Tarrant County, located in Texas, ranks as the third most populous county within the state, accommodating over 2.1 million residents. It’s also recognized for housing Fort Worth, which holds the distinction of being the fifth-largest city in the entire nation.
However, it’s important to note that not all regions within Tarrant County share an equal measure of economic prosperity and prospects. As per the U.S. Census Bureau’s data from 2019, Tarrant County exhibited a poverty rate of 11.4%, slightly surpassing the national average of 10.5%.
Nonetheless, this percentage varies widely across diverse neighborhoods and ZIP codes situated within the county. In certain neighborhoods, the poverty rates reach more than double or even triple the county’s average.
Drawing on information sourced from Zipdatamaps and other reliable outlets, here are the five neighborhoods with the lowest economic status in Tarrant County for the year 2022, arranged in order based on their median household incomes:
1. Stop Six (76105)
Situated in the southeastern part of Fort Worth, Stop Six is a predominantly black neighborhood with approximately 16,000 residents. The median household income stands at $24,250, which is less than half of the county’s median of $63,812.
Remarkably, the poverty rate here is as high as 36%, surpassing the county’s rate by more than threefold. Regrettably, Stop Six also registers among the most perilous neighborhoods in Fort Worth, with a violent crime rate of 1,200 per 100,000 inhabitants.
2. Polytechnic Heights (76115)
Polytechnic Heights, located in the southern region of Fort Worth, is predominantly Hispanic and boasts a population of around 19,000. Its median household income is $26,667, less than half of the county’s median.
The neighborhood faces a poverty rate of 30%, which is nearly three times the county’s average. Similar to Stop Six, Polytechnic Heights contends with high levels of violent crime, with a rate of 1,100 per 100,000 residents.
3. Como (76107)
Found in the western part of Fort Worth, Como is a predominantly black neighborhood inhabited by approximately 6,000 people. The median household income comes in at $27,500, which is less than half of the county’s median.
The neighborhood grapples with a poverty rate of 28%, more than twice the county’s average. Despite its status as one of the older neighborhoods in Fort Worth, Como has faced challenges stemming from neglect and decay over the years.
4. Diamond Hill-Jarvis (76106)
Diamond Hill-Jarvis, located in the northern area of Fort Worth, has a predominantly Hispanic population of around 28,000 individuals. With a median household income of $28,333, this figure is again less than half of the county’s median.
The neighborhood contends with a poverty rate of 25%, more than double the county’s average. Unfortunately, Diamond Hill-Jarvis is also one of the most polluted neighborhoods in Fort Worth, suffering from elevated levels of air toxins and industrial waste.
5. South East Arlington (76018)
Situated in the southeastern area of Arlington, South East Arlington is a diverse neighborhood home to roughly 31,000 residents. Its median household income is $29,167, falling notably below the county’s median.
The poverty rate stands at 20%, exceeding the county’s average. Despite its rapid growth, South East Arlington confronts challenges including traffic congestion and a lack of efficient public transportation.
Conclusion
These five neighborhoods exemplify some of the most economically disadvantaged areas within Tarrant County and Fort Worth. They encounter various challenges, including low income, elevated poverty rates, high unemployment, and crime levels, which in turn hinder their access to quality education, healthcare, housing, and public services.
Additionally, these neighborhoods contend with environmental hazards and social isolation, exacerbating the existing disparities and inequalities. Addressing these concerns will require targeted policies and programs that tackle the root causes of economic hardship while fostering inclusive growth and opportunity.