Jacksonville, Florida, situated in the northeastern part of the state, boasts a population of approximately 911,000 residents. As the largest city by area in the contiguous United States, it holds the distinction of being Florida’s most populous city.
Jacksonville prides itself on its diverse economy and culture, along with numerous attractions like the Jacksonville Zoo, the Museum of Science and History, and the Jacksonville Landing.
Despite its many positive aspects, certain neighborhoods within Jacksonville face challenges with poverty and social issues, resulting in lower safety levels and desirability for living or visiting. Drawing data from Crime Grade and Neighborhood Scout, here are five of the city’s poorest neighborhoods.
5. Edgewood
Edgewood, situated in Jacksonville, is a community with approximately 2,400 residents. Positioned on the western side of the city, it lies close to Interstate 10 and Highway 111. The majority of Edgewood’s residents are of African American descent.
The neighborhood experiences a comparatively low median household income of $30,875, falling below the city’s average of $51,497. Moreover, Edgewood contends with a high poverty rate of 36%, surpassing the city’s average of 15%.
Regrettably, Edgewood faces a significant challenge in terms of crime, particularly regarding violent offenses such as assault and robbery. According to Crime Grade, Edgewood receives a failing grade (F) for both overall crime and violent crime.
The crime rate in Edgewood stands at 287.6 per 1,000 residents, surpassing that of 96% of counties across the United States. The rate of violent crime is reported at 6.17 per 1,000 residents, also exceeding the national average.
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4. Phoenix
Phoenix, located in Jacksonville, is a neighborhood with approximately 2,600 residents. Situated on the north side of the city, it enjoys close proximity to Interstate 95 and Highway 122. The community in Phoenix is diverse, with a substantial Hispanic population. However, the area faces economic challenges, as evidenced by its low median household income of $29,288, which falls below the city’s average of $51,497.
Poverty is a significant issue in Phoenix, with a rate of 29%, surpassing the city average of 15%. Unfortunately, this has contributed to a high crime rate, particularly in property-related offenses like burglary and theft. Overall crime and property crime in Phoenix are rated as an F grade according to Crime Grade.
The crime statistics in Phoenix are concerning, with a crime rate of 298.9 per 1,000 residents, which is higher than 97% of counties across the United States. Similarly, the rate of property crime is 252 per 1,000 residents, surpassing 99% of counties nationwide.
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3. Longbranch
Longbranch, situated on the east side of Jacksonville, is a neighborhood with an approximate population of 2,800 residents. It is conveniently located near Highway 115 and Highway A1A. The community is predominantly inhabited by African Americans.
Unfortunately, Longbranch faces economic challenges, as indicated by its low median household income, which stands at $28,000. This figure falls below the city’s average household income of $51,497. Moreover, the neighborhood has a high poverty rate of 32%, surpassing the city’s average poverty rate of 15%.
Regrettably, Longbranch also struggles with a notable crime issue. The area experiences a higher crime rate compared to many other neighborhoods in the United States. Particularly concerning are the instances of violent crimes like murder and rape. According to Neighborhood Scout, Longbranch received an F grade for overall crime and violent crime.
The crime rate in Longbranch is reported to be 270 incidents per 1,000 residents, surpassing that of 94% of neighborhoods nationwide. When it comes to violent crime, the rate is 8 incidents per 1,000 residents, higher than 98% of neighborhoods across the country.
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2. Lackawanna
Lackawanna, situated on the west side of Jacksonville, is a neighborhood with a population of approximately 3,900 residents. The area is conveniently located near Interstate 10 and Highway 129. Lackawanna is predominantly inhabited by African Americans.
Unfortunately, Lackawanna faces some socio-economic challenges. The median household income is notably low, standing at $27,000, which is below the city’s average of $51,497. Additionally, the poverty rate is high at 34%, surpassing the city’s average of 15%.
One concerning aspect is the high crime rate in Lackawanna, particularly when it comes to property crimes like motor vehicle theft and arson. As per Crime Grade evaluations, Lackawanna receives an F grade for overall crime and property crime.
The crime rate in the neighborhood is 276 incidents per 1,000 residents, which is higher than 95% of counties across the United States. The rate of property crime stands at 224 incidents per 1,000 residents, placing it higher than 99% of counties in the country.
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1. Midtown
Midtown, situated in the urban core of Jacksonville near Interstate 95 and Highway 8, is considered the city’s most impoverished neighborhood. It has a population of approximately 130, with a predominant African American community. The median household income in Midtown is remarkably low, standing at $34,400, well below the city-wide average of $51,497.
Moreover, the poverty rate in Midtown is alarmingly high, reaching 64%, which is significantly above the city average of 15%. Unfortunately, the area also grapples with a notably high crime rate, particularly concerning violent offenses like murder and assault. Crime Grade’s assessment awards Midtown an F grade for both overall and violent crime.
The crime statistics further illustrate the severity of the situation, with a crime rate of 321.5 incidents per 1,000 residents, surpassing that of 98% of counties in the United States. Similarly, the rate of violent crime, at 9.2 incidents per 1,000 residents, surpasses that of 99% of counties across the country.
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Conclusion
Jacksonville, Florida, situated in the northeastern region of the state, presents an array of prospects and attractions suitable for both residents and tourists. Nonetheless, it is important to acknowledge that certain neighborhoods within the city face elevated levels of poverty and social issues, diminishing their appeal and safety for potential inhabitants or visitors.
These five communities stand out as the most economically disadvantaged in Jacksonville, as evidenced by data gathered from Crime Grade and Neighborhood Scout.
Exhibiting lower median household incomes, heightened poverty rates, and above-average crime levels compared to national and city benchmarks, these areas also grapple with subpar educational achievements and a scarcity of amenities that exacerbate their socio-economic predicaments. Individuals prioritizing their safety and well-being are advised to exercise caution or reconsider visiting these neighborhoods.
