Clark County, Washington, nestled in the southwestern region of the state, bordering Oregon, boasts a population of approximately 516,779 residents, as per the U.S. Census Bureau. When it comes to poverty rates, the county shines with a relatively low figure of 9.1%, which notably falls below the state average of 9.9% and the national average of 12.8%.
However, it’s important to note that prosperity is not evenly distributed across all corners of the county. There are pockets of higher poverty rates, highlighting the economic and social disparities within Clark County. Here, we explore the five most economically challenged neighborhoods in Clark County, Washington, based on U.S. Census Bureau data:
1. Fruit Valley
Situated in the northwest part of Vancouver, the county’s largest city, Fruit Valley is home to approximately 4,700 residents. However, it grapples with a staggering poverty rate of 32.7%, over three times higher than the county’s average. The median household income in Fruit Valley stands at $37,500, a stark contrast to the county median of $80,000.
The neighborhood also faces a high unemployment rate of 11.5%, compared to the county’s 5.5%. Fruit Valley primarily comprises single-family homes and mobile homes, and a mere 48.4% of its residents are homeowners.
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2. Fourth Plain Village
Located in the northeast part of Vancouver, Fourth Plain Village houses around 6,000 residents and wrestles with a poverty rate of 30.8%, again, more than three times higher than the county average. The median household income in this neighborhood is $40,000, which falls significantly below the county median.
Fourth Plain Village also contends with a high unemployment rate of 10.8% and a low homeownership rate of 38.6%. It is known for its diversity, boasting a large Hispanic or Latino population of 42.4% and a substantial foreign-born population of 28.7%.
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3. Harney Heights
Positioned in the eastern part of Vancouver, near the Portland, Oregon border, Harney Heights accommodates approximately 2,800 residents who face a poverty rate of 29%, more than double the county average. The median household income here is $41,000, less than half of the county median.
Harney Heights also experiences a high unemployment rate of 10% and a homeownership rate of just 35.4%. This mixed-use neighborhood combines residential, commercial, and industrial areas.
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4. Bagley Downs
In the central part of Vancouver, near the Vancouver Mall, lies Bagley Downs, a neighborhood with around 8,600 inhabitants. It grapples with a poverty rate of 28%, again, more than twice the county average. The median household income in Bagley Downs stands at $45,000, about half of the county median.
The neighborhood also contends with an unemployment rate of 9% and a homeownership rate of 46%. Characterized mainly by apartments and townhouses, Bagley Downs has a significant renter population, accounting for 54% of its residents.
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5. Hough
Positioned in the western part of Vancouver, near downtown and the Columbia River, Hough is home to approximately 4,900 residents. Here, the poverty rate stands at 27%, more than twice the county average. The median household income in Hough is $47,000, slightly more than half of the county median.
The neighborhood also faces an unemployment rate of 8% and a homeownership rate of 42%. Hough stands as one of the oldest neighborhoods in Vancouver, featuring numerous historic buildings and landmarks.
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Conclusion
These five neighborhoods represent some of the most economically challenged areas in Clark County, Washington. They grapple with higher poverty rates, lower household incomes, elevated unemployment rates, and reduced homeownership rates compared to the county averages.
Furthermore, these communities face various challenges, including limited access to affordable housing, healthcare, education, and transportation. Their existence underscores the economic and social disparities that persist within Clark County and beyond.