Shamokin, a small city in Northumberland County, has been named the poorest town in Pennsylvania. According to 2024 data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey, Shamokin tops the list with a poverty rate of 35.9% and the state’s second-lowest median household income at $32,753.
Economic Hardship in Shamokin
The statistics reveal severe economic challenges facing this community of 6,915 residents. More than 2,482 people in Shamokin live below the poverty line, representing over one-third of the population. This poverty rate significantly exceeds Pennsylvania’s statewide average of 11.8%.
| Metric | Shamokin | Pennsylvania State Average |
|---|---|---|
| Poverty Rate | 35.9% | 11.8% |
| Median Household Income | $32,753 | $73,170 |
| Population | 6,915 | — |
| People in Poverty | 2,482 | — |
| 5-Year Avg Unemployment | 8.7% | 5.4% |
| Adults with Bachelor’s Degree | 14.1% | 33.8% |
Data sources:
Root Causes of Poverty
Shamokin’s economic struggles stem from a combination of low wages and severe job scarcity. The city ranks second-lowest in Pennsylvania for median household income while simultaneously having the second-highest poverty rate. This dual challenge creates a cycle where residents earn insufficient income while facing limited employment opportunities.
Educational attainment also plays a significant role. Only 14.1% of Shamokin adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, compared to 33.8% statewide. Since workers with bachelor’s degrees typically earn 66% more than those with only a high school diploma, this educational gap perpetuates economic hardship.
Historical Context and Regional Pattern
Shamokin has held the number one ranking for poverty in Pennsylvania for consecutive years, showing no change from its 2023 position. This reflects broader economic decline in Pennsylvania’s anthracite coal region, where decades of industrial job losses have devastated local economies.
Other struggling towns in Pennsylvania include Johnstown (32.9% poverty rate), McKees Rocks (32.6%), and Darby (33.8%). These communities share similar characteristics: legacy industrial economies, limited job diversification, and aging infrastructure.
Impact on Residents
Poverty’s effects extend far beyond economics. Census data shows that 38% of American adults earning less than $25,000 report feeling depressed or hopeless on most days, compared to 17% of all adults. Additionally, 27% of adults in the lowest income bracket experienced food insufficiency within the past week.
Despite these challenges, Shamokin’s relatively low cost of living provides some relief. Housing costs rank in the bottom 15% of Pennsylvania places, making basic shelter more affordable than in most of the state.
SOURCES:
- https://247wallst.com/income/2024/05/10/towns-in-pennsylvania-with-the-worst-poverty/
- https://www.roadsnacks.net/poorest-places-in-pennsylvania/
