Did you know, as of 2015, there were 92 different counties in the state of Indiana? One might think and begin to wonder – what about the poorest counties in Indiana? Aren’t they just as worthy of being spotlighted as the rich ones? Living in a poorer place isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Take Indiana as a whole. We certainly are not the richest state in the US. But, some people in other states get pretty jealous when they find out how much a gallon of milk or a carton of eggs costs here compared to how much it costs where they live. After all, it is still one of the best states to live in. Here are 12 of the poorest counties in Indiana and a little bit about them. Please keep in mind, this list was compiled using the per capita income of these counties.

1. Starke
Starke County, IN, USA
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The per capita income of Starke County is estimated to be about $17,991 and the average household income is about $20,000 more than that. You can find Starke County in the northern portion of Indiana. As of 2010, the county has a population of almost 25,000 people. Knox is the name of the county seat as well as the largest city within the county. In February of 1835, this county was founded and named after General John Stark.
2. LaGrange
LaGrange County, Lagrange County, IN, USA
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LaGrange all the way down to Jay County on this list has a per capita income ranging between $18,300 and $18,950. I believe I mentioned this before – but all of these counties are pretty close when it comes to their average incomes. The population within this county is almost 40,000 people, and it's located in the northern portion of Indiana. The county was founded in 1832 and no one is 100%sure who it was named after.
3. Crawford
Crawford County, IN, USA
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You can find Crawford County in southern Indiana. It was founded in 1818 and named after William H. Crawford. For those history buffs, English is the county seat. As of a 2010 census, there are roughly 10,713 people living in Crawford County. Some might argue the small population is part of the reason it ranks on the poorest counties list. There are five towns and cities in this county including English, Alton, Marengo, Milltown, and Leavenworth.
4. Jennings
Jennings County, IN, USA
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Jennings County is also near the southern part of Indiana. As of 2010, they have a population of almost 30,000 people. Vernon is the name of the county seat. It was in 1817 that this county was formed and named after Jonathan Jennings who was the first Governor of the state.
5. Miami
Miami County, IN, USA
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The population of Miami County is almost 40,000 people strong. Peru is the name of the county seat. This county is a little closer to the northern portion of the state which just goes to show you how diverse the state is in terms of where the rich and poor are living. The county was founded back in 1834 and it was named after a Miami Tribe.
6. Fayette
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Fayette is a county that was founded in 1819 and named after Marquis de la Fayette. Connersville is both the county seat and the largest city in the county. This particular county is located more toward the southern portion of the state.

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7. Jay
Jay County, IN, USA
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Jay County is located near the middle of the state right on the eastern edge. This county was founded in 1836 and named after John Jay. The cities and towns within this county include Portland, Bryant, Redkey, Salamonia, Dunkirk, and Pennville.
8. Adams
Adams County, IN, USA
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$19,089 is the average per capita income for Adams County. The household average income is near twice that amount at roughly $43,000. Adams County was founded in March of 1836 and named after the one and only John Quincy Adams. According to a 2010 census, the population of this county is estimated to be 34,387 people. Decatur is the county seat and largest city inside of this county.
9. Orange
Orange County, IN, USA
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Orange County’s per capita income is less than $100 more than Adam’s County. You can find this cozy little county in southern Indiana with a population of fewer than 20,000 people. Orange County was founded in 1816 and is made up of parts of what used to be Knox, Gibson, and Washington counties. Paoli is the name of the seat in this county.
10. Union
Union County, IN, USA
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Union County also has a per capita income that is less than $100 higher than Orange County (are you noticing a trend yet?) Did you know there were fewer than 10,000 people living in Union County? It was founded back in 1821 and named after the fact that it was created by being union parts of a few different counties including Fayette, Franklin, and Wayne.
11. Washington
Washington County, IN, USA
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$19,278 is the per capita income of Washington County which is actually just $30 higher than the per capita income of Union County. Keep in mind, there is also a Washington, Indiana. But, that is not what this is referring to. This county was, however, named after the first President of the United States. It was officially founded back in 1814.
12. Scott
Scott County, IN, USA
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Last we have Scott County in 12th place with a per capita income of $19,414. It's worth mentioning that if there were 13 counties on this list Parke County would follow right behind with a per capita income that is less than $80 higher than Scott County. As of a 2010 census, there are roughly 25,000 people living in Scott County; and Scottsburg is the name of the county seat.

It’s important to keep in mind this list is not intended to be critical. One mustn’t look down on these counties for being ranked as the poorest ones in the state. In fact, there isn’t that much of a difference between their per capita and the richer ones. Many in Indiana are not rich Hoosiers and are pretty happy with the way they live. Furthermore, it is enjoyable to learn more about these counties. Do you live in one of these counties? If not, please tell us where you live in the comments!

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William Suphan | January 03, 2023

What are the most charming small towns in Indiana?

The most charming small towns in Indiana include:

  • Angola. This town contains a Civil War monument and it’s a college town with old-fashioned movie theaters and tons of history.
  • Nashville. This is the only incorporated town in Brown County and is the home of the Brown City Art Colony that’s been around since 1907.
  • Beverly Shores. This is one of America’s dark sky towns where stargazers come to take in the star-filled expanse.
  • Greenfield. This was the birthplace of author James Whitcomb Riley and is an absolutely charming town that’s been here since 1828.

Discover more about the most charming small towns in Indiana. 

What are the most unique towns in Indiana?

The most unique towns in Indiana include:

  • Santa Claus. Originally named Santa Fe, this town changed its name to Santa Claus and children all over the world send letters to Santa here.
  • New Harmony. This town was founded in 1814 to be the home of the Harmony Society which was formed by George Rapp.
  • Richmond. This town was originally founded in the early 1800s as a Quaker settlement with only 24 people.
  • French Lick. This was called Salt Spring when settled by a small French community and was later named French Lick to recognize the French settlers and the salt lick that is here.

Learn more about the most unique towns in Indiana. 

What are the quietest towns in Indiana?

The quietest towns in Indiana include:

  • Patriot. This town has a little over 500 people and has been rebuilt twice; once after a fire in the 1920s and again in 1937 due to a flood.
  • Merom. This is a peaceful, tiny town of about 200 people and has an old post office that’s been operating since 1818.
  • Mentone. This town is known as the “Egg Basket of the Midwest” due to its massive egg production.
  • Bridgeton. This town is aptly named due to its historic covered bridge near the beautiful Bridgeton Falls.

Find out more about the quietest towns in Indiana. 

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