When the latest U.S. Census Bureau data was crunched for 2025, Pittsburg, Kansas stood out for an unfortunate distinction: it is currently recognized as the poorest town in the state. While Kansas is full of small towns with rich heritage and close-knit communities, Pittsburg’s economic realities reflect both ongoing hardship and the challenges facing rural America in a new era.
Understanding the Numbers
Pittsburg, home to just over 20,000 residents, is located in the southeastern corner of the state. According to the most recent five-year American Community Survey, Pittsburg’s median household income is $34,956—more than $28,000 below the Kansas median.
Alarmingly, over 27% of residents live below the poverty line, a rate that’s nearly double the state average. The poverty rate among children in Pittsburg is also steep: about 27% of those under 18 live in poverty, according to recent studies.
Educational attainment lags behind the state figures, with fewer residents holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. This lower educational profile translates to limited job opportunities, especially as manufacturing, mining, and other traditional industries have shrunk. The median home value is accordingly low, often well under the statewide median, reflecting both housing affordability and limited wealth accrual among residents.
Why Is Pittsburg Struggling?
Several factors combine to keep Pittsburg on this difficult path:
Loss of Industry: Historically reliant on coal mining and manufacturing, many of Pittsburg’s major employers have downsized or vanished. This has led to fewer well-paying jobs and greater economic instability.
Population Demographics: An aging population and less in-migration of young professionals mean a limited economic base. Younger residents often leave for college and don’t return, draining the town of entrepreneurial energy.
Education Gaps: With a lower-than-average college graduation rate, residents have fewer options for skilled or high-paying work.
Cycle of Poverty: High poverty rates are self-reinforcing, making it harder for families to access quality healthcare, education, and stable housing.
What Life Looks Like in Pittsburg
A drive through Pittsburg reveals a mix of historic main streets and neighborhoods hit hard by disinvestment. Some areas boast community pride with well-tended yards and local shops, while others show visible signs of decline—vacant houses, aging infrastructure, and shuttered businesses.
Despite these challenges, the community spirit in Pittsburg endures. Residents support one another through churches, local charities, and mutual aid. Annual events, like the Little Balkans Days festival, bring people together and celebrate the region’s multicultural roots.
Pittsburg State University is a lifeline, providing jobs and cultural vitality, but hasn’t been enough to reverse broader economic challenges.
Hope and Pathways Forward
Pittsburg’s city leaders and local organizations are not sitting idle. There’s a focus on:
Job Training: Encouraging technical and vocational education—especially programs tied to modern manufacturing and healthcare.
Revitalization Grants: Efforts to secure state and federal grants aimed at rebuilding infrastructure and supporting small businesses.
Community Engagement: Grassroots initiatives focus on food security, affordable housing, and mentoring programs for youth.
The Takeaway
Pittsburg’s struggles are profound, but so is its resilience. As Kansas’s poorest town in 2025, it serves as a case study in rural challenges but also in the untapped potential hidden within America’s overlooked communities. Locals hope that with a mix of outside investment and internal drive, Pittsburg can eventually shed this unwelcome title—and write a new chapter for itself and other struggling towns like it.
Sources
[1] https://247wallst.com/income/2025/01/17/the-poorest-town-in-every-state-in-america/
[2] https://stacker.com/stories/kansas/cities-kansas-most-living-poverty
[3] https://www.aol.com/10-counties-poorest-kansas-ranking-151215396.html
[4] https://www.instagram.com/p/DMx_L52xmZB/
[5] https://travel.alot.com/themes/poorest-city-in-every-state–15464
