Pittsburg, Kansas, stands out as the poorest city in the state based on 2025 data, with the lowest median household income and highest poverty rate among cities. This southeastern town of about 20,600 residents grapples with economic challenges tied to its industrial past.
Economic Hardship Metrics
Pittsburg tops RoadSnacks’ 2025 list of Kansas’ poorest cities with a median household income of just $40,220—the lowest statewide—and a staggering 29.4% poverty rate affecting over 6,000 people. Unemployment contributes, though not the worst, while high living costs exacerbate struggles for families.
Comparatively, runner-up Coffeyville has $41,901 median income and 23.9% poverty, but Pittsburg’s scale and per capita metrics cement its rank. Older data highlighted small towns like Chetopa ($23,750 median income), but recent analyses focus on larger cities for broader impact.
Historical Roots
Pittsburg’s woes trace to its coal mining boom in the late 1800s, which faded mid-20th century, leaving job losses and population stagnation. The town shifted to manufacturing and Pittsburg State University, but factory closures and globalization hit hard, mirroring Rust Belt declines elsewhere.
Today, reliance on low-wage service jobs and retail keeps incomes suppressed, with limited diversification into tech or renewables.
Demographics and Daily Life
Over 29% live below poverty, higher than Kansas’ 11.6% average, hitting children and working-age adults hardest. The population is diverse—strong Native American and Hispanic communities—but inequality persists, with many commuting to pricier Wichita or Joplin, Missouri.
Housing is affordable (median home ~$120,000), yet utilities and food strain budgets. Local food banks and university aid programs help, but long-term fixes lag.
Comparison to Other Kansas Strugglers
| Rank | City | Population | Median Income | Poverty Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pittsburg | 20,606 | $40,220 | 29.4% |
| 2 | Coffeyville | 8,752 | $41,901 | 23.9% |
| 3 | Chanute | 8,629 | $47,885 | 20.1% |
| 8 | Manhattan | 53,951 | $58,441 | 26.1% |
| 10 | Hays | 21,078 | $56,861 | 19.9% |
Smaller spots like Chetopa rank poorly per capita but lack Pittsburg’s size for statewide “poorest town” labels. Rural counties like Jewell lead in county poverty.
Community Efforts and Outlook
Initiatives include workforce training via Pittsburg State and grants for downtown revitalization, aiming to attract small businesses. Tourism around mining history and lakes offers potential, but population decline (down 2% since 2020) signals urgency.
Statewide, Kansas poverty dipped slightly in 2025, but southeast towns lag. Federal aid and remote work could help, though broadband gaps hinder progress.
SOURCES:
- https://www.roadsnacks.net/poorest-places-in-kansas/
- https://247wallst.com/income/2025/06/17/the-poorest-town-in-every-state-in-america/
