<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM FORM 10-Q OF
INSTEEL INDUSTRIES, INC. FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED JULY 1, 2000, AND IS
QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> SEP-30-2000
<PERIOD-START> OCT-03-1999
<PERIOD-END> JUL-01-2000
<CASH> 742
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 43,463
<ALLOWANCES> 1,149
<INVENTORY> 51,512
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 101,168
<PP&E> 172,979
<DEPRECIATION> 63,372
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 248,026
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 65,749
<BONDS> 0
0
0
<COMMON> 16,920
<OTHER-SE> 62,107
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 248,026
<SALES> 228,315
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 228,315
<CGS> 202,111
<TOTAL-COSTS> 202,111
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 312
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 6,333
<INCOME-PRETAX> 5,208
<INCOME-TAX> 2,006
<INCOME-CONTINUING> 3,202
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> 3,202
<EPS-BASIC> .38
<EPS-DILUTED> .38
</TABLE>