This Town Has Been Named The Poorest In Pennsylvania

Key Indicators of Poverty in Braddock

• Median household income: $22,670–$27,212 (compared to Pennsylvania’s statewide median of $73,170).
• Poverty rate: 30.9% (nearly triple the state average of 11.8%).
• Child poverty: Over 50% of children under 18 live below the poverty line.
• Unemployment: 7.1% (higher than the national average of 6%).

Historical Context

Braddock’s decline began with the collapse of the steel industry in the late 20th century, leading to a population drop from 20,000 to under 2,800 today. Despite recent efforts to recover—such as exiting Pennsylvania’s Act 47 distressed municipality program in 2025 after 35 years—the town continues to grapple with systemic issues like limited job opportunities, underfunded public services, and decaying infrastructure.

Current Challenges

• Lack of basic amenities: No supermarkets, gas stations, or ATMs, forcing residents to leave town for essentials.
• Health disparities: The closure of its hospital in 2010 exacerbated healthcare access issues.
• Housing and education: Median home values ($43,800) and educational attainment rates (11.7% with bachelor’s degrees) lag far behind state averages.

Recent Developments

While state initiatives, such as a $500,000 urban agriculture grant to boost food security and economic opportunities, aim to revitalize Braddock, advocates argue more aggressive funding is needed to address the $4.5 billion adequacy gap in Pennsylvania’s poorest school districts.