Los Angeles, California, is a huge metropolis with a population of over 10 million. This city has a diversified and vibrant culture, economy, and way of life. However, within its confines sits a city of striking paradoxes, where prosperity and destitution coexist. Certain communities in Los Angeles thrive economically, while others struggle.
Here are the five neighborhoods with the lowest household incomes in Los Angeles, based on median income statistics from numerous sources:
Watts
Watts, located in South Los Angeles, has a rich history of social unrest, as evidenced by the Watts riots of 1965 and the Rodney King riots of 1992. This area also makes cultural and creative contributions through landmarks such as the Watts Towers and the Watts Writer’s Workshop.
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Watts, however, remains one of Los Angeles’ most economically challenged areas, with a median household income of only $25,161. Watts, which has approximately 40,000 residents, the majority of whom are African American and Latino, faces issues such as high unemployment, crime rates, violence, and health concerns.
Historic South Central
Historic South-Central, located south of downtown and east of the Harbor Freeway, is home to historic landmarks like the Dunbar Hotel, the Lincoln Theater, and the 28th Street YMCA.
Despite these cultural assets, Historic South-Central is one of the city’s poorest and disadvantaged districts, with a median household income of $30,021.
Poverty, gang violence, substance misuse, and environmental dangers all pose challenges to the approximately 48,000-strong Latino and African American population.
Florence-Firestone
Florence-Firestone is located in unincorporated Los Angeles County, south of Florence Avenue and east of Firestone Boulevard. It has a population of nearly 60,000 people in less than 3 square miles. However, it also faces substantial economic challenges, with a typical household income of only $31,318.
The bulk of its population is Latino, with a significant immigrant community from Mexico and Central America. Crime, gang activity, homelessness, and pollution are all common concerns.
Boyle Heights
Boyle Heights, located in East Los Angeles, is east of the Los Angeles River and south of the Santa Ana Freeway. It has a diverse cultural background that includes Jewish, Japanese, Russian, Armenian, and Mexican communities.
Nonetheless, Boyle Heights struggles with significant poverty and overpopulation, as seen by a typical household income of only $33,235. Its population of approximately 92,000 people, the majority of whom are Latino (94%), is facing issues due to bad housing and budgetary constraints.
Vermont-Slauson
Vermont-Slauson is located in South Los Angeles County, south of Slauson Avenue and west of Vermont Avenue. It is part of the Vermont Square community plan area, which also includes the Vermont Knolls and Vermont Vista neighborhoods.
Nonetheless, Vermont-Slauson remains one of Los Angeles County’s most financially disadvantaged and underdeveloped areas, with a typical household income of $33,996.
The area, which has roughly 29,000 residents, the majority of whom are African American (72%) and Latino (25%), faces challenges such as unemployment, restricted educational access, healthcare inequities, and public safety concerns.
Conclusion
These five communities are the least affluent in Los Angeles, according to available data. However, it is critical to remember that poverty goes beyond income and includes elements such as education, healthcare, opportunity, and overall quality of life.
These neighborhoods have untapped characteristics and capabilities, such as community resilience, cultural variety, social cohesiveness, and civic involvement, that may not be completely reflected in their income.