Marrero, a suburb of New Orleans, has around 32,000 residents. It’s situated on the southern bank of the Mississippi River in Jefferson Parish. Initially, it was primarily rural, with sugar cane plantations and later, oil refineries.
Today, Marrero is a diverse community, encompassing various races and ethnicities. Nevertheless, it grapples with challenges like poverty, crime, and limited educational attainment. As of 2021, the poverty rate in Marrero was 22.1%, surpassing both the state (19.6%) and national (12.8%) averages.
This article delves into the five least affluent neighborhoods in Marrero, based on median household income data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2019 American Community Survey.
We’ll also examine the characteristics and problems in these neighborhoods, including population, racial and ethnic makeup, education, crime, and housing. The Five Poorest Neighborhoods in Marrero:
Amesville
Amesville, situated in the eastern part of Marrero along the Mississippi River, holds the distinction of being both the oldest and least affluent neighborhood in the area. It was initially named after Oakes Ames, a Boston-based entrepreneur who acquired a significant portion of the land post the Civil War.
The population of Amesville hovers around 4,000, with a median annual household income of $23,750. The community is predominantly composed of Black or African American residents (82%), followed by White individuals (11%) and Hispanic or Latino residents (5%). Amesville grapples with a notable poverty rate of 42%, and nearly 29% of its inhabitants have not completed high school.
The housing in Amesville is primarily characterized by older and deteriorating units. The typical home in this area is valued at approximately $83,800, and the median rent stands at $713.
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Lincolnshire
Lincolnshire, situated in the northeastern area of Marrero, is a economically disadvantaged community. It is home to approximately 3,000 residents, with a median household income of $25,833.
The majority of Lincolnshire’s population is Black or African American (77%), followed by White (15%) and Hispanic or Latino (6%). The neighborhood grapples with a high poverty rate of 38%, and 26% of its residents have not completed high school. Housing in Lincolnshire is generally of lower quality, with a median home value of $86,300 and a typical rent of $725.
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Westwood
Westwood, located in the western part of Marrero, is a modest neighborhood. Approximately 2,000 people call it home, with a median household income of $28,750. In terms of diversity, it surpasses Amesville and Lincolnshire, boasting a population breakdown of 49% Black or African American, 34% White, 10% Asian, and 6% Hispanic or Latino residents.
The poverty rate in Westwood stands at 32%, and nearly a quarter of its residents have not completed high school. The housing here is generally of lower value, with a median home worth about $91,100 and a typical monthly rent of $738.
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Oak Forest
Oak Forest, situated in the southwest of Marrero, is a modest neighborhood. It is home to around 2,000 people, with an average household income of $30,625. In terms of diversity, Oak Forest surpasses Amesville and Lincolnshire, boasting a population that is 46% Black or African American, 35% White, 11% Asian, and 7% Hispanic or Latino.
The neighborhood of Oak Forest faces economic challenges, with a poverty rate of 29% and 21% of its residents not having completed high school. The majority of housing in Oak Forest is affordable, with the typical home value at $95,900 and median rent set at $750.
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Acadian Villas
Acadian Villas, situated in the southeastern part of Marrero, ranks as the fifth poorest neighborhood in the city. It is home to approximately 2,000 people, with a typical household income of $31,250. In terms of diversity, Acadian Villas surpasses Amesville and Lincolnshire, with 44% of its residents identifying as Black or African American, 37% as White, 10% as Asian, and 8% as Hispanic or Latino.
This area grapples with a poverty rate of 28%, and one in five residents lacks a high school diploma. The majority of housing in Acadian Villas is affordable, with a median home value of $98,300 and a median rent of $763.
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Conclusion
Marrero, a New Orleans suburb, boasts a lively and diverse community. Yet, it grapples with challenges like poverty, crime, and limited education opportunities. The five most economically disadvantaged areas in Marrero are Amesville, Lincolnshire, Westwood, Oak Forest, and Acadian Villas.
These neighborhoods struggle with low average household incomes, high poverty levels, limited educational achievements, elevated crime rates, and subpar housing quality.
These factors directly impact the residents’ well-being and overall quality of life. Therefore, it’s crucial to allocate additional resources and implement targeted interventions to address these issues and enhance the living conditions in these neighborhoods.
