Poorest Counties in Pennsylvania – 2025

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:

1. Cameron County

Median Household Income: $46,186

Poverty Rate: 15.3%

2. Forest County

Median Household Income: $47,000

Poverty Rate: 14.3%

3. McKean County

Median Household Income: $50,000

Poverty Rate: 13.5%

4. Cambria County

Median Household Income: $52,000

Poverty Rate: 12.8%

5. Venango County

Median Household Income: $53,000

Poverty Rate: 12.5%

6. Clearfield County

Median Household Income: $54,000

Poverty Rate: 12.0%

7. Indiana County

Median Household Income: $57,170

Poverty Rate: 11.5%

8. Northumberland County

Median Household Income: $58,000

Poverty Rate: 11.2%

9. Schuylkill County

Median Household Income: $59,000

Poverty Rate: 11.0%

10. Luzerne County

Median Household Income: $60,000

Poverty Rate: 10.7%

11. Mifflin County

Median Household Income: $61,000

Poverty Rate: 10.5%

12. Lackawanna County

Median Household Income: $62,000

Poverty Rate: 10.3%

13. Erie County

Median Household Income: $63,000

Poverty Rate: 10.0%

14. Bradford County

Median Household Income: $64,000

Poverty Rate: 9.8%

15. 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.