<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM FORM 10-K OF
INSTEEL INDUSTRIES, INC. FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2000, AND IS
QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> SEP-30-2000
<PERIOD-START> OCT-02-1999
<PERIOD-END> SEP-30-2000
<CASH> 3,230
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 43,974
<ALLOWANCES> 1,360
<INVENTORY> 48,475
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 101,498
<PP&E> 175,362
<DEPRECIATION> 65,171
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 245,448
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 63,162
<BONDS> 0
0
0
<COMMON> 16,920
<OTHER-SE> 60,519
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 245,448
<SALES> 315,285
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 315,285
<CGS> 283,283
<TOTAL-COSTS> 283,283
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 0
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 8,943
<INCOME-PRETAX> 3,433
<INCOME-TAX> 1,312
<INCOME-CONTINUING> 2,121
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> 2,121
<EPS-BASIC> 0.25
<EPS-DILUTED> 0.25
</TABLE>