions
While some reports have also highlighted cities like Bloomington and Union City as among the poorest in Indiana, these findings often depend on the specific metrics and population sizes considered. For example:
- Bloomington has been identified in some reports as the poorest city, with a notably high poverty rate, but it is a much larger city and may not fit the same population criteria used by 24/7 Wall St.
- Union City was previously named one of the poorest towns in Indiana, with over 31% of its population living below the poverty line, but more recent data points to Austin as the current poorest town.
How the Ranking Was Determined
The rankings are based on:
- Median household income
- Poverty rates
- Data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (five-year estimates)
- Towns and cities with populations between 1,000 and 25,000.
Austin, Indiana is currently recognized as the poorest town in the state, according to the latest comprehensive data and analysis by 24/7 Wall St. This designation highlights ongoing economic challenges in certain small Indiana communities, despite broader statewide growth.
Sources:
- https://indianaeconomicdigest.net/Content/Default/Major-Indiana-News/Article/What-s-Indiana-s-poorest-city-Hint-It-s-not-Bloomington-/-3/5308/115473
- https://my1053wjlt.com/this-is-the-poorest-town-in-indiana/
- https://bloomingtonian.com/2023/07/27/bloomington-identified-as-poorest-city-in-indiana-state-ranked-16th-poorest-in-the-u-s/
- https://www.wrtv.com/news/local-news/union-city-ranked-poorest-town-in-indiana-by-247-wall-street