Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania, commonly known as the City of Philadelphia, is the most populous county in Pennsylvania and the sixth most populous county nationally. Based on the findings of the 2020 census, the population of the region is estimated to be around 1.6 million.
However, the economic topography of the county reveals a narrative of inequality. Philadelphia County documented a median household income of $46,116 in 2020, which was notably below the national average of $67,521 and the state average of $63,463. An additional indicator of this economic hardship is the poverty rate of 23.3% in 2021, which is significantly higher than both the state and national rates of 12.4% and 12.8%, respectively.
Nevertheless, the economic difficulties exhibit regional disparities throughout Philadelphia County. A multitude of local communities confront challenges including but not limited to inadequate healthcare and social services, unemployment, low income, and high poverty and destitution.
This article will examine five of the most impoverished neighborhoods in Philadelphia County, using data from the American Community Survey (ACS) estimates for 2017-2021 conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau. Our evaluation is based on fundamental poverty indicators:
1. Mantua
An urban neighborhood located in west-central Philadelphia County, in close proximity to University City and Powelton Village, Mantua is home to a heterogeneous population of approximately 15,000 individuals, including Black, White, Asian, and Hispanic individuals. ACS data further demonstrates that it is among the most economically disadvantaged regions:
- The median household income decreased by 41.3% from the county median and by 59.9% from the national median to $27,083.
- A poverty rate of 38%, which is nearly three times the national average and nearly double the rate in the county.
- An eleven percent unemployment rate, which is nearly double the county and national averages.
- A 72% educational attainment rate indicates that roughly three-quarters of the adult population has completed secondary education or an advanced degree.
2. Haddington
Situated in the western region of Philadelphia County, near Cobbs Creek and Overbrook, Haddington is an urban locality characterized by a preponderance of African American and Black inhabitants, totaling approximately 21,000 individuals. The region is classified as economically disadvantaged, according to data from the ACS.
- The median household income was recorded at $26,250, representing a decline of 43% compared to the county median and 61.1% when compared to the national median.
- The poverty rate in the area stands at 36%, which is nearly three times the national average and over 1.5 times the rate observed in the county.
- A 12 percent unemployment rate, which is nearly double the rates of the county and the nation.
- A 70% rate of educational attainment indicates that roughly two-thirds of the adult population has completed secondary education or tertiary education.
3. Strawberry Mansion
Located in the northern region of Philadelphia County, close to Fairmount Park and Brewerytown, Strawberry Mansion is an urban locality that is home to an estimated 15,000 individuals, the majority of whom are African Americans or Black. Furthermore, according to ACS data, it is among the most economically vulnerable regions:
- The median household income in the area was $25,417, representing a decrease of 62.4% from the national median and 44.9% from the county median.
- A poverty rate of 46%, which is over three times the national average and nearly double the rate in the county.
- 15% unemployment is more than double the rates observed at the county and national levels.
- With a 66% educational attainment rate, this indicates that merely 2/3 of the adult population has successfully concluded high school or an advanced degree.
4. Tioga-Nicetown
An urban neighborhood located in the northwestern region of Philadelphia County, close to Germantown and Hunting Park, Tioga-Nicetown is primarily populated by individuals of African American descent. According to data from the ACS, it is one of the most economically disadvantaged regions, with a population of approximately 18,000.
- The median household income decreased by 64.8% from the national median and 48.5% from the county median to $23,750.
- An alarming poverty rate of 44%, which is greater than three times the national average and nearly double the rate in the county.
- At 17%, the unemployment rate is more than double both the county and national averages.
- With an educational attainment rate of 69%, which indicates that approximately two-thirds of the adult population has passed high school or a higher level of education.
5. The Fairhill
Close to Kensington and Harrowgate, in north-central Philadelphia County, Fairhill is an additional urban neighborhood distinguished by its preponderance of Hispanic residents, which reflects the cultural and linguistic diversity of the region. ACS data indicate that, with a population of approximately 27,000, it is among the most impoverished regions:
- The median household income in the area was recorded at $24,167, which signifies a reduction of 64.2% from the national median and 47.6% from the county median.
- A poverty rate of 49%, which is nearly four times the national average and more than double the rate in the county.
- At 16%, the unemployment rate is more than double both the county and national averages.
- With a low educational attainment rate of 48%, it can be inferred that the proportion of adults who have completed high school or higher education is less than half.
Conclusion
Despite being Pennsylvania’s most populous county, Philadelphia County has considerable economic inequality. The median family income, high poverty rates, and unemployment gaps show communities’ economic struggles. Mantua, Haddington, Strawberry Mansion, Tioga-Nicetown, and Fairhill are poor neighborhoods with income, employment, and education issues. Addressing regional inequities needs focused initiatives to increase education, job opportunities, and community resources to build a more equitable county economy.