Alabama is one of the least wealthy states in the US, with people earning around $52,035 on average in a year. This is less than the national average, which is $64,994. However, there are places within Alabama that are even poorer than the rest. One of these places is Bessemer, a city with about 25,000 residents in the Birmingham area.
Here, we’ll look into the economic and social situation of Bessemer, which is considered the poorest city in Alabama based on the latest census data. We’ll also explore the historical and cultural factors that have influenced Bessemer’s situation, and discuss the potential opportunities and challenges it might face in the future.
Bessemer: The Poorest City in Alabama
| Median household income | $30,284 |
| Poverty rate | 28.40% |
| Home value | $100,100 |
| Educational attainment | 13.90% |
| Founded by | Henry F. DeBardeleben |
| Named after | Sir Henry Bessemer |
The latest info from the US Census Bureau shows that in Bessemer, the typical household earns only $30,284, making it the lowest among the 23 places in Alabama with populations of at least 25,000. This means half of Bessemer’s households make less than $30,000 a year, which is just enough for basic living costs.
Bessemer also has a high poverty rate of 28.4%, much higher than the state average of 15.5% and the national average of 10.5%.
Almost three out of every 10 people in Bessemer live below the federal poverty line, which was $12,880 for a single person and $26,500 for a family of four in 2020.
The city faces economic challenges, like a low home value of $100,100, which is less than two-thirds of the state average of $149,600.
Bessemer also has fewer educated residents, with only 13.9% of adults having a bachelor’s degree or higher, compared to the state and national averages.
Bessemer’s history is tied to the iron and steel industry, which declined in the second half of the 20th century, causing job losses and a decrease in population and revenue.
The city struggles with issues like crime, blight, and corruption. In 2018, the mayor and two council members were indicted on ethics charges.
Despite these challenges, Bessemer has strengths. It has a rich cultural heritage, especially in music, being the birthplace or home of notable artists like blues singer Dinah Washington, soul singer Eddie Kendricks, and rapper Gucci Mane.
The city also has a strong community spirit, as seen in recent efforts by Amazon workers to unionize and improve working conditions.
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To Conclude
In conclusion, Bessemer, Alabama, shows a clear example of economic inequality in a state dealing with financial difficulties. The city faces challenges like poverty, low home values, and limited education opportunities due to its past industrial decline.
However, there’s hope in Bessemer’s rich cultural heritage and strong community spirit, suggesting the potential for positive change. To create a brighter future, the city needs to tackle current issues such as crime, corruption, and a lack of economic opportunities. Bessemer’s journey is worth paying attention to because its success or failure could offer lessons for many struggling communities across the nation.
