It doesn't fare well for a city that's working hard to attract new business while fighting the brain drain. The Johnstown region comes in dead last in the state for per capita income.

Out of 12 regions, the U.S. Department of Commerce found the average per capita income in Johnstown is just over $25,500. Somewhat surprisingly, State College didn't fare much better ranking number 10.

Johnstown residents weren't surprised by the findings.

“That's unacceptable and we do have to improve on it,” said Johnstown City Council Member Adam Henger.

“Everybody leaves because there's no jobs and that's sad, actually sad,” says Johnstown resident Jessica Glover.

Henger and Glover said they want more for the town they live in. Glover graduated from Johnstown High last year and is working as a telemarketer as she prepares for nursing school. She said she would like to see the area's income improve so that there are more opportunities for her in the near future.

Henger said he thinks opportunities are on the horizon.

“There are positive trends now with more jobs and the unemployment rate is lowering,” says Henger.

Steven Foster, who is from Washington, D.C., said there is a benefit to placing last in the state.

“I think the cost of living is phenomenal around here,” Foster said.

It's building off of that optimism that has Henger and Glover positive about Johnstown’s future.

“I'm from here; there's always hope,” Glover said.

Henger didn't specify, but he said there are several projects in the works to bring more jobs to town.

“It appears the base is there for it to come up, but it's never easy,” he said.