The town most recently labeled “the poorest town in Pennsylvania” is Braddock, a small borough in Allegheny County, just outside Pittsburgh. Analyses by outlets citing 24/7 Wall St. data highlight Braddock because of its very low median household income and high reliance on government assistance, even by Pennsylvania’s broader poverty standards.
Why Braddock stands out
- Median household income: Around $22,670 per year, far below the statewide median of roughly $67,587.
- Poverty and aid: A significant share of households fall below the poverty line and receive government financial assistance, which is one of the main reasons it earns the “poorest town” label in recent rankings.
- Context: Braddock is a historically industrial community that has struggled with deindustrialization, population loss, and disinvestment, contributing to its current economic profile.
Other very poor towns in Pennsylvania
Braddock is often cited as the single “poorest town,” but other Pennsylvania municipalities with similarly severe poverty include Shamokin, Darby, Johnstown, McKees Rocks, and McKeesport, among others.
These places share high poverty rates, low incomes, and limited local‑tax‑base growth, which together drag down quality‑of‑life and service levels.
SOURCES:
- https://www.iheart.com/content/2023-11-14-pennsylvania-town-named-the-poorest-in-the-entire-state/
- https://247wallst.com/income/2024/05/10/towns-in-pennsylvania-with-the-worst-poverty/
