In the heart of central Georgia sits the small rural town of Marshallville, a place that has been officially recognized as the poorest town in the state according to recent financial and census data. This once-thriving agricultural community faces some of the toughest economic challenges in Georgia, and its story is a reflection of wider rural struggles playing out across America’s South.
Where is Marshallville?
Marshallville lies in Macon County, approximately 30 miles southwest of Warner Robins. Known for its friendly small-town atmosphere and historic peach orchards, the town has a population of about 1,100 residents.
A Stark Economic Portrait
According to a 2025 assessment of median household incomes and poverty rates, Marshallville holds the unfortunate title as Georgia’s poorest town. The numbers illustrate why:
| Economic Measure | Marshallville | Georgia Statewide Average |
|---|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $18,839 | $71,355 |
| Poverty Rate | 41.6% | 13.5% |
| Adults with Bachelor’s+ | 6.3% | 32.4% |
With a median income of just under $19,000 per year, households in Marshallville earn less than one-third of the median Georgia family. More than 4 out of every 10 residents live below the poverty line, one of the highest rates in the state and nearly triple the state average.
Causes and Challenges
The economic challenges in Marshallville stem from a combination of factors:
Loss of Industry: Like many rural towns, Marshallville’s economy once depended on small factories and agriculture. Over time, jobs have disappeared due to automation, outsourcing, and farm consolidation.
Educational Attainment: Only about 6% of adults in the community hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, compared to 32% statewide. This educational gap limits access to skilled, higher-paying jobs.
Limited Infrastructure: With little new investment in infrastructure or business, it’s difficult for Marshallville to attract new employers or boost local spending.
Population Decline: Younger generations often leave for bigger cities in search of opportunity, leaving an aging population and shrinking customer base for local businesses.
The Human Impact
The high poverty rate in Marshallville has broad impacts on the community:
Education: Schools face funding and resource challenges, while children may struggle with hunger or unmet needs.
Healthcare: Rural hospitals and clinics have closed or cut services, making access to care difficult and costly.
Housing: Many homes are aging and in need of repair, as families cannot afford upkeep or upgrades.
Hopes for a Brighter Future
Local leaders and organizations have not given up. Community efforts focus on:
Developing workforce training and adult education programs.
Attracting small businesses with grants and incentives.
Expanding access to affordable broadband for remote work and education.
Promoting Marshallville’s agricultural heritage and holding annual peach festivals to draw tourism.
Marshallville’s situation is a harsh spotlight on the economic and social issues facing small-town America. But behind every statistic is a tight-knit community working to survive and, ultimately, thrive against the odds.
Sources
[1] https://247wallst.com/income/2025/01/17/the-poorest-town-in-every-state-in-america/
[2] https://www.ajc.com/news/local/this-the-poorest-town-georgia-income-inequality-analysis-finds/jiz1qOgss9nMWF7E9TSjmK/
[3] https://247wallst.com/income/2024/05/06/towns-in-georgia-with-the-worst-poverty/
[4] https://www.theworkersrights.com/top-10-poorest-cities-in-georgia/
[5] https://hdpulse.nimhd.nih.gov/data-portal/_social/poverty/table?statefips=13&demo=00007
