Discover the 5 Most Poorest Neighborhoods in Vernon Parish, Louisiana

Most Poorest Neighborhoods in Vernon Parish

There are roughly 47,000 people living in Vernon Parish, a rural county in central Louisiana. Fort Polk, a major military installation, is located here and enriches the business and culture of the area.However, the parish as a whole does not see uniform growth and development.

The poverty rate in Vernon Parish in 2021 was 17.7 percent, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, which was higher than the statewide average of 16.3 percent. Low income, high unemployment, inadequate education, and lack of access to health and social services are only some of the problems that some areas of the parish have to deal with.

This article takes look at the five areas in Vernon Parish with the lowest median household incomes, according to statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau.

Simpson

A little over 600 people call Simpson, located in northern Vernon Parish, home. Despite having a much lower population density than any other municipality in the parish, it has more land area than any other in the parish.

While the median income for the parish was $53,215 in 2021, the typical Simpson household earned only $33,750 that year, a difference of 36.6%.

When compared to the parish average, Simpson’s poverty rate was 6.2 percentage points higher, at 18. In Simpson, just 13.6% of the population has a bachelor’s degree or above, which is much lower than the parish average of 18.6% and the state average of 24.8%.

The unemployment rate in Simpson is 10.4%, which is much higher than both the parish and state averages (6.9% and 6.2%, respectively).

Anacoco

With a population of around 800, Anacoco is a small town located in western Vernon Parish.There are fishing and boating opportunities at nearby Anacoco Lake, which is just a short distance away. In 2021, the average household income in the parish was $53,215, while the median income in Anacoco was $32,500, a 39% decrease.

Compared to the parish average of 17.7%, Anacoco’s poverty rate of 25% was much higher. While 18.6% of adults in the parish and 24.8% of individuals in the state have a bachelor’s degree or above, only 14% of residents in Anacoco can say the same.

When compared to the parish and state averages (6.9% and 6.2%), Anacoco’s 11% unemployment rate stands out as particularly high.

Hornbeck

Located in eastern Vernon Parish, Hornbeck is a small community of around 400 people. The annual Watermelon Festival, which honors the area’s agricultural history, is a major draw for people from all over the surrounding counties.

While the parish average was $53,215 in 2021, the median family income in Hornbeck was only $31,875. Hornbeck had a poverty rate of 26%, 8.3% higher than the parish average of 17.7%.

Compared to the parish average of 18.6% and the statewide average of 24.8%, the educational attainment level in Hornbeck is low, with only 11% of individuals holding a bachelor’s degree or above.

Unemployment is also rather high in Hornbeck, at 11.5% of the workforce, which is significantly higher than the parish average of 6.9% and the state average of 6.2%.

New Llano

Located in southern Vernon Parish, New Llano is home to a small but thriving community of roughly 2,515 people. In 1917, a group of socialists settled on the site of the former sawmill and set up a cooperative colony there. The town celebrates May Day every year and elects a mayor and council in order to keep some of its progressive traditions alive.

While the parish average was $53,215 in 2021, the median family income in New Llano was only $31,250. There were 9.7 more people living in poverty in New Llano than there were in the rest of the parish, bringing the total to 27.4%.

The educational attainment level in New Llano is low, with only 10.8% of individuals holding a bachelor’s degree or above, compared to the parish average of 18.6% and the state average of 24.8%. At 12.1%, New Llano’s unemployment rate is significantly higher than the parish and state averages (6.9% and 6.1%, respectively).

Leesville

Leesville, Vernon Parish’s central city, is home to roughly 6,000 people. The county’s largest city and parish seat. Because of its proximity to nearby Fort Polk, the city is a major residential and commercial center for military troops and their families.

In 2021, the average Leesville household made $30,833, or 42% less than the parish median income of $53,215. Leesville had a poverty rate of 28%, 10.3% higher than the parish average of 17.7%.

Only 10.5% of individuals in Leesville have a bachelor’s degree or above, well below the parish average of 18.6% and the state average of 24.8%. The unemployment rate in Leesville is 12.5%, which is much higher than the parish and state averages of 6.9% and 6.2%, respectively.

Final Words

According to the most recent census, these are the five poorest neighborhoods in Vernon Parish, Louisiana. They have to contend with numerous obstacles that limit their potential and diminish their quality of life.

They face many challenges, but they also have resources at their disposal that can help them triumph over these obstacles and better their lives.

Their capacity for innovation and collaboration, as well as the strength of their communities and the wealth of their history and culture, natural resources, and scenic beauty, come to mind.

These communities can improve their economic standing and the quality of life for their citizens if they take stock of and work to remedy the challenges they face.

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With more than two years of expertise in news and analysis, Eileen Stewart is a seasoned reporter. Eileen is a respected voice in this field, well-known for her sharp reporting and insightful analysis. Her writing covers a wide range of subjects, from politics to culture and more.