Kitsap County, situated in the state of Washington on the Kitsap Peninsula, just across the Puget Sound from Seattle, is home to approximately 277,673 residents, as estimated in 2022. The county boasts a median household income of $84,600, which is higher than the national average, along with a relatively low poverty rate of 8%.
Nevertheless, it’s essential to acknowledge that not all areas within Kitsap County share the same economic prosperity. Let’s delve into the five neighborhoods facing higher poverty rates within the county, as reported by Census Reporter.
1. Port Orchard
Port Orchard, a city serving as the county seat of Kitsap County, houses around 14,597 individuals. Despite its charming locale, Port Orchard contends with a poverty rate of 13.9%, surpassing the county and state averages. The median household income here stands at $60,900, below both the county and national averages. Port Orchard also grapples with a 7.1% unemployment rate, higher than the county’s 4.5%.
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2. Bremerton
Bremerton, the largest city in Kitsap County, boasts a population of approximately 41,405 residents. It’s home to the significant Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Naval Base Kitsap, major employers in the region. Nevertheless, Bremerton faces a notably high poverty rate of 14.6%, nearly double the county’s average.
The median household income in Bremerton is $54,500, which falls below both county and national benchmarks. The city also contends with a 6.9% unemployment rate, compared to the county’s 4.5%.
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3. Parkwood
Parkwood, a designated census place (CDP) in Kitsap County, is inhabited by roughly 8,221 individuals. With a poverty rate of 15%, nearly twice the county average, Parkwood grapples with economic challenges. The median household income here is $57,100, lower than county and national averages. Parkwood’s unemployment rate stands at 7%, higher than the county’s 4.5%.
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4. Navy Yard City
Navy Yard City, another CDP within Kitsap County, has an approximate population of 3,063 residents. Despite its proximity to the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Naval Base Kitsap, it does not benefit from their economic activity.
Navy Yard City confronts a staggering 18% poverty rate, more than twice the county average. The median household income here is $49,400, falling short of county and national figures. The CDP also grapples with an 8% unemployment rate, compared to the county’s 4.5%.
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5. East Port Orchard
East Port Orchard, a CDP located east of Port Orchard and south of Bremerton, houses around 6,057 individuals. It bears the highest poverty rate in the county, standing at 19%, more than double the county average. The median household income here is $47,900, lower than county and national averages. East Port Orchard also contends with an 8% unemployment rate, surpassing the county’s 4.5%.
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Conclusion
Kitsap County stands out as one of the more affluent counties in Washington state, although it faces disparities within its communities. Specifically, areas near Port Orchard and Bremerton encounter lower incomes and a higher cost of living.
These challenges persist despite the presence of military installations, indicating a need for more comprehensive support, including increased investment from local and state authorities, as well as non-governmental organizations and community groups.
Addressing factors such as education, affordable housing, and access to healthcare and social services is vital to improving the quality of life and economic prospects in these neighborhoods.