Travis County, Texas, stands as the state’s fifth most populous county, housing over 1.3 million residents. It is noteworthy for being the location of Austin, the capital and the country’s fourth-largest city. Nevertheless, economic prosperity and opportunities are not uniformly distributed across all areas of Travis County.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the poverty rate in the county was 12.4% in 2019, slightly surpassing the national average of 10.5%. However, this rate demonstrates significant fluctuations among various neighborhoods and ZIP codes within the county. Certain neighborhoods experience poverty rates that are more than double or even triple the county’s average.
Drawing on data from sources like Zipdatamaps, here are the five neighborhoods with the lowest median household incomes in Travis County for 2022, ranked according to their income levels:
1. Montopolis (78741)
Situated in southeast Austin, Montopolis is a predominantly Hispanic neighborhood with roughly 47,000 residents. The median household income here is $32,500, which is less than half of the county’s median of $76,925.
The poverty rate in Montopolis stands at 31%, more than twice the county’s average of 12.4%. Despite being one of Austin’s oldest and most diverse neighborhoods, Montopolis grapples with challenges such as gentrification, housing affordability, and displacement.
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2. St. Johns (78752)
Found in north-central Austin, St. Johns is a diverse neighborhood with around 20,000 inhabitants. The median household income is $34,167, significantly lower than the county’s median.
The poverty rate in St. Johns is 28%, again more than twice the county’s average. Despite its historical significance, St. Johns faces issues like elevated crime rates, unemployment, and vacant properties.
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3. Dove Springs (78744)
In southeast Austin, Dove Springs, primarily Hispanic, boasts a population of approximately 50,000. With a median household income of $35,833, significantly beneath the county’s median, Dove Springs also experiences a poverty rate of 25%, higher than the county’s average.
While it is one of Austin’s largest and fastest-growing neighborhoods, it contends with challenges such as limited educational attainment, inadequate healthcare access, and environmental risks.
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4. Rundberg (78753)
Situated in north Austin, Rundberg is a diverse neighborhood hosting around 54,000 residents. Its median household income is $37,500, again notably lower than the county’s median.
The poverty rate in Rundberg is 23%, surpassing the county’s average. While recognized for its cultural diversity, Rundberg struggles with elevated crime rates, violence, and drug-related issues.
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5. Colony Park (78724)
In east Austin, Colony Park, predominantly African-American, accommodates approximately 16,000 residents. The median household income is $38,333, again significantly lower than the county’s median.
A poverty rate of 22%, higher than the county’s average, is also observed. Despite its relative stability and affordability, Colony Park faces challenges tied to concentrated low-income populations and social isolation.
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In Conclusion
These five neighborhoods collectively represent some of Travis County and Austin’s most impoverished and marginalized regions. They encounter issues of limited income, elevated poverty, unemployment, and crime rates, which in turn impede their access to quality education, housing, healthcare, and public services.
Environmental hazards and social isolation exacerbate the existing disparities and inequalities. Addressing these challenges requires targeted policies and programs that tackle the root causes of economic hardship while fostering an inclusive environment of growth and opportunity.
