St. Martin Parish, located in Louisiana, is home to approximately 51,000 residents. It is a part of the Lafayette metropolitan area and is known for its rich French-speaking culture and historical significance.
Despite its cultural heritage, not all areas within St. Martin Parish enjoy prosperity. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the poverty rate in this parish stands at 17.3%, surpassing the national average of 12.6%.
Certain neighborhoods within St. Martin Parish face particular challenges related to poverty, including low income, unemployment, limited access to education, subpar health conditions, and higher crime rates.
Here are the five areas with the lowest median household income in St. Martin Parish, based on data from the U.S. Census Bureau:
Cade
Cade, a designated area in St. Martin Parish, is home to 1,140 residents. The typical household income here is $24,583, significantly lower than the parish’s average of $48,884. The poverty rate in Cade stands at 32.9%, nearly twice the parish average of 17.3%.
In terms of employment, Cade faces a 10.6% unemployment rate, surpassing the parish average of 6.7%. Additionally, educational attainment is comparatively low, with only 66.9% of individuals aged 25 and older holding a high school diploma or higher, in contrast to the parish average of 83.8%.
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Parks
Parks, a village in St. Martin Parish, has a population of 653 residents. The median household income here is $25,833, less than half of the parish’s average of $48,884. The poverty rate is 30%, considerably higher than the parish average of 17.3%.
The unemployment rate in Parks is 8%, a bit above the parish average of 6.7%. Educational attainment is comparatively lower, with only 69% of those aged 25 and older holding a high school diploma or higher, as opposed to the parish average of 83.8%.
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Cecilia
Cecilia, located in St. Martin Parish, is home to approximately 1,894 residents. The median household income here is $31,250, which is about two-thirds of the parish’s average income of $48,884. The poverty rate in Cecilia stands at 26%, notably higher than the parish average of 17.3%.
Unemployment in Cecilia is at 7%, slightly above the parish average of 6.7%. Educational attainment is also lower, with only 73% of individuals aged 25 and over holding a high school diploma or higher, compared to the parish average of 83.8%.
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St. Martinville
St. Martinville, a city in St. Martin Parish, has about 5,995 residents. The typical household income here is $32,083, which is lower than the parish average of $48,884. Moreover, the poverty rate in St. Martinville is 28%, significantly higher than the parish average of 17.3%.
The unemployment rate in St. Martinville is 9%, which is also above the parish average of 6.7%. In terms of education, only 76% of those 25 years and older in St. Martinville have a high school diploma or higher, which is lower than the parish average of 83.8%.
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Breaux Bridge
Breaux Bridge is the largest city in St. Martin Parish, with a population of 8,323 people. The typical household income here is $35,833, which is about 75% of the parish average of $48,884. The poverty rate in Breaux Bridge is 23%, which is higher than the parish average of 17.3%.
The unemployment rate in Breaux Bridge is 7%, slightly above the parish average of 6.7%. Additionally, educational attainment is comparatively low, with only 78% of the population aged 25 and over having a high school diploma or higher, as opposed to the parish average of 83.8%.
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Final Words
These five neighborhoods in St. Martin Parish, Louisiana, are some of the most economically and socially challenged areas. They encounter numerous obstacles in their efforts to improve their living conditions. Yet, they also possess potential and chances to surpass their challenges and reach their aspirations.
Through the assistance of programs and efforts from local, state, and national governments, along with non-profit organizations and community groups, these neighborhoods can tap into additional resources and assistance to elevate their standard of living and overall welfare.
