Pierce County, located in the western part of Washington state, shares its borders with King, Yakima, Lewis, Thurston, Mason, and Kitsap counties. It’s an integral part of the Seattle metropolitan area and boasts an estimated population of approximately 927,000 people as of 2022.
The county seat and largest city within it is Tacoma. Its name is a tribute to the 14th U.S. President, Franklin Pierce, under whose administration the county was established in 1852. One of its notable geographical features is Mount Rainier, the tallest peak in the Cascade Range and the highest point in both the county and the state.
Pierce County is celebrated for its diversity, cultural significance, and contributions to economic and technological innovation. Nonetheless, it grapples with substantial disparities in income, poverty rates, unemployment figures, and education levels among its neighborhoods.
Certain areas face particular hardships, including low income levels, elevated poverty rates, increased unemployment, limited access to educational opportunities, and a lack of access to healthcare and social services.
In this article, we’ll delve into the five most economically challenged neighborhoods in Pierce County, drawing from data furnished by the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (ACS) from 2017 to 2021. To assess these disparities, we’ll employ the following metrics:
1. Parkland
Situated in central Pierce County, in proximity to Tacoma and Lakewood, Parkland is an urban area distinguished by its diverse population, comprising individuals of White, Black, Hispanic, Asian, and Native American backgrounds. With a population of approximately 38,000, Parkland emerges as one of the most socioeconomically disadvantaged neighborhoods. According to ACS data, Parkland exhibits:
- A median household income of $48,000, a stark 45% below the county median and 51% lower than the national median.
- A poverty rate of 24%, more than double the county average and one-and-a-half times the national average.
- An unemployment rate of 10%, surpassing both the county and national rates.
- An educational attainment rate of 80%, implying that roughly four-fifths of the adult population have achieved at least a high school education.
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2. Midland
Midland, a census-designated place situated centrally in Pierce County near Parkland and Summit, shares similar demographic diversity. Approximately 9,000 residents call Midland home, yet it grapples with significant economic challenges. As per ACS data, Midland exhibits:
- A median household income of $49,000, a notable 44% lower than the county median and 50% beneath the national median.
- A poverty rate of 23%, more than double the county rate and one-and-a-half times the national rate.
- An unemployment rate of 9%, exceeding both county and national averages.
- An educational attainment rate of 81%, indicating that roughly four-fifths of the adult population hold a high school diploma or higher.
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3. Spanaway
Located centrally near Parkland and Frederickson, Spanaway is a suburban area marked by its diverse population, including individuals of White, Black, Hispanic, Asian, and Native American heritage. With a population of around 30,000 residents, it’s among the economically challenged neighborhoods in Pierce County. ACS data reveals:
- A median household income of $51,000, a substantial 42% below the county median and 48% lower than the national median.
- A poverty rate of 22%, more than double the county average and one-and-a-half times the national average.
- An unemployment rate of 8%, surpassing both county and national levels.
- An educational attainment rate of 82%, suggesting that around four-fifths of adults have completed high school or more.
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4. South Hill
South Hill, a census-designated place near Puyallup and Graham, represents a suburban area with a predominantly White population, complemented by some Black, Hispanic, Asian, and Native American residents. Approximately 56,000 people call South Hill home, but it contends with considerable economic disparities. ACS data for South Hill reveals:
- A median household income of $53,000, significantly lower at 40% below the county median and 46% beneath the national median.
- A poverty rate of 21%, more than double the county rate and one-and-a-half times the national rate.
- An unemployment rate of 7%, exceeding both county and national averages.
- An educational attainment rate of 83%, suggesting that approximately four-fifths of adults have achieved a high school education or more.
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5. Lakewood
Situated in western Pierce County near Tacoma and Steilacoom, Lakewood represents an urban area characterized by its diverse population, encompassing individuals of White, Black, Hispanic, Asian, and Native American backgrounds. With approximately 61,000 residents, Lakewood faces notable economic challenges. ACS data for Lakewood unveils:
- A median household income of $54,000, significantly lower at 38% below the county median and 44% beneath the national median.
- A poverty rate of 20%, more than double the county rate and one-and-a-half times the national rate.
- An unemployment rate of 6%, surpassing both county and national averages.
- An educational attainment rate of 84%, implying that roughly four-fifths of adults have completed high school or more.
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Conclusion
Pierce County, Washington, situated in the western part of the state and encompassing the Seattle metropolitan area, showcases a diverse and culturally rich population. However, it grapples with pronounced disparities in income, poverty rates, unemployment figures, and education levels among its neighborhoods. Five of the most economically challenged neighborhoods in Pierce County are Parkland, Midland, Spanaway, South Hill, and Lakewood.
These communities confront multifaceted difficulties, including low incomes, elevated poverty rates, increased unemployment, limited educational access, and restricted healthcare and social services. Addressing these challenges necessitates collaborative efforts from various stakeholders to enhance residents’ quality of life and well-being.