This Town Has Been Named The Poorest In Pennsylvania

Braddock has been named the poorest town in Pennsylvania, according to recent analyses based on U.S. Census Bureau data and reporting by 24/7 Wall St. Braddock, located in Allegheny County near Pittsburgh, has a population of approximately 1,949 residents.

The median household income in Braddock stands at just $22,670 per year, which is significantly lower than Pennsylvania’s statewide median of $67,587.

Additionally, 12.8% of households in Braddock receive government assistance, reflecting the high level of economic hardship in the community.

The designation of Braddock as the poorest town is based on several key factors:

• Median Household Income: Braddock’s median income is among the lowest in the state.
• Population Size: The ranking considered towns with populations between 1,000 and 25,000.
• Government Assistance: A notable percentage of residents rely on public aid to meet basic needs.

Other towns and cities in Pennsylvania also struggle with high poverty rates, such as Johnstown, Duquesne, and Reading, but Braddock’s combination of low income and reliance on assistance places it at the top of the list for economic hardship.

Summary Table: Braddock vs. Pennsylvania Statewide

Braddock’s economic struggles are emblematic of broader challenges faced by many small towns in Pennsylvania, where industrial decline and job losses have left lasting impacts on local communities.

Sources:

1. https://247wallst.com/income/2024/05/10/towns-in-pennsylvania-with-the-worst-poverty/
2. https://www.theworkersrights.com/poorest-cities-in-pennsylvania/
3. https://www.iheart.com/content/2023-11-14-pennsylvania-town-named-the-poorest-in-the-entire-state/
4. https://news.sky.com/story/what-the-poorest-town-in-pennsylvania-thinks-of-joe-biden-running-for-second-term-12865838
5. https://247wallst.com/income/2025/01/17/the-poorest-town-in-every-state-in-america/