Philadelphia, NYC, and Houston Lead as Nation's Poorest Big Cities
New census data reveals Philadelphia has the highest poverty rate among major U.S. cities, with one in five residents living below the federal poverty line.
Philadelphia, New York City, and Houston have been identified as the poorest large cities in the United States, according to the latest US Census data released on Thursday. Approximately one in five residents in these cities live at or below the federal poverty line.
The federal poverty line for a family of four is an annual income of less than $33,000. Philadelphia recorded a poverty rate of 20.4 percent in 2025, placing it as the city with the highest poverty level. New York City and Houston are tied for second, each with 17.7 percent of their residents living below the poverty threshold.
Philadelphia reclaimed the top spot after its poverty level dropped to second place last year. This marks the first time since 1979 that the city's poverty rate has exceeded 20 percent. Houston had held the leading position in the previous year. For several years prior, Philadelphia was consistently ranked as the poorest large city, including in 2022 and 2023.
Philadelphia's poverty rate increase is the first since 2011, when it reached 28.4 percent, The Philadelphia Inquirer reported. Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker stated that a 20.4 percent poverty rate is "too high and unacceptable," and pledged that the city will "not rest until every Philadelphia resident can realize the economic opportunities they need to improve their lives."
Chicago followed with a poverty rate of 17.1 percent, and Los Angeles ranked sixth poorest at nearly 16 percent. Houston's poverty rate saw a significant decrease, falling from 21.2 percent to 17.7 percent in one year. New York City's rate also declined, from 18.2 percent to 17.7 percent over the same period.
The national poverty rate for 2025 was 10.2 percent, affecting approximately 34.5 million people, a decrease from 10.7 percent in 2024. The rate for those receiving supplemental poverty support, such as food assistance, remained around 13.1 percent, similar to the previous year. However, supplemental income for individuals with high school diplomas saw an increase, according to the US Census Bureau. In early 2025, over five million people lost Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits under the Donald Trump administration.