Bexar County, located in Texas, ranks as the fourth most densely populated county in the state, boasting a resident count surpassing 2 million. Nestled within is San Antonio, the seventh-largest city in the United States. However, economic prosperity and opportunities are not uniformly distributed across all corners of Bexar County.
According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the poverty rate in Bexar County stood at 14.4% in 2019, surpassing the national average of 10.5%. Nevertheless, this figure exhibits substantial fluctuations among different neighborhoods and ZIP codes within the county. Certain neighborhoods grapple with poverty rates that more than double or even triple the county’s standard.
Drawing from information sourced from Zipdatamaps and similar outlets, here are the five least affluent neighborhoods in Bexar County for the year 2022, ranked in accordance with their median household income:
1. Alazan Courts (78207):
Alazan Courts, positioned in the west-central area of San Antonio, is predominantly Hispanic, housing approximately 55,000 residents. The median household income here totals $23,750, less than half of the county median, which rests at $63,812.
This neighborhood is further burdened by a poverty rate of 38%, more than double the county’s average. Alazan Courts represent one of San Antonio’s oldest and most neglected public housing complexes, residing within one of the country’s most impoverished ZIP codes.
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2. Harlandale (78214):
Found in the south-central portion of San Antonio, Harlandale is a predominantly Hispanic neighborhood, home to around 25,000 inhabitants. The median household income hovers at $25,833, which is also less than half of the county median.
A poverty rate of 31% plagues this neighborhood, more than double the county’s rate. Despite being culturally diverse, Harlandale contends with challenges such as limited educational attainment, insufficient affordable housing, and restricted access to healthcare and social services.
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3. Eastside Promise (78202):
Eastside Promise, situated in the east-central region of San Antonio, primarily houses Black residents, numbering around 12,000. The median household income averages $26,250, less than half of the county median.
A poverty rate of 37% afflicts this neighborhood, again more than double the county’s norm. Eastside Promise, rich in history, faces issues like elevated crime rates, unemployment, and a high number of vacant properties.
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4. Highland Hills (78223):
In the southeastern part of San Antonio lies Highland Hills, a diverse community with a population of about 47,000. The median household income registers at $28,333, significantly lower than the county median.
A poverty rate of 24% overshadows the area, exceeding the county’s average. Highland Hills is one of San Antonio’s swiftly growing neighborhoods, yet it contends with challenges such as traffic congestion and inadequate public transportation.
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5. Dellcrest (78219):
Nestled in the northeastern sector of San Antonio, Dellcrest is predominantly inhabited by Black residents, numbering around 15,000. The median household income is approximately $29,167, significantly below the county median.
A poverty rate of 23% plagues the area, exceeding the county’s standard. Dellcrest stands as one of San Antonio’s more stable neighborhoods, yet it faces issues such as concentrated low-income households and social isolation.
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In Conclusion:
These five neighborhoods serve as poignant examples of the most economically disadvantaged areas within Bexar County and San Antonio. They wrestle with low incomes, elevated poverty rates, unemployment, and crime, which collectively hinder their access to quality education, healthcare, housing, and public services.
Furthermore, these neighborhoods grapple with the consequences of environmental hazards and social isolation, amplifying existing disparities and inequalities. Addressing these challenges necessitates the implementation of policies and initiatives targeting the root causes of economic hardship while fostering comprehensive growth and opportunity for all.