Philadelphia County, located in Pennsylvania, stands as the most populous county in the state and ranks as the 24th most populated county nationwide. According to the 2020 census, the county boasts a population of 1,603,797.
Its largest city, Philadelphia, is the sixth-largest city in the United States, serving as the economic and cultural cornerstone of the Delaware Valley. Originally founded by William Penn in November 1682, Philadelphia County is one of the three original counties, alongside Chester and Bucks counties.
Since 1854, the county’s boundaries have perfectly matched those of the City of Philadelphia itself. This county is celebrated for its rich historical and cultural heritage, diverse and multicultural population, and robust economy. Nevertheless, it grapples with significant disparities in income, poverty, unemployment, and education across its various neighborhoods.
Several communities within Philadelphia County face daunting challenges, including low income, high poverty rates, elevated unemployment figures, limited access to education, healthcare, and social services.
In this article, we will delve into five of the county’s most impoverished neighborhoods, drawing from data sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (ACS) for the years 2017-2021. The following indicators will be employed to gauge poverty within these neighborhoods:
1. Tioga-Nicetown
Tioga-Nicetown is situated in the northwestern part of Philadelphia, proximate to Germantown and Hunting Park. It represents an urban enclave with a predominantly Black population, though it also houses Hispanic, White, and Asian communities. Tioga-Nicetown’s population hovers around 18,000 people, but it contends with severe socioeconomic challenges:
- Median household income stands at $24,000, marking a 51% decrease compared to the county median and a 54% decrease compared to the national median.
- Poverty afflicts 40% of its residents, surpassing the county rate threefold and the national rate by the same margin.
- Unemployment affects 14% of its workforce, more than double the county and national rates.
- Educational attainment rates sit at 66%, meaning only about two-thirds of adults have completed high school or higher.
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2. Strawberry Mansion
Strawberry Mansion occupies the northeastern portion of Philadelphia, nestled between Fairmount Park and Brewerytown. Similar to Tioga-Nicetown, it hosts a predominantly Black population alongside Hispanic, White, and Asian communities. It counts approximately 15,000 inhabitants and grapples with profound socioeconomic struggles:
- Median household income rests at $25,000, representing a 49% decrease compared to the county median and a 53% decrease compared to the national median.
- Poverty affects 39% of its residents, surpassing the county rate threefold and the national rate by the same margin.
- Unemployment plagues 13% of its workforce, more than double the county and national rates.
- Educational attainment stands at 69%, indicating that roughly two-thirds of adults have completed high school or higher.
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3. Haddington-Carroll Park
Haddington-Carroll Park, situated in western Philadelphia near Overbrook and Cobbs Creek, boasts a predominantly Black population alongside Hispanic, White, and Asian communities. With a population of approximately 34,000 residents, it confronts severe socioeconomic adversity:
- Median household income is $26,000, signifying a 47% decrease compared to the county median and a 52% decrease compared to the national median.
- Poverty envelops 38% of its residents, surpassing the county rate threefold and the national rate by the same margin.
- Unemployment affects 12% of its workforce, exceeding both the county and national rates.
- Educational attainment stands at 70%, indicating that about two-thirds of adults have completed high school or higher.
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4. Hartranft
Hartranft, situated in central Philadelphia near North Central and Fairhill, features a predominantly Hispanic population, alongside Black, White, and Asian communities. With a population of about 12,000 residents, it grapples with significant socioeconomic hardships:
- Median household income rests at $27,000, marking a 45% decrease compared to the county median and a 50% decrease compared to the national median.
- Poverty impacts 37% of its residents, approaching three times the county rate and the national rate.
- Unemployment affects 11% of its workforce, surpassing both the county and national rates.
- Educational attainment stands at 72%, indicating that about two-thirds of adults have completed high school or higher.
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5. Elmwood
Elmwood, positioned in southwestern Philadelphia near Eastwick and Southwest Philadelphia, stands as an urban area characterized by a diverse population including Black, Hispanic, White, and Asian residents. With a population of around 26,000 people, it grapples with substantial socioeconomic challenges:
- Median household income amounts to $28,000, marking a 43% decrease compared to the county median and a 49% decrease compared to the national median.
- Poverty affects 36% of its residents, approaching three times the county rate and the national rate.
- Unemployment plagues 10% of its workforce, exceeding both the county and national rates.
- Educational attainment stands at 74%, indicating that approximately three-quarters of adults have completed high school or higher.
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Conclusion
Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania, stands as the state’s most populous county and ranks 24th in the nation. It boasts a diverse and multicultural population. However, it grapples with significant disparities in income, poverty, unemployment, and education among its neighborhoods. Tioga-Nicetown, Strawberry Mansion, Haddington-Carroll Park, Hartranft, and Elmwood represent some of the most economically challenged neighborhoods in the county.
These communities contend with issues such as low income, high poverty rates, elevated unemployment figures, limited education access, and inadequate healthcare and social services. These challenges profoundly impact the quality of life for residents and necessitate collaborative efforts from various stakeholders to address them.