Cuyahoga County, Ohio, is known for housing Cleveland, the state’s second-largest city and the nation’s 53rd-largest. Yet, it grapples with some of the highest poverty rates in the country, soaring well above the national average of 12.8%.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2021 data, Cuyahoga County’s median household income was $55,132, trailing behind the state median of $58,642 and the national median of $62,843. In this article, we will explore five of the most impoverished neighborhoods in Cuyahoga County, focusing on their poverty rates and various socioeconomic indicators.
1. East Cleveland
East Cleveland, bordering Cleveland to the east, is home to approximately 16,000 residents. This city ranks among Ohio’s and the nation’s poorest, with a staggering poverty rate of 42.4%, over three times the national average. In 2021, the median household income in East Cleveland stood at just $21,184, less than half of the county’s median and a mere fraction of the national average.
Additionally, East Cleveland grapples with elevated unemployment rates (18.9%), high crime rates (2,545 per 100,000), and a substantial number of vacant housing units (30.6%). The city has faced persistent fiscal and political challenges, leading to a state-declared fiscal emergency since 2012.
2. Kinsman
Kinsman, a neighborhood within Cleveland, spans approximately four square miles and houses around 10,000 residents. It ranks among the most impoverished neighborhoods in both the city and the county, boasting a poverty rate of 40.9%, more than three times the national average. In 2021, the median household income in Kinsman was a meager $19,167, falling significantly below both the county and national medians.
The neighborhood also contends with elevated unemployment rates (17.8%), elevated crime rates (2,191 per 100,000), and a notable number of vacant housing units (28.9%). Kinsman has been targeted for revitalization efforts by organizations like JPMorgan Chase and Cleveland Development Advisors, who allocated $9 million to stimulate improvement projects in 2019.
3. Central
Central, another Cleveland neighborhood spanning roughly two square miles, is home to around 10,000 residents. It, too, is among the city and county’s most impoverished areas, boasting a poverty rate of 40.7%, more than three times the national average. In 2021, the median household income in Central amounted to just $18,750, falling well below the county and national medians.
The neighborhood also contends with high unemployment rates (16.7%), elevated crime rates (2,136 per 100,000), and a significant number of vacant housing units (27.5%). Central holds historical significance as the birthplace of Langston Hughes, a renowned African American poet and activist.
4. Glenville
Glenville, covering about six square miles and housing roughly 15,000 residents, is yet another impoverished neighborhood within Cleveland. It boasts a poverty rate of 39%, more than three times the national average. In 2021, the median household income in Glenville was a mere $22,500, considerably below the county and national medians.
The neighborhood also faces high unemployment rates (15%), elevated crime rates (2,030 per 100,000), and a significant number of vacant housing units (25%). Glenville is historically known for a violent uprising in 1968 when racial tensions erupted between black residents and white police officers.
5. St. Clair-Superior
St. Clair-Superior, a Cleveland neighborhood spanning about five square miles and housing approximately 12,000 residents, ranks among the city and county’s most impoverished areas. It possesses a poverty rate of 38%, more than three times the national average. In 2021, the median household income in St. Clair-Superior stood at $23,333, falling considerably below both the county and national medians.
The neighborhood also contends with high unemployment rates (14%), elevated crime rates (1,971 per 100,000), and a notable number of vacant housing units (24.4%). St. Clair-Superior is known for its diversity and rich history, featuring a large Asian population and numerous cultural landmarks.
In Conclusion
These five neighborhoods serve as stark examples of the severe poverty and inequality present in Cuyahoga County, Ohio, as well as in urban areas across the nation. They face a multitude of challenges, including low incomes, high unemployment, crime rates, urban blight, and limited opportunities.
However, they also possess valuable assets, including rich histories, diverse communities, and a resilient spirit. These neighborhoods deserve increased attention, investment, and support from both public and private sectors, as well as from their residents themselves, to overcome their challenges and fulfill their potential.