Located in the northeastern region of the state, Jacksonville, Florida, is home to about 911,000 people. It is also the most populated city in Florida and the largest city by area in the contiguous United States.
Along with a plethora of attractions like the Jacksonville Zoo, the Museum of Science and History, and Jacksonville Landing, Jacksonville takes pride in its diversified economy and culture.
Jacksonville has many good qualities, but some neighborhoods struggle with poverty and social problems, which makes them less safe and less desirable places to visit or live. These are the five poorest neighborhoods in the city, based on data from Neighborhood Scout and Crime Grade.
5. The Edgewood
The community of Edgewood is located in Jacksonville and has about 2,400 residents. It is located near Highway 111 and Interstate 10 on the western side of the city. The majority of people that live in Edgewood are African Americans.
The typical household income in the neighborhood is $30,875, which is less than the average of $51,497 for the city. In addition, Edgewood’s high poverty rate of 36% is higher than the average for the city, which is 15%.
Unfortunately, crime is a major problem in Edgewood, especially when it comes to severe crimes like robbery and assault. Edgewood obtains a failing score (F) from Crime score for both violent and general crime.
With 287.6 crimes committed per 1,000 population, Edgewood has a lower crime rate than 96% other counties in the US. According to reports, there are 6.17 violent crimes for every 1,000 residents, which is more than the national average.
4. Phoenix
Phoenix is a neighborhood in Jacksonville that is home to about 2,600 people. Located on the northern edge of the city, it is in close proximity to both Highway 122 and Interstate 95. Phoenix is a diversified city with a sizable Hispanic population. The region does, however, have economic difficulties, as seen by the low median household income of $29,288—below the city’s average of $51,497.
With a rate of 29%, Phoenix has a high rate of poverty compared to the city average of 15%. Regretfully, this has led to a high crime rate, especially when it comes to crimes involving property, such theft and burglary. According to Crime Grade, Phoenix receives a F grade for both overall and property crime.
With a crime rate of 298.9 per 1,000 population, Phoenix has more crime than 97% of all US counties. These are alarming statistics. Comparably, the rate of property crime is higher than in 99% other counties in the country, at 252 per 1,000 population.
3. Extended Branch
There are about 2,800 people living in the area of Longbranch, which is on Jacksonville’s east side. It is ideally situated close to Highways 115 and A1A. The majority of the residents in the community are African Americans.
Regrettably, Longbranch’s low median household income of $28,000 reflects the city’s financial difficulties. This amount is less than the $51,497 typical household income in the city. In addition, the neighborhood’s high poverty rate of 32% is higher than the average for the city, which is 15%.
Unfortunately, Longbranch also has a serious problem with criminality. Compared to many other American communities, the area has a higher crime rate. The incidences of serious crimes like rape and murder are especially worrisome. Neighborhood Scout gave Longbranch a failing grade for both violent and general crime.
With 270 incidents per 1,000 residents, Longbranch has a higher crime rate than 94% other areas in the country. The rate of violent crime is 8 occurrences per 1,000 residents, which is higher than the national average of 98% of communities.
2. The Lackawanna
There are about 3,900 people living in the area of Lackawanna, which is on Jacksonville’s west side. The region is easily accessible via Highway 129 and Interstate 10. Black Americans make up the majority of the population of Lackawanna.
Regretfully, Lackawanna has certain socioeconomic difficulties. At $27,000, the median household income is noticeably lower than the city’s average of $51,497. Furthermore, the city’s average poverty rate of 15% is surpassed by the high poverty rate of 34%.
The high crime rate in Lackawanna is one factor to be concerned about, especially when it comes to property crimes like arson and car theft. Based on assessments of Crime Grade, Lackawanna is rated F for both property and general crime.
At 276 incidents per 1,000 residents, the neighborhood’s crime rate is higher than that of 95% of US counties. At 224 incidents per 1,000 residents, the property crime rate is higher than in 99% of the nation’s counties.
1. Midtown
The most poor district in Jacksonville is known as Midtown, and it is located in the city’s downtown close to Interstate 95 and Highway 8. There are about 130 people living there, mostly from the African American community. At $34,400, Midtown’s typical household income is unusually low compared to the city-wide average of $51,497.
Furthermore, Midtown’s frighteningly high 64% poverty rate is much higher than the city’s 15% average. Regrettably, there is also a noticeably high crime rate in the neighborhood, especially when it comes to severe crimes like assault and murder. According to Crime score’s evaluation, Midtown receives a failing score for both violent and general crime.
The seriousness of the situation is further demonstrated by the crime data, which show that there are 321.5 incidences per 1,000 residents—more than in 98% of US counties. In a similar vein, the violent crime rate, which stands at 9.2 incidences per 1,000 population, is higher than in 99% of the nation’s counties.
Read More: Discover The Five Poorest Neighborhoods In Los Angeles, California
In summary
Northeastern Florida’s Jacksonville offers a variety of opportunities and attractions that are appropriate for both locals and visitors. However, it is crucial to recognize that some of the city’s areas have higher than average rates of poverty and social problems, which makes them less desirable and unsafe for prospective residents or tourists.