Montgomery County, Ohio, stands as one of the most extensive and most densely populated counties within the state, boasting a populace exceeding 516,000 individuals. Nonetheless, the county grapples with a relatively high poverty rate of 15.3%, surpassing both the state average of 13.4% and the national average of 12.8%.
Poverty is not uniformly distributed across the county, with certain neighborhoods facing more significant socioeconomic challenges. This article delves into the five most economically disadvantaged neighborhoods in Montgomery County, Ohio, based on the latest available census data from 2018.
1. Westwood
Westwood, nestled within the city of Dayton, which also serves as the county seat, registers the highest poverty rate in the county at 63.9%, making it one of the most impoverished neighborhoods in the state. Westwood is home to 3,433 residents, with 93.6% identifying as Black or African American.
The median household income in Westwood is strikingly low at $14,722, less than half of the federal poverty threshold for a family of four. The neighborhood additionally grapples with a high unemployment rate of 20.9% and exhibits a lower level of educational attainment, with only 58.7% of adults having a high school diploma or higher.
2. Residence Park
Residence Park, also situated in Dayton to the south of Westwood, follows as the second-poorest neighborhood in the county, with a poverty rate of 61.9%. Similar to Westwood, a significant majority of its 3,139 residents, 97.4%, are Black or African American.
The median household income in Residence Park stands at $16,250, again falling below the federal poverty threshold for a family of four. The neighborhood grapples with a high unemployment rate of 19.6% and exhibits a low educational attainment level, with only 60.9% of adults having a high school diploma or higher.
3. Edgemont
Edgemont, located east of Residence Park in Dayton, takes the third spot on the list of the poorest neighborhoods in the county. Edgemont reports a poverty rate of 60%, positioning it among the most impoverished areas in the state. The neighborhood accommodates 3,057 residents, with 95.8% identifying as Black or African American.
The median household income in Edgemont is $17,500, which is less than the federal poverty threshold for a family of four. Edgemont also grapples with a high unemployment rate of 18% and maintains a low level of educational attainment, with only 62.4% of adults having a high school diploma or higher.
4. Burkhardt
Burkhardt, located southeast of Edgemont in Dayton, claims the fourth spot among the county’s most impoverished neighborhoods, with a poverty rate of 58%. Burkhardt is home to 1,951 residents, with 77.9% identifying as Black or African American and 17.5% as White.
The median household income in Burkhardt stands at $18,750, again falling below the federal poverty threshold for a family of four. The neighborhood additionally grapples with a high unemployment rate of 17% and maintains a low educational attainment level, with only 64.7% of adults having a high school diploma or higher.
5. Arlington Heights
Arlington Heights, situated northeast of Burkhardt in Dayton, takes the fifth spot on the list of the county’s most economically disadvantaged neighborhoods, reporting a poverty rate of 57%. The neighborhood houses 1,814 residents, with 84.8% identifying as Black or African American and 12% as White.
The median household income in Arlington Heights is $19,375, which is below the federal poverty threshold for a family of four. Arlington Heights also struggles with a high unemployment rate of 16% and sustains a low level of educational attainment, with only 65.4% of adults having a high school diploma or higher.
Conclusion
Montgomery County, Ohio, plays host to some of the most financially challenged neighborhoods in the state and the nation. These neighborhoods predominantly comprise Black or African American residents and grapple with low incomes, high unemployment rates, and limited educational attainment levels.
These socioeconomic factors contribute to an array of social and economic challenges, impacting the quality of life and well-being of their inhabitants. To address these pressing issues, concerted efforts from both the public and private sectors, as well as community-driven initiatives, are imperative to create enhanced opportunities and resources for these neighborhoods.