Recent analyses using U.S. Census Bureau data and national surveys have identified Austin, a small town in southeastern Indiana, as the poorest town in the state. This designation is based on several economic indicators, most notably median household income, educational attainment, and reliance on public assistance programs.
Key Statistics for Austin, Indiana
| Metric | Austin, IN | Indiana State Average |
|---|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $27,008 | $61,944 |
| Adults with Bachelor’s Degree | 10.8% | 27.8% |
| Households Receiving SNAP | 27.4% | 9% |
| Median Home Value | $74,200 | $158,500 |
| Population | 3,921 | — |
Austin was selected from a pool of over 300 Indiana towns with populations between 1,000 and 25,000, based on five-year estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey.
Why Austin Ranks as the Poorest
Low Median Income: The median household income in Austin is less than half the state average.
Educational Attainment: A significantly lower percentage of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher compared to the rest of Indiana.
High Reliance on Assistance: More than a quarter of households receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.
Affordable Housing Reflects Low Wealth: The median home value in Austin is less than half the state’s average.
Other Noteworthy Towns
While Austin holds the title for the poorest town, other Indiana cities such as West Lafayette and Gary also report high poverty rates and low median incomes, but Austin’s economic challenges are the most pronounced when considering population size and income data.
Context and Considerations
It’s important to note that such rankings often reflect broader economic and social challenges, including limited job opportunities, lower educational attainment, and higher rates of public assistance. Despite these difficulties, communities like Austin continue to demonstrate resilience and community pride.
Summary Table: Poorest Towns in Indiana (2025)
| Rank | Town | Median Household Income | Poverty Rate | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Austin | $27,008 | — | 3,921 |
| 2 | West Lafayette | $30,317 | 39.2% | 44,861 |
| 3 | Gary | — | — | — |
| … | … | … | … | … |
Austin’s economic challenges make it the poorest town in Indiana as of 2025, according to the most recent available data.
Sources
[1] https://my1053wjlt.com/this-is-the-poorest-town-in-indiana/
[2] https://www.roadsnacks.net/poorest-places-in-indiana/
[3] https://indianaeconomicdigest.net/Content/Default/Major-Indiana-News/Article/What-s-Indiana-s-poorest-city-Hint-It-s-not-Bloomington-/-3/5308/115473
[4] https://www.usnews.com/news/health-news/slideshows/poorest-cities-in-the-us
[5] https://www.yahoo.com/news/whats-indianas-poorest-city-hint-091828733.html
