When compared to other counties in Texas and the United States, Collin County is one of the most rapidly rising and wealthy. It is a diverse and educated community that is part of the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan region. However, it should be mentioned that many of its residents, particularly in some parts, are impoverished.
According to the United States Census Bureau, around 75,657 of Collin County’s 1,102,780 citizens were judged to be living below the poverty line in 2021, for a poverty rate of 6.9%. In the same year, $26,246 was designated as the poverty line for a family of four in the Lone Star State.
Poverty rates vary significantly among the county’s numerous communities, based on factors such as income, education, work, housing, and access to essential services. Poverty rates in some regions exceed 20%, while in others they are as low as 2%. According to the American Community Survey data published by the United States Census Bureau from 2017 to 2021, we will showcase five of Collin County’s least wealthy communities below.
1. Anna
Anna, a suburb along State Highway 5, in north Collin County, is home to around 16,000 people, most of whom are White and Hispanic. This area has a poverty rate that is 12% higher than the county average (6.9%).
This neighborhood has a typical household income of $72,917, accounting for approximately 66% of the county’s median income. A lower 4% rate applies here than in the county. Anna confronts several challenges, including rapid population expansion, transportation congestion, and inadequate infrastructure.
2. Melissa
Melissa is a suburban enclave in north Collin County, Texas, with around 13,000 residents, the majority of whom are White or Asian. It is located on US Route 75. At 14%, this area’s poverty rate is double that of the county as a whole.
At $77,500, the typical family income falls below 75% of the county median. The unemployment rate approaches 5%, surpassing the county’s 4.4% statistic once more. Problems in this location include a high cost of living, a lack of variety, and limited recreational amenities.
3. Blue Ridge
Blue Ridge is an agricultural community on Farm to Market Road 545 in northeast Collin County, with around 900 people, the majority of whom are White or Hispanic. The poverty rate in this region is 13%, which is about double the county average.
With a typical annual income of $50,625, families earn much less than the county median. The county’s unemployment rate is 4.4%, which is less than the state’s 5%. An aging population, limited educational opportunities, and a scarcity of resources all offer challenges.
4. Princeton
Princeton is a tiny community in northeast Collin County, Texas, located on US Route 380. The population of around 12,000 people is primarily composed of white and Hispanic individuals. With a rate of 20.4%, this region is nearly three times poorer than the rest of the county.
Princeton’s typical household income is $49,375, much less than the county median of $110,000. This region has a higher unemployment rate than the rest of the county, at 7%. This town has several difficulties, including a lack of education, high crime rates, and limited access to healthcare.
5. Farmersville
Farmersville is a rural community on State Highway 78 in eastern Collin County, with a population of around 4,000 people, the majority of whom are White or Hispanic. This community’s poverty rate is more than double the county average, at 18%.
Once again, at $51,250, the median family income is less than half the county median of $110,000. The unemployment rate is 6%, which is higher than the county figure of 4.4%. Farmersville has a variety of issues, including low homeownership, bad transportation, and a shortage of social services.
Conclusion
Collin County is a fast-rising and prosperous county, with significant economic differences among its municipalities. Despite general wealth, many localities, such as Anna, Melissa, Blue Ridge, Princeton, and Farmersville, have significantly higher poverty rates than the county average. These discrepancies underscore the importance of tailored initiatives to address socioeconomic concerns and improve the well-being of inhabitants in these specific communities.