Suffolk County, New York, stands as the easternmost and most extensive county within the state of New York, encompassing the greater part of Long Island. Its boundaries are marked by the Atlantic Ocean, Long Island Sound, and the Great South Bay.
Housing approximately 1.5 million residents, Suffolk County ranks as the fourth most populous county in New York. The region is renowned for its thriving tourism, agriculture, fishing, and scientific sectors.
Nevertheless, not all neighborhoods within Suffolk County enjoy equal prosperity. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the median household income in Suffolk County was $113,683 in 2021, slightly surpassing the state median of $74,314.
Suffolk County also reports a relatively low poverty rate at 6.1%, compared to the statewide average of 13.9%. However, certain neighborhoods in Suffolk County confront heightened levels of poverty, unemployment, homelessness, and other social challenges.
This article aims to examine the five most economically disadvantaged neighborhoods in Suffolk County, utilizing criteria such as median household income, poverty rates, and various indicators. These neighborhoods include:
1. Wyandanch
Situated in the western part of Suffolk County, within the town of Babylon, Wyandanch is a hamlet with a population of approximately 11,000 residents, primarily of African American and Hispanic descent. Wyandanch reports a median household income of $47,902, less than half of the county’s median income of $113,683.
The poverty rate in Wyandanch stands at a stark 23%, almost four times higher than the county average of 6.1%. The hamlet also experiences elevated unemployment rates and lower homeownership rates.
Wyandanch grapples with long-standing challenges including poverty, crime, violence, and discrimination. Insufficient infrastructure, limited services, amenities, and opportunities further compound these issues.
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2. North Bellport
North Bellport, situated in central Suffolk County within the town of Brookhaven, is a hamlet inhabited by around 12,000 individuals, predominantly African American and Hispanic. North Bellport’s median household income registers at $49,375, again less than half of the county median.
The poverty rate in North Bellport is 21%, more than three times higher than the county average of 6.1%. The hamlet also contends with elevated crime rates and lower housing quality.
North Bellport faces substantial challenges stemming from decades of decline, blight, and violence, in addition to pressures from rising rents, development projects, and neighborhood transformations.
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3. Riverside
Located in the eastern part of Suffolk County within the town of Southampton, Riverside is a hamlet inhabited by around 3,000 residents, mainly of Hispanic and white backgrounds.
Riverside records a median household income of $52,083, less than half of the county median. The poverty rate in Riverside stands at 19%, more than three times higher than the county average of 6.1%. High unemployment rates and limited housing affordability also impact the area.
Riverside faces isolation and marginalization, compounded by longstanding issues of poverty, segregation, and discrimination, as well as a lack of essential infrastructure, public transportation, and recreational facilities.
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4. Gordon Heights
Gordon Heights, located in central Suffolk County within the town of Brookhaven, is a hamlet home to around 4,000 individuals, primarily African American and Hispanic. Gordon Heights reports a median household income of $54,375, again less than half of the county median.
The poverty rate in Gordon Heights is 18%, almost three times higher than the county average of 6.1%. The hamlet also experiences a high population density and lower housing quality.
Gordon Heights boasts a rich history and cultural significance, founded by African Americans seeking to escape racial oppression and form their own community. It’s known for its civic and social activism, including civil rights movements, community organizations, and youth programs. However, challenges such as poverty, crime, and environmental concerns persist.
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5. Mastic Beach
Mastic Beach, a village within the town of Brookhaven in southern Suffolk County, is home to around 13,000 residents, primarily white and Hispanic. The village reports a median household income of $57,500, less than half of the county median.
The poverty rate in Mastic Beach is 16%, more than twice as high as the county average of 6.1%. The village also contends with high unemployment rates and lower housing quality.
Mastic Beach enjoys natural beauty, situated on the south shore of Long Island and bordered by the Atlantic Ocean, Moriches Bay, and Forge River. It’s renowned for fishing, boating, and wildlife. However, the village faces challenges including inadequate infrastructure, limited services, and vulnerability to natural disasters.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, these neighborhoods represent some of the economically disadvantaged areas within Suffolk County, New York. They confront a range of challenges, including low incomes, high poverty rates, subpar housing conditions, and limited access to services.
Nonetheless, they also possess unique strengths such as cultural diversity, historical significance, and resilience. They merit increased attention and support from both governmental and societal entities to enhance living conditions and opportunities for their residents.