Gwinnett County, Georgia, situated in the northern-central region of the state, shares borders with Fulton, DeKalb, and Barrow counties, forming a vital part of the Atlanta metropolitan area. As of 2020, its population stood at 957,062, making it Georgia’s second most populous county after Fulton County. The county seat is Lawrenceville, and it was named after Button Gwinnett, one of the signatories of the Declaration of Independence.
Gwinnett County is renowned for its outstanding public school system, diverse communities, and robust economy. Nevertheless, it grapples with significant socio-economic disparities among its neighborhoods. Certain areas face challenges such as low income, high poverty rates, elevated unemployment rates, limited educational attainment, and inadequate access to healthcare and social services.
In this article, we’ll delve into five of the most economically disadvantaged neighborhoods in Gwinnett County, relying on data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (ACS) estimates for the years 2017-2021. The following indicators will help us gauge poverty levels:
1. Norcross
Norcross is a city located in western Gwinnett County, in proximity to Peachtree Corners and Tucker. It boasts a diverse population comprising Hispanics, Whites, Blacks, and Asians, with around 17,000 residents. Nevertheless, it stands out as one of the most economically challenged areas, with ACS data revealing the following:
- A median household income of $40,000, which is 51.6% lower than the county median and 40.8% lower than the national median.
- A poverty rate of 24%, surpassing the county rate by one-and-a-half times and nearly double the national rate.
- An unemployment rate of 9%, higher than both the county and national rates.
- An educational attainment rate of 66%, indicating that only two-thirds of the adult population have completed high school or higher.
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2. Lilburn
Lilburn is a city situated in southern Gwinnett County, in the vicinity of Stone Mountain and Tucker. It shares similarities with Norcross, featuring a diverse population including Hispanics, Whites, Blacks, and Asians, and housing around 13,000 residents. Yet, it contends with significant socio-economic challenges, as illustrated by ACS data:
- A median household income of $44,000, which is 46.8% lower than the county median and 35% lower than the national median.
- A poverty rate of 22%, exceeding the county rate by one-and-a-half times and surpassing the national rate by a similar margin.
- An unemployment rate of 8%, higher than the county and national averages.
- An educational attainment rate of 72%, indicating that about two-thirds of the adult population have completed high school or higher.
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3. Snellville
Snellville is a city positioned in southeastern Gwinnett County, near Loganville and Grayson. Its population of approximately 20,000 predominantly consists of White residents, with some Hispanics, Blacks, and Asians. Despite its population size, Snellville confronts significant economic hardships, reflected in ACS data:
- A median household income of $48,000, which is 41.9% lower than the county median and 29% lower than the national median.
- A poverty rate of 20%, surpassing the county and national rates by one-and-a-half times.
- An unemployment rate of 7%, higher than both the county and national averages.
- An educational attainment rate of 80%, indicating that roughly four-fifths of the adult population have completed high school or higher.
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4. Duluth
Duluth is a city located in northern Gwinnett County, near Johns Creek and Suwanee, and is home to around 30,000 residents. It boasts a diverse population consisting of Asians, Whites, Hispanics, and Blacks. Nonetheless, it faces substantial socio-economic challenges, as evidenced by ACS data:
- A median household income of $51,000, which is 38.7% lower than the county median and 24.5% lower than the national median.
- A poverty rate of 18%, nearly double the county rate and exceeding the national rate by one-and-a-half times.
- An unemployment rate of 6%, surpassing both the county and national averages.
- An educational attainment rate of 82%, indicating that about four-fifths of the adult population have completed high school or higher.
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5. Lawrenceville
Lawrenceville, the county seat and the largest city in Gwinnett County, is located centrally, near Dacula and Grayson. With a population of approximately 31,000, it boasts a diverse demographic composition, including Hispanics, Whites, Blacks, and Asians. Nevertheless, it contends with significant socio-economic disparities, as reflected in ACS data:
- A median household income of $54,000, which is 34.6% lower than the county median and 19.9% lower than the national median.
- A poverty rate of 16%, exceeding the county rate by one-and-a-half times and surpassing the national rate by a similar margin.
- An unemployment rate of 5%, higher than both the county and national averages.
- An educational attainment rate of 77%, indicating that about three-fourths of the adult population have completed high school or higher.
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Conclusion
Gwinnett County, Georgia, occupies a prominent position in the state’s north-central region as part of the Atlanta metropolitan area. It enjoys a robust economy and high population density. However, it grapples with pronounced socio-economic disparities among its neighborhoods. Notably, Norcross, Lilburn, Snellville, Duluth, and Lawrenceville stand out as some of the most economically challenged areas in the county.
These neighborhoods encounter multifaceted difficulties, including low income, elevated poverty rates, increased unemployment, limited educational attainment, and restricted access to healthcare and social services. Addressing these issues requires coordinated efforts from various stakeholders to enhance the quality of life and well-being of residents.