Collin County, situated in Texas, stands out as one of the swiftest growing and most affluent counties, not only within the state but also across the nation. Nestled within the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area, it boasts a populace that is both diverse and well-educated. Nevertheless, it’s important to note that a considerable portion of its residents grapple with poverty, particularly in specific neighborhoods.
According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, in 2021, Collin County recorded a poverty rate of 6.9%, signifying that approximately 75,657 individuals out of a total of 1,102,780 were living below the poverty line. For a family comprising four members in Texas, the poverty line was set at $26,246 in the same year.
The poverty rate presents substantial disparities across the various neighborhoods within the county, contingent upon factors such as income, education, employment, housing, and access to essential services.
While some neighborhoods contend with poverty rates exceeding 20% or more, others enjoy rates as low as 2% or even less. Below, we spotlight five of the least affluent neighborhoods in Collin County, based on data derived from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey conducted between 2017 and 2021:
1. Princeton
Nestled in northeast Collin County, Princeton is a rural locale situated along U.S. Route 380. The population of around 12,000 people is primarily White and Hispanic. This neighborhood experiences a poverty rate of 20.4%, almost triple the county’s average.
The median household income in Princeton hovers at $49,375, less than half of the county median of $110,000. The unemployment rate here is 7%, higher than the county-wide rate of 4.4%. In addition, this neighborhood grapples with challenges including limited educational attainment, elevated crime rates, and inadequate healthcare access.
Also Read:
2. Farmersville
Located along State Highway 78, Farmersville represents a rural area in eastern Collin County, home to approximately 4,000 residents, mostly White and Hispanic. This neighborhood contends with a poverty rate of 18%, more than double the county average.
The median household income here is $51,250, again less than half of the county median of $110,000. Unemployment stands at 6%, surpassing the county’s rate of 4.4%. Farmersville faces obstacles like a low homeownership rate, deficient transportation access, and insufficient social services.
Also Read:
3. Melissa
In north Collin County, along U.S. Route 75, lies Melissa, a suburban enclave home to roughly 13,000 residents, mostly White and Asian. This neighborhood exhibits a poverty rate of 14%, twice as high as the county’s average.
The median household income registers at $77,500, which is less than three-fourths of the county median. Unemployment reaches 5%, again surpassing the county’s 4.4% rate. High living costs, limited diversity, and inadequate recreational amenities pose challenges for this neighborhood.
Also Read:
4. Blue Ridge
Northeast Collin County hosts Blue Ridge, a rural community along Farm to Market Road 545, inhabited by around 900 people, predominantly White and Hispanic. This neighborhood’s poverty rate reaches 13%, nearly twice the county average.
Median household income is $50,625, less than half of the county median. Unemployment at 5% is also higher than the county rate of 4.4%. Challenges encompass an aging population, inadequate educational access, and limited economic opportunities.
Also Read:
5. Anna
Situated along State Highway 5 in north Collin County, Anna is a suburban area home to approximately 16,000 residents, primarily White and Hispanic. With a poverty rate of 12%, this neighborhood surpasses the county average of 6.9%.
The median household income here is $72,917, about two-thirds of the county median. The unemployment rate, at 4%, is lower than the county’s 4.4%. Anna grapples with issues such as rapid population expansion, traffic congestion, and infrastructural inadequacies.
Also Read:
Conclusion
Despite being some of the least affluent neighborhoods in Collin County, Texas, these areas confront numerous economic and social hurdles. Nonetheless, they possess rich histories, cultural diversity, and strong community bonds.
Leveraging their unique assets and opportunities could significantly enhance their quality of life. By addressing the underlying causes of poverty and inequality—namely, low income, limited education, employment opportunities, and access to services—these neighborhoods stand to surmount their challenges and achieve their fullest potential.
