When it comes to economic hardship in Alabama, one town stands out in the latest rankings: Atmore. According to recent analyses and data from sources like Road Snacks and the U.S. Census Bureau, Atmore has been named the poorest city in Alabama for 2024, based on a combination of the lowest median household income and the highest poverty rate among cities with a significant population.
Key Economic Indicators
- Median Household Income: Atmore’s median household income is $30,472, the lowest in the state among cities of its size.
- Poverty Rate: The poverty rate in Atmore is 38.2%, the highest in Alabama for cities with more than 5,000 residents.
- Population: Atmore has a population of approximately 8,287 as of 2025 projections.
Why Atmore?
Atmore’s economic challenges are rooted in several factors:
- Limited Job Opportunities: The city has struggled to attract and retain industries that offer stable, well-paying jobs. While Atmore is home to some manufacturing and service industries, these have not been enough to offset broader economic decline.
- Low Wages: The jobs that are available often pay below the state and national averages, contributing to the city’s low median income.
- High Cost of Poverty: A significant portion of Atmore’s residents live below the poverty line, with over a quarter of families experiencing poverty.
Demographic Context
Atmore is located in Escambia County, in southern Alabama near the Florida border. The city’s racial and ethnic makeup is predominantly Black (54.6%), followed by White (40.4%) and Hispanic (2.9%). Like many small towns in Alabama, Atmore has a rich history, but it faces modern challenges of economic stagnation and population decline.
Comparison to Other Alabama Towns
While Atmore tops the list for overall poverty and low income among larger towns, other Alabama cities also struggle with high poverty rates. For example, Selma has a poverty rate of 43.4%, Prichard stands at 37.2%, and Anniston at 30.5%. However, Atmore’s combination of the lowest median income and the highest poverty rate among comparable cities cements its status as the poorest town in the state.
Smaller Communities and Extreme Poverty
It’s important to note that some very small towns and unincorporated communities in Alabama, such as Panola and Megargel, report even higher poverty rates-up to 100% in some cases. However, these places have extremely small populations and are not typically included in statewide rankings of cities due to their limited size and data reliability.
Community Response and Outlook
Despite these challenges, Atmore maintains a strong sense of community. Local leaders and organizations are working to attract new businesses, improve educational opportunities, and support families in need. The city’s affordable cost of living is a small silver lining, but the road to economic revitalization remains long and uncertain.
Atmore’s designation as Alabama’s poorest city highlights the persistent economic challenges facing many small towns across the state. With the lowest median income and the highest poverty rate among its peers, Atmore exemplifies the struggles of rural communities seeking to adapt and thrive in a changing economic landscape.
Sources
[1] https://953thebear.com/alabamas-10-poorest-cities-may-surprise-you/
[2] https://www.alabama-demographics.com/atmore-demographics
[3] https://zipatlas.com/us/al/city-comparison/highest-poverty.htm
[4] https://catfishtuscaloosa.com/ixp/532/p/alabamas-10-poorest-cities-may-surprise-you/
[5] https://www.roadsnacks.net/poorest-places-in-alabama/