Carbondale is widely recognized as the poorest city in Illinois according to multiple recent reports and census data. Its poverty rate stands at a staggering 43.1%—far above both the Illinois state average (11.9%) and the national average (12.6%)—based on the most recent U.S. Census figures. The median household income in Carbondale is just $22,152, which is dramatically lower than state and national medians. Among children, the poverty rate is especially severe, with 44.6% of those under 18 living below the poverty line, and over 53% of children under five living in poverty. Out of approximately 19,000 residents, more than 7,000 live in poverty.
While some sources highlight very small communities with extremely low median incomes—such as Wenonah (median income $9,583) or Alorton (poverty rate 56.8%)—Carbondale stands out among larger cities and towns in Illinois for its acute and widespread poverty challenges. When considering both population size and overall poverty impact, Carbondale is consistently cited as the poorest city in Illinois by major rankings and data aggregators.
It is important to note that some small towns or villages may have lower median incomes or higher poverty rates by percentage, but Carbondale’s combination of high poverty, low median income, and significant population makes it the most notable example of poverty in Illinois among cities of its size.
Sources
[1] https://mywaynecountynow.com/this-town-has-been-named-the-poorest-in-illinois/
[2] https://ksisradio.com/ixp/463/p/poorest-town-in-illinois/
[3] https://101theeagle.com/illinois-town-among-poorest-in-america-50-live-in-poverty/
[4] https://www.roadsnacks.net/poorest-places-in-illinois/
[5] https://247wallst.com/income/2024/05/07/towns-in-illinois-with-the-worst-poverty/
