Madison County, located in the state of Illinois, is home to approximately 259,000 residents. The county boasts a lower poverty rate of 11.2%, which stands below both the state average of 12.1% and the national average of 12.8%.
Nevertheless, Madison County exhibits noteworthy disparities in poverty levels across its various neighborhoods. Drawing upon data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey, let’s delve into the five most economically challenged neighborhoods within Madison County, Illinois:
5. Venice
Venice, a city within Madison County, is inhabited by approximately 1,800 individuals. The city grapples with a staggering poverty rate of 38.8%, which significantly surpasses the county’s average.
In Venice, the median household income hovers at a mere $24,688, less than half of the county median income of $57,922. Furthermore, the city contends with a daunting unemployment rate of 14.9%, considerably higher than the county-wide rate of 6.3%.
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4. Alton
Alton, a city with a population of around 26,000 residents within Madison County, faces a poverty rate of 23.6%, more than double the county’s average.
The median household income in Alton stands at $38,948, representing roughly two-thirds of the county median income. The city also grapples with a relatively high unemployment rate of 10.7%, compared to the county-wide rate of 6.3%.
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3. Granite City
Granite City, another city within Madison County, is home to approximately 28,000 individuals. This city contends with a poverty rate of 20.9%, nearly twice as high as the county’s average.
In Granite City, the median household income registers at $43,759, equivalent to about three-quarters of the county median income. The city also faces a notable unemployment rate of 9.8%, exceeding the county rate of 6.3%.
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2. Madison
Madison, a city in Madison County inhabited by roughly 3,700 residents, grapples with a poverty rate of 40.7%, more than three times higher than the county average.
The median household income in Madison amounts to $28,750, which is less than half of the county’s median income. Additionally, the city contends with a high unemployment rate of 15.5%, surpassing the county-wide rate of 6.3%.
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1. Brooklyn
Brooklyn, a village within Madison County, is home to approximately 700 residents. However, it faces the highest poverty rate in the county at a staggering 49.7%, over four times the county average.
The median household income in Brooklyn is a mere $19,375, representing less than one-third of the county’s median income. The village also experiences a daunting unemployment rate of 21%, significantly exceeding the county rate of 6.3%.
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Conclusion
While Madison County, Illinois, boasts a relatively low overall poverty rate compared to state and national averages, it is essential to acknowledge the substantial disparities among its various neighborhoods.
Certain communities within the county grapple with significantly higher poverty rates, lower incomes, and elevated unemployment levels. These neighborhoods encounter numerous challenges and require increased resources and support to enhance their economic and social well-being.