Poverty in the U.S.: The Poorest Towns in Every State

Johnstown, Pennsylvania

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Median Household Income: $23,636
Poverty Rate: 37.9%
Population: 19,967
Median Home Value: $41,500

That’s one of the lowest median home values we’re going to see! While the average household income is almost on par with the national average in PA, Johnstown is less than half of that. Located about 70 miles outside of Pittsburgh, nearly 40% live below the poverty line – the highest in the state, and triple the state’s average of 13.1%.

Johnstown is known for a rather famous tragedy. In 1889, a dam burst resulting in the Johnstown Flood that created an unprecedented media frenzy.