Monroe, Louisiana, a city in the northeastern part of the state, is home to around 46,000 people. It serves as the seat of Ouachita Parish and is the main city in the Monroe metropolitan area.
While Monroe boasts a rich history and culture, it grapples with significant challenges like poverty, crime, and unemployment. In 2019, the U.S. Census Bureau reported a poverty rate of 35% in Monroe, almost twice the national average of 12.8%.
So, which neighborhoods in Monroe experience the highest levels of poverty? After analyzing data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey, we’ve pinpointed the five neighborhoods with the lowest median household income. These are:
Southside Terrace
This area is in the southern part of Monroe, bordered by DeSiard Street, South Grand Street, Renwick Street, and South 2nd Street.
The average household income here is $13,750, which is much lower than the city’s average of $33,925. Most residents are African American, totaling 1,216 people. This neighborhood faces higher crime rates and lower educational levels, with just 54% of adults having a high school diploma or more.
Read More:Â Discover the 5 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Cumberland County, New Jersey
Booker T
This region is situated in the southwest part of Monroe, enclosed by South 8th Street, Texas Avenue, South 2nd Street, and Jackson Street. The typical household income in this area is $14,583, which is just under half of the city’s average income.
The majority of its population, consisting of 1,844 individuals, is African American. This neighborhood experiences elevated crime rates and lower educational attainment, with only 58% of adults having completed high school or attained a higher level of education.
Read More:Â Discover the 5 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Park County, Montana
Burg Jones
This area in the northwest of Monroe is surrounded by Millhaven Road, Burg Jones Lane, Winnsboro Road, and South 8th Street.
The average household income here is $15,000, which is less than half of the city’s average. The majority of residents are African American, totaling 3,064 people. This neighborhood experiences a high level of crime and a lower level of educational achievement, with only 60% of adults holding a high school diploma or beyond.
Read More:Â Discover the 5 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Boca Raton, Florida
Lakeshore
This area is situated in the northeastern section of Monroe, bordered by Bayou DeSiard, Forsythe Avenue, North 18th Street, and Louisville Avenue. The average household income here is $16,250, which is less than half of the city’s overall median.
The neighborhood is made up of a mix of different races, totaling 1,755 residents. It experiences a moderate level of crime and has an average level of education, with 86% of adults holding a high school diploma or higher.
Read More:Â Discover the 5 Most Poorest Neighborhoods in New Orleans, Louisiana
Richwood
This area is in the southeast of Monroe, surrounded by U.S. Highway 165 South, Richwood Road No. 2, Richwood Road No. 1, and Interstate 20.
The average household income here is $17,500, which is roughly half of the city’s average. Most residents are African American, totaling 5,332 people. The neighborhood has a higher rate of crime and a lower level of education, with only 65% of adults having a high school diploma or more.
Read More:Â Discover the 5 Poorest Neighborhoods in Camden County, New Jersey
Conclusion
These neighborhoods in Monroe face significant disadvantages and require increased focus and resources to enhance their quality of life and opportunities. By spotlighting their difficulties and requirements, we aim to generate awareness and motivate efforts to lift them out of poverty and enable them to reach their maximum potential.
