Chesterfield County, situated in Virginia, boasts a reputation for affluence, with a median household income reaching $86,101 in 2021. However, the county’s prosperity is not evenly distributed among its neighborhoods. Several areas within Chesterfield County struggle with poverty, lower incomes, and diminished property values compared to the county’s average. Here, we’ll explore five of the county’s most economically challenged neighborhoods, drawing on data from the U.S. Census Bureau and Zillow.
1. Ettrick
Ettrick, a census-designated place (CDP) nestled in the southern region of the county, near the Petersburg border, is home to 6,682 residents. This area grapples with a staggering poverty rate of 29.9%, a figure nearly four times the county’s average of 7.5%. The median household income in Ettrick stands at a modest $37,500, less than half of the county median. Additionally, the median home value in Ettrick is $154,600, a considerable distance from the county’s median of $269,500.
Ettrick’s history dates back to its origins as a Native American settlement, later evolving into a vital railroad town. It’s noteworthy for housing Virginia State University, a historically black public university. Ettrick’s population predominantly comprises African Americans, accounting for 82.4% of residents.
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2. Bensley
Situated in the eastern part of the county, close to Richmond, Bensley is another CDP with a population of 5,819. This area grapples with a poverty rate of 22.8%, more than three times the county’s average. The median household income in Bensley is a mere $40,625, less than half of the county median. The median home value in Bensley is $156,900, considerably below the county’s median.
Established in 1891 by businessman William Bensley, this neighborhood has a diverse population, with 40.8% being white, 34.4% African American, 18.6% Hispanic or Latino, and 6.2% from other racial backgrounds.
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3. Bellwood
Bellwood, situated in the northeastern region of the county near Richmond International Airport, houses 6,352 residents and contends with an 18% poverty rate, more than twice the county’s average. The median household income in Bellwood is $46,250, approximately half of the county’s median income. The median home value in Bellwood is $161,300, again significantly below the county median.
Established in 1917 as a military base for World War I, Bellwood later served as a logistics center for the U.S. Army before closing in 2011. Bellwood’s population exhibits a mix of backgrounds, with 48% being white, 32% African American, 13% Hispanic or Latino, and 7% from other racial groups.
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4. Meadowbrook
Meadowbrook, located in the central part of the county near Chesterfield Towne Center, houses 18,312 residents and grapples with a 14% poverty rate, almost twice the county’s average. The median household income in Meadowbrook stands at $54,167, roughly two-thirds of the county’s median income. The median home value in Meadowbrook is $181,400, again below the county’s median.
Developed in the 1950s and 1960s as a suburban community with single-family homes and apartments, Meadowbrook boasts a diverse population, including 49% white, 31% African American, 12% Hispanic or Latino, and 8% from other racial backgrounds.
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5. Chester
Chester, an unincorporated community located in the southeastern part of the county, near Hopewell, is home to 20,987 residents. Chester faces an 11% poverty rate, higher than the county average. The median household income in Chester is $61,250, about three-fourths of the county median income. The median home value in Chester is $213,800, lower than the county’s median.
Founded in 1749 as a colonial trading post, Chester evolved into a railroad junction and an industrial center. The community has a historic district with several buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Chester’s population primarily comprises white residents, making up 72% of its inhabitants.
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In Conclusion
Chesterfield County, though known for its affluence, contains neighborhoods grappling with economic disparities. These areas feature lower incomes, higher poverty rates, and reduced property values compared to the county’s overall statistics. Each neighborhood possesses unique histories, cultures, and demographics that reflect the county’s diversity. Addressing the challenges these communities face while leveraging their potential for improvement and development is a crucial undertaking.