khushboo 
(C): Unsplash
In 2025, many counties in Pennsylvania are still facing significant economic challenges. In these areas they exhibit lower median household incomes as well as higher poverty rates in comparison to the state average. By understanding these statistics are very crucial for policymakers along with community leaders and residents who are aiming to address economic disparities.
Top 15 Poorest Counties in Pennsylvania (2025)
As per the recent data, these are the following counties are knows as the poorest in Pennsylvania:
- Cameron County
Median Household Income: $46,186
Poverty Rate: 15.3%
- Forest County
Median Household Income: $47,000
Poverty Rate: 14.3%
- McKean County
Median Household Income: $50,000
Poverty Rate: 13.5%
- Cambria County
Median Household Income: $52,000
Poverty Rate: 12.8%
- Venango County
Median Household Income: $53,000
Poverty Rate: 12.5%
- Clearfield County
Median Household Income: $54,000
Poverty Rate: 12.0%
- Indiana County
Median Household Income: $57,170
Poverty Rate: 11.5%
- Northumberland County
Median Household Income: $58,000
Poverty Rate: 11.2%
- Schuylkill County
Median Household Income: $59,000
Poverty Rate: 11.0%
- Luzerne County
Median Household Income: $60,000
Poverty Rate: 10.7%
- Mifflin County
Median Household Income: $61,000
Poverty Rate: 10.5%
- Lackawanna County
Median Household Income: $62,000
Poverty Rate: 10.3%
- Erie County
Median Household Income: $63,000
Poverty Rate: 10.0%
- Bradford County
Median Household Income: $64,000
Poverty Rate: 9.8%
- Columbia County
Median Household Income: $65,000
Poverty Rate: 9.5%
Factors Contributing to Economic Challenges
Many economic difficulties are faced by these counties which can be attributed to several factors:
- Decline in Manufacturing Jobs: Some of these areas were reliant on manufacturing industries historically that have since declined or relocated.
- Limited Access to Higher Education: Less nearby colleges or vocational training centers hinder workforce development.
- Aging Population: Older populations may have fixed incomes and contribute to higher poverty rates.
- Geographic Isolation: Rural areas can also limit access to services as well as employment opportunities, and economic development initiatives.
Conclusion
Addressing these economic challenges in these counties also requires targeted interventions, along with investment in education sector and workforce development as well as infrastructure improvements, and policies which are aimed to attract and retain businesses.
