Camden County, located in New Jersey, is a populous and diverse region that shares a border with Philadelphia, the sixth most populous city in the United States. The median household income for the county is $75,485, slightly below the state’s average of $85,751. However, disparities in prosperity exist across different areas within the county.
As indicated by the U.S. Census Bureau, certain neighborhoods within Camden County experience significantly higher poverty rates compared to the national average of 10.5%. In this article, we will examine the five poorest neighborhoods in Camden County, identified based on the proportion of residents living below the poverty threshold:
Whitman Park
Whitman Park stands as a neighborhood within Camden, a city serving as the county seat and the most densely populated community in Camden County. Inhabited by approximately 6,867 residents, Whitman Park contends with a poverty rate of 54.9%, ranking as the highest within the county and among the top in the country.
The demographic landscape of this neighborhood is largely African American, reflecting a median household income of $19,784 and a median home value of $54,600. Whitman Park confronts numerous difficulties including crime, unemployment, limited educational achievements, and unfavorable health results.
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Centerville
Centerville, situated within Camden, is confronted with significant poverty and limited prospects. With a population of 9,873, it bears a poverty rate of 51.3%, marking the county’s second-highest.
The predominant demographic in this neighborhood is Hispanic or Latino, characterized by a median household income of $21,250 and a median home value of $57,800. Challenges in Centerville encompass problems like violence, substance abuse, lack of housing, and environmental risks.
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Bergen Square
Bergen Square, situated in Camden, holds historical significance tracing back to the colonial era. The neighborhood’s population is 5,026, and it experiences a poverty rate of 50.8%, ranking as the third-highest within the county.
This community exhibits racial diversity and showcases a median household income of $20,833, alongside a median home value of $60,400. While Bergen Square boasts cultural gems like the Walt Whitman House and the Cooper Library, it grapples with challenges like blight, neglect, and disinvestment.
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Fairview
Fairview, situated in Camden, was initially established as a deliberate housing development for veterans of World War I. Presently, its population stands at 7,987 residents, grappling with a poverty rate of 46%—ranking it fourth-highest in the county.
Predominantly an African American community, Fairview reports a median household income of $25,833, accompanied by a median home value of $71,300. While the neighborhood offers certain conveniences like parks and schools, it also contends with issues of decay, seclusion, and limited access to resources.
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Gateway
Gateway, situated in Camden, is a neighborhood adjacent to the Benjamin Franklin Bridge, linking New Jersey and Pennsylvania. It encompasses a population of 2,551 residents and exhibits a poverty rate of 45%, ranking as the fifth-highest within the county.
This mixed-race neighborhood holds a median household income of $18,750 along with a median home value of $63,900. While Gateway possesses prospects for growth, including waterfront accessibility and its close proximity to downtown Camden and Philadelphia, it is also confronted by challenges such as crime, pollution, and poverty.
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Final Words
These five communities stand as some of the most underprivileged regions in Camden County and across New Jersey. They require increased focus, investment, and backing from different groups to enhance the quality of life and prospects for their inhabitants.
Although certain pockets within these neighborhoods show glimpses of promise and advancement, like local initiatives, rejuvenation undertakings, and welfare programs, there remains a substantial amount of effort needed to diminish poverty and disparity in Camden County.
