Recent analyses and reports consistently identify Austin, Indiana as the poorest town in the state, based on median household income and poverty rates.
According to a 24/7 Wall Street report using U.S. Census Bureau data, Austin holds this title among Indiana towns with populations between 1,000 and 25,000. The median household income in Austin is notably low, at approximately $29,880.
Other sources, such as Zip Atlas, confirm Austin’s position near the bottom for median household income among Indiana towns of similar size.
While some very small communities (like Groverton and Lake View) report even lower incomes, these are often unincorporated or have extremely small populations, making Austin the most prominent town recognized in statewide and national rankings.
Additional Context
- West Lafayette is sometimes listed as the poorest “city” in Indiana due to its low median income and high poverty rate, but this is largely influenced by its large student population at Purdue University, which skews income statistics.
- Union City and other towns have also appeared in past rankings, but current data points to Austin as the poorest town by median household income.
Summary Table
| Town | Median Household Income | Notable Ranking Source |
|---|---|---|
| Austin | $29,880 | 24/7 Wall St., Zip Atlas |
| Groverton | $2,499 | Zip Atlas (very small pop) |
| West Lafayette | $30,317 | RoadSnacks (city, student pop) |
Austin, Indiana is currently recognized as the poorest town in the state, based on the most recent and widely cited data.
Sources
- https://my1053wjlt.com/this-is-the-poorest-town-in-indiana/
- https://zipatlas.com/us/in/city-comparison/lowest-median-household-income.htm
- https://www.wrtv.com/news/local-news/union-city-ranked-poorest-town-in-indiana-by-247-wall-street
- https://www.worldatlas.com/cities/9-best-places-to-live-in-indiana-in-2025.html
- https://www.roadsnacks.net/poorest-places-in-indiana/