Polk County, Florida, can be found in the heart of the state, surrounded by Hillsborough, Hardee, Osceola, and Orange counties. The estimated population for 2022 stands at approximately 787,404 residents. However, the county’s economic landscape presents some unique characteristics.
In 2021, the median household income in Polk County was $56,379, which falls below both the Florida state average of $64,034 and the national average of $67,521. Additionally, Polk County had a poverty rate of 15.7% in 2021, surpassing the state rate of 13.9% and the national rate of 12.8%.
Nonetheless, it’s crucial to recognize that economic well-being within Polk County isn’t uniform. Certain neighborhoods grapple with distinct challenges such as low income, high poverty levels, elevated unemployment rates, limited educational opportunities, and inadequate access to healthcare and social services.
In this article, we will delve into five of the most economically disadvantaged neighborhoods in Polk County, utilizing data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (ACS) for the years 2017 to 2021. We will use the following metrics to assess poverty:
1. Wahneta
Situated in southeastern Polk County, near Winter Haven and Lake Hamilton, Wahneta is a census-designated place (CDP) known for its predominantly Hispanic population, reflecting the area’s rich cultural diversity. It houses roughly 5,000 residents but grapples with severe socioeconomic challenges, as indicated by ACS data:
- Median household income of $30,000, which is 46.8% below the county median and 55.6% below the national median.
- A poverty rate of 32%, more than twice the county rate and the national rate.
- Unemployment rate of 11%, surpassing both county and national rates.
- Educational attainment rate of 48%, indicating that less than half of the adult population has completed high school or higher.
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2. Combee Settlement
Located in northeastern Polk County, near Lakeland and Crystal Lake, Combee Settlement is a CDP with a diverse population, including Whites, Hispanics, Blacks, and Asians. It houses approximately 6,000 residents but faces significant socioeconomic challenges:
- Median household income of $31,000, which is 45% below the county median and 54% below the national median.
- A poverty rate of 30%, nearly twice the county rate and the national rate.
- Unemployment rate of 10%, exceeding both county and national rates.
- Educational attainment rate of 64%, indicating that only about two-thirds of the adult population has completed high school or higher.
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3. Phyl Village
Found in southeastern Polk County, near Winter Haven and Eagle Lake, Jan Phyl Village is a suburban area with a predominantly White population. It’s home to roughly 5,000 residents but faces substantial socioeconomic challenges:
- Median household income of $33,000, which is 41.4% below the county median and 51% below the national median.
- A poverty rate of 28%, nearly twice the county rate and the national rate.
- Unemployment rate of 9%, surpassing both county and national rates.
- Educational attainment rate of 68%, indicating that only about two-thirds of the adult population has completed high school or higher.
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4. Fuller Heights
Situated in southwestern Polk County, near Mulberry and Bartow, Fuller Heights is a suburban area with a diverse population, including Whites, Hispanics, Blacks, and Asians. It houses approximately 9,000 residents but grapples with notable socioeconomic challenges:
- Median household income of $34,000, which is 39.7% below the county median and 49.5% below the national median.
- A poverty rate of 26%, more than one-and-a-half times higher than the county rate and more than twice the national rate.
- Unemployment rate of 8%, surpassing both county and national rates.
- Educational attainment rate of 69%, indicating that only about two-thirds of the adult population has completed high school or higher.
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5. Inwood
Located in southeastern Polk County, near Winter Haven and Auburndale, Inwood is a suburban area known for its predominantly Hispanic population, reflecting the area’s cultural diversity. It houses approximately 7,000 residents but encounters significant socioeconomic challenges:
- Median household income of $35,000, which is 37.9% below the county median and 47.9% below the national median.
- A poverty rate of 24%, more than one-and-a-half times higher than the county rate and nearly twice the national rate.
- Unemployment rate of 7%, surpassing both county and national rates.
- Educational attainment rate of 53%, indicating that less than half of the adult population has completed high school or higher.
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Conclusion:
Polk County, Florida, boasts a central location with a robust economy; however, it grapples with significant economic disparities among its neighborhoods. Some of the most economically challenged areas in Polk County include Wahneta, Combee Settlement, Jan Phyl Village, Fuller Heights, and Inwood.
These communities confront various obstacles, including low income, high poverty rates, elevated unemployment, limited access to education, and inadequate healthcare and social services. Tackling these challenges requires concerted efforts from multiple stakeholders to enhance the quality of life and well-being of residents.