Braddock: The Poorest Town in Pennsylvania
Braddock, a small borough located in the eastern suburbs of Pittsburgh, has been repeatedly identified as the poorest town in Pennsylvania. Its economic challenges are profound, with poverty and unemployment rates far exceeding state and national averages.
Demographics and Economic Overview
Braddock’s population has dwindled over the decades, with the most recent estimates placing it between 1,634 and 2,100 residents. The town is predominantly African American, with approximately 75% of its population identifying as Black or African American. The median age is 33.7 years, reflecting a relatively young community.
The economic statistics for Braddock are stark:
- Median household income: $22,670–$24,489, compared to the Pennsylvania median of $67,587.
- Median property value: $57,300.
- Homeownership rate: 28.2%.
- Unemployment rate: 64.6% (among the working-age population).
- Poverty rate: Estimates range from 37.8% of families to as high as 70% of the total population.
- Child poverty: Over 50% of children under 18 live in poverty.
How Braddock Became the Poorest Town
Braddock’s economic decline is closely tied to the collapse of American heavy industry, particularly steel manufacturing, in the 1970s and 1980s. Once a thriving industrial hub, the loss of manufacturing jobs led to a dramatic population decline and persistent economic hardship.
The town has been on Pennsylvania’s list of financially distressed communities since the early 1980s. Efforts to revitalize the local economy have struggled to gain traction, and the community continues to face systemic challenges such as:
- Lack of economic opportunity and job creation
- Racism and political corruption
- A high rate of mass incarceration and a school-to-prison pipeline
- Generational poverty and lack of access to quality education
Impact on Residents
The effects of poverty in Braddock are widespread:
- Nearly a quarter of households earn less than $15,000 a year.
- Over 12% of households rely on government assistance to meet basic needs.
- Many residents face food insecurity, inadequate healthcare, and limited access to social services.
Children are particularly vulnerable, with poverty rates among Braddock’s youth nearly triple the statewide average. The cycle of poverty is reinforced by limited educational and employment opportunities, making it difficult for residents to break free from economic hardship.
Comparison to Other Pennsylvania Towns
While other towns in Pennsylvania, such as Shamokin, Darby, and Johnstown, also face high poverty rates (with Shamokin’s poverty rate at 35.9%), Braddock’s combination of extremely low median income, high unemployment, and deep-rooted systemic issues sets it apart as the poorest.
| Town | Median Household Income | Poverty Rate | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| Braddock | $22,670–$24,489 | 37.8%–70% | ~1,634–2,100 |
| Shamokin | $32,753 | 35.9% | 6,915 |
| Darby | $45,511 | 33.8% | 10,682 |
| Johnstown | $33,466 | 32.9% | 18,429 |
Community Response and Hope
Despite these challenges, Braddock is home to resilient community organizations like For Good PGH, which work to create positive experiences and opportunities for underserved populations. Local leaders and nonprofits are striving to break the cycle of poverty through advocacy, education, and inclusive programs.
Braddock’s status as Pennsylvania’s poorest town is the result of decades of industrial decline, systemic inequality, and persistent economic hardship. While the statistics are sobering, the community’s determination and ongoing revitalization efforts offer hope for a brighter future.
Sources:
- https://247wallst.com/income/2024/05/10/towns-in-pennsylvania-with-the-worst-poverty/
- https://datausa.io/profile/geo/braddock-pa
- https://thebraddockinclusionproject.com/about-the-braddock-inclusion-project/
- https://www.iheart.com/content/2023-11-14-pennsylvania-town-named-the-poorest-in-the-entire-state/
- https://www.family-to-family.org/communities/braddock-pennsylvania/
