Harris County, situated in Texas, holds the rank of the third most populous county in the United States, boasting a population exceeding 4.7 million residents. This county is also home to Houston, the nation’s fourth-largest city. However, economic prosperity and opportunities are not uniformly distributed across all regions of Harris County.
According to the Economic Innovation Group (EIG), 45 ZIP codes within the county are grappling with economic distress, as evidenced by poor scores on indicators such as income, poverty, unemployment, and vacant properties. These ZIP codes predominantly house people of color, and many of them have faced the challenges of concentrated low-income communities or displacement since the year 2000.
This article will delve into the five most economically disadvantaged neighborhoods within Harris County, selected based on their median household income, poverty rates, and Distressed Communities Index (DCI) scores. The DCI functions as a measure of economic well-being, ranging from 0 (indicative of high prosperity) to 100 (reflecting significant distress).
1.) East Houston
East Houston, located in the northeast of Harris County, is primarily a Black-majority neighborhood and is home to around 15,000 residents. The median household income here is $25,865, which stands at less than half of the county’s median income of $60,146.
The poverty rate is notably high at 38.4%, surpassing the county-wide rate of 15.6%. East Houston holds the dubious distinction of being the most distressed majority-Black ZIP code in Harris County, marked by a DCI score of 97.4. Since the year 2000, its economic distress has deepened, with its DCI score climbing from 89.9.
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2.) Northside Village
Northside Village, situated in the north-central region of Harris County, is primarily a Hispanic-majority neighborhood, housing approximately 47,000 residents. The median household income is $34,837, considerably lower than the county median.
The poverty rate is 28.9%, nearly double the county average. Northside Village ranks among the most distressed majority-Hispanic ZIP codes in Harris County, indicated by a DCI score of 95.8. Its economic distress has increased since 2000 when its DCI score was 87.7.
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3.) Sunnyside
Sunnyside, positioned in the south-central area of Harris County, is a predominantly Black neighborhood and is home to roughly 18,000 residents. The median household income is $27,794, which is less than half of the county median.
The poverty rate stands at 37%, more than double the county average. Sunnyside is classified as one of the most distressed majority-Black ZIP codes in Harris County, with a DCI score of 94.8. Similar to others, its economic distress has intensified since 2000, when its DCI score was 88.5.
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4.) Magnolia Park
Magnolia Park, located in the east-central region of Harris County, is primarily a Hispanic-majority neighborhood, accommodating about 20,000 residents. The median household income is $29,637, roughly half of the county median.
The poverty rate is 33%, more than twice the county rate. Magnolia Park ranks as one of the most distressed majority-Hispanic ZIP codes in Harris County, noted by a DCI score of 94.6. Its economic distress has heightened since 2000 when its DCI score was 86.9.
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5.) Greater Fifth Ward
Greater Fifth Ward, situated in the east-central region of Harris County, is primarily a Black-majority neighborhood, home to around 26,000 residents. The median household income is $28,589, which is less than half of the county median.
The poverty rate is 36%, over double the county rate. Greater Fifth Ward is classified as one of the most distressed majority-Black ZIP codes in Harris County, with a DCI score of 93.9. Its economic distress has worsened since 2000 when its DCI score was 87.8.
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Conclusion
These five neighborhoods exemplify some of the most impoverished and marginalized areas within both Harris County and Houston. These regions grapple with challenges such as low income, high poverty rates, unemployment, and vacant properties, all of which limit access to quality education, healthcare, housing, and public services.
Additionally, they bear the brunt of concentrated low-income communities or displacement, which exacerbates existing inequalities and disparities. Addressing these issues necessitates the implementation of policies and programs that target the fundamental causes of economic distress while fostering inclusive growth and opportunities.
As highlighted by the EIG report, “The trajectory of American communities is not preordained. By employing the right combination of policies and strategies, we can ensure that every community has the opportunity to thrive in the 21st-century economy.”