Winnebago County, situated in northern Illinois, is home to approximately 282,000 residents. The county grapples with a poverty rate of 14.3%, surpassing both the state average of 12.1% and the national average of 12.8%.
However, the impact of poverty is not uniform across the county, with certain neighborhoods experiencing considerably higher poverty rates than others. In this article, we will explore the five most impoverished neighborhoods in Winnebago County, drawing from data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
1. Midtown
Midtown, located in the heart of Rockford, the largest city in Winnebago County, is inhabited by around 9,000 residents. It bears the highest poverty rate in the county, standing at 46.9%. Midtown is distinguished by its remarkable racial diversity, with 40% of its population being white, 35% black, 18% Hispanic, and 7% representing other racial backgrounds.
The median household income in Midtown is a mere $21,000, less than half of the county’s median income of $53,000. This neighborhood contends with numerous challenges, including high crime rates, unemployment, limited access to education, and suboptimal health outcomes.
Also Read:
2. Coronado Haskell
Coronado Haskell, another neighborhood in Rockford situated in the southeastern part of the city, houses approximately 6,000 residents. It ranks as the second most impoverished area in the county, with a poverty rate of 42.8%. Predominantly inhabited by black residents (77%), it also consists of 13% white, 7% Hispanic, and 3% other racial backgrounds.
The median household income in Coronado Haskell is $23,000, significantly below the county median. Similar to Midtown, Coronado Haskell faces issues such as high crime rates, unemployment, limited educational opportunities, and unfavorable health outcomes.
Also Read:
3. Ellis Heights
Ellis Heights, positioned in the western part of Rockford, is home to about 8,000 residents. It ranks as the third most impoverished neighborhood in the county, boasting a poverty rate of 40.9%. The majority of its population is black (69%), with 18% white, 10% Hispanic, and 3% from other racial backgrounds.
The median household income in Ellis Heights is $25,000, again falling below half of the county median. Ellis Heights confronts challenges akin to Midtown and Coronado Haskell, including crime, unemployment, limited educational opportunities, and unfavorable health outcomes.
Also Read:
4. Seventh Street
Seventh Street, situated in the southern part of Rockford, is home to roughly 7,000 residents. It is the fourth most impoverished neighborhood in the county, featuring a poverty rate of 39.9%. Seventh Street is characterized by its diverse population, with 38% white, 28% black, 27% Hispanic, and 7% from other racial backgrounds.
The median household income in Seventh Street is $26,000, considerably lower than the county median. Seventh Street grapples with challenges analogous to Midtown, Coronado Haskell, and Ellis Heights, encompassing crime, unemployment, limited access to education, and suboptimal health outcomes.
Also Read:
5. West State Street
West State Street, located in the southwestern part of Rockford, accommodates approximately 5,000 residents. It ranks as the fifth most impoverished neighborhood in the county, registering a poverty rate of 37.7%. This neighborhood primarily consists of Hispanic residents (54%), with 24% white, 17% black, and 5% from other racial backgrounds.
The median household income in West State Street is $28,000, once again falling short of the county median. West State Street faces challenges akin to Midtown, Coronado Haskell, Ellis Heights, and Seventh Street, encompassing crime, unemployment, limited access to education, and suboptimal health outcomes.
Also Read:
Conclusion
In conclusion, Winnebago County struggles with a notable poverty issue that affects its neighborhoods disparately. Some neighborhoods bear much higher poverty rates than others, leading to various socio-economic challenges, including crime, unemployment, limited educational opportunities, and unfavorable health outcomes. The five most impoverished neighborhoods in Winnebago County—Midtown, Coronado Haskell, Ellis Heights, Seventh Street, and West State Street—experience poverty rates ranging from 37.7% to 46.9%. Despite their diverse racial and ethnic compositions, these neighborhoods share common socio-economic disadvantages.