Calcasieu Parish, located in the southwest part of Louisiana, has a population of around 202,000 residents. It encompasses the city of Lake Charles, which is the fifth-largest city in the state and serves as a significant hub for industry and culture. However, not all areas within Calcasieu Parish share the same level of prosperity and well-being.
As per the U.S. Census Bureau‘s data for 2021, the poverty rate in Calcasieu Parish was 18.8%, surpassing the national average of 12.8%. Furthermore, specific neighborhoods within the parish exhibit markedly higher poverty rates, highlighting the social and economic disparities that exist within this county.
In this article, we will delve into the five neighborhoods in Calcasieu Parish facing the highest levels of poverty, based on the percentage of residents living below the poverty line.
Westlake
Westlake, situated on the western shore of the Calcasieu River near Lake Charles, is a petite city with approximately 4,500 inhabitants and a poverty rate of 25.4%. Renowned for its petrochemical sector, the city houses numerous refineries and chemical plants.
Nevertheless, Westlake contends with difficulties like environmental contamination, modest educational achievements, and constrained healthcare availability. As per Data USA, just 80.9% of Westlake’s populace possess a high school diploma or more, and 13.7% lack health insurance coverage.
Read More:Â Discover the 5 Most Poorest Neighbourhoods in St.Tammany Parish, Louisiana
Sulphur
Sulphur, situated on the western side of Calcasieu Parish, is home to approximately 20,000 residents. The city’s poverty rate stands at 26.3%, surpassing both parish and state averages. Notably, Sulphur is recognized for its petrochemical industry and a history rooted in sulfur mining.
Its name originates from the sulfur mines uncovered in the late 1800s. However, by the 1970s, the sulfur industry experienced a decline, resulting in substantial job losses. Presently, Sulphur grapples with challenges like modest median income, elevated unemployment, and aging infrastructure.
As reported by Data USA, the median household income in Sulphur was $46,424 in 2020, falling below the national average of $62,843. In the same year, Sulphur’s unemployment rate stood at 8.2%, exceeding the national average of 6.1%.
Read More:Â Discover the 5 Most Poorest Neighborhoods in East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana
Moss Bluff
Moss Bluff, situated on the northern side of Calcasieu Parish, is an unincorporated community with a population of approximately 12,000 residents. The poverty rate stands at 28.2%, making it one of the highest in the parish. Moss Bluff primarily comprises residential areas and businesses.
According to Neighborhood Scout, Moss Bluff experiences a crime rate surpassing 76% of communities in Louisiana, with a violent crime rate exceeding 86% of the state’s communities.
Read More:Â Discover the 5 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Cass County, Missouri
Vinton
Vinton, situated on the western edge of Calcasieu Parish, is home to approximately 3,000 residents. Its poverty rate stands at 29.4%, nearly double the national average. This rural area primarily relies on agriculture and tourism for its economic sustenance.
Throughout the year, Vinton plays host to various events including the Vinton Mardi Gras Festival and the Vinton Heritage Festival. However, the town grapples with challenges such as limited educational attainment, subpar health outcomes, and a dearth of economic prospects.
As per Data USA, only 77% of Vinton’s populace holds a high school diploma or higher, and 16% lack health insurance coverage.
Read More:Â Discover the 5 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Maury County, Tennessee
North Lake Charles
North Lake Charles, situated on the northern edge of the city of Lake Charles, is home to approximately 15,000 residents. The area grapples with a poverty rate of 39%, significantly surpassing the national average.
This urban neighborhood has faced a history of neglect and marginalization from city officials. It contends with issues including crime, violence, drug dependency, homelessness, and environmental risks.
Neighborhood Scout reports that North Lake Charles exhibits a crime rate higher than 98% of Louisiana’s communities, along with a violent crime rate surpassing 99% of Louisiana’s communities.
Read More:Â Discover the 5 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Anderson County, Tennessee
Final Words
Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana, boasts a vibrant past and a varied culture and economy. Nevertheless, it grapples with a significant poverty rate, impacting numerous residents, particularly those in neighborhoods confronting various hurdles and difficulties.
These communities require increased focus and assistance from both local and state authorities, alongside contributions from private and nonprofit sectors, to enhance their quality of life and prospects.
By tackling the underlying issues and effects of poverty, Calcasieu Parish has the potential to transform into a more thriving and just community for its entire populace.
