Fort Deposit, Alabama, has been identified as the poorest town in the state in 2025, facing significant economic challenges that affect much of its population. Located in Lowndes County, Fort Deposit is a small town with a population of around 1,103 people as of 2025, but it has been experiencing a steady population decline. Since the 2020 census, when the population was recorded at 1,227, the town has seen a decrease of approximately 10%, contributing further to its economic struggles.
One of the most striking indicators of Fort Deposit’s financial hardships is its high poverty rate, which currently stands at 41.5%. This figure means that more than two out of every five residents live below the poverty line. To put this into perspective, the poverty rate in Fort Deposit is significantly higher than the overall poverty rate for the state of Alabama. Median household income in the town reflects this economic difficulty, with estimates in 2023 showing a median income of just $20,156—well below the national and state averages. Many households, around 57%, earn less than $25,000 annually, illustrating the widespread economic deprivation in the community.
Demographically, Fort Deposit’s population is predominantly African American, comprising about 87.4% of residents, with White residents making up approximately 12%. The town’s median age is relatively young, at about 34.5 years, with a fairly balanced gender distribution. Despite its economic challenges, the community shows a high rate of homeownership at around 55.2%, although the median property values remain low, with homes valued at approximately $66,300 on average as of recent estimates.
The town’s economic hardships are compounded by broader social issues such as unemployment. The unemployment rate in Fort Deposit has hovered around 8.5%, which is higher than the national average and points to limited job opportunities in the area. Educational attainment also lags behind national averages, with only a small percentage of residents holding bachelor’s or advanced degrees, which limits access to higher-paying employment options.
The decline in population is both a cause and an effect of the town’s economic difficulties. As residents move away, often in search of better opportunities, the local economy contracts further, reducing the tax base and the resources available for community development. This cycle makes it challenging to attract new businesses or improve local infrastructure, which are key components needed for economic revitalization.
Lowndes County, where Fort Deposit is located, shares many similar socioeconomic challenges, including high poverty rates and struggles with public health indicators such as obesity and smoking prevalence. The county’s median income is slightly higher than Fort Deposit’s but still reflects economic hardship.
Fort Deposit’s designation as Alabama’s poorest town in 2025 reflects a confluence of economic distress, high poverty rates, declining population, and limited local opportunities. Its predominantly African American community faces these challenges amid a backdrop of low median incomes, high unemployment, and educational barriers. Addressing these issues will require concerted efforts in economic development, education, and social support to help reverse the current trends and provide residents with pathways to improved living conditions and financial stability. This stark reality highlights the urgent need for public and private initiatives to uplift towns like Fort Deposit across Alabama and similar communities nationwide.
Sources
[1] https://worldpopulationreview.com/us-cities/alabama/fort-deposit
[2] https://www.niche.com/places-to-live/fort-deposit-lowndes-al/residents/
[3] https://www.alabama-demographics.com/fort-deposit-demographics
[4] https://www.unitedstateszipcodes.org/rankings/zips-in-al/poverty_rate/
[5] https://datausa.io/profile/geo/fort-deposit-al
