Huntsville holds the dubious distinction of being the poorest city in Texas, as indicated by a study conducted by 24/7 Wall St. Utilizing data from the 2020 American Community Survey (ACS), the study ranked cities with populations exceeding 25,000 based on their median household income.
With a median household income of $29,765, Huntsville falls significantly below the state median of $64,034—less than half, in fact. The city also grapples with a high poverty rate of 35.8%, more than double the statewide average of 14.5%.
Huntsville’s unemployment rate stands at 8.4%, surpassing the state rate of 6.2%. Moreover, a substantial 42.5% of households in Huntsville receive food stamps, compared to the statewide rate of 11.7%.
It’s worth noting that Huntsville is not alone in facing economic challenges within Texas. According to another source, the top ten poorest cities in Texas for 2023 include Prairie View, Marlin, Roma, Jasper, Sinton, Robstown, Raymondville, Alton, Nacogdoches, and Rio Grande City.
These cities exhibit median incomes ranging from $16,914 to $36,176, with corresponding poverty rates spanning 28.9% to 53.5%.
How Does Huntsville Compare to Other Cities in Texas?
Huntsville, located in Walker County, Texas, boasts a population of approximately 47,000 as of 2022. It is notable for housing Sam Houston State University and the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. In comparison to other Texas cities, Huntsville exhibits:
1. A lower median household income ($29,765 compared to the statewide average of $64,034) and a higher poverty rate (35.8% versus the statewide rate of 14.5%).
2. A lower educational attainment (19.9% of adults with a bachelor’s degree or higher compared to the statewide rate of 30.3%) and a higher unemployment rate (8.4% versus the statewide rate of 6.2%).
3. A lower cost of living index (93 compared to the statewide index of 92) and a lower housing index (78 compared to the statewide index of 83).
4. A higher health care index (110 compared to the statewide index of 95) and a higher goods and services index (104 compared to the statewide index of 97).
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Factors that Contributes to Huntsville’s Poverty
Several factors contribute to Huntsville’s economic struggles, including low educational attainment, elevated unemployment, and a heavy reliance on government assistance. A mere 19.9% of adults in Huntsville hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, in contrast to the statewide figure of 30.3%.
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How Does Huntsville Compare to Other States in the US?
Huntsville, located in Texas, exhibits a lower median income, an elevated poverty rate, and a decreased educational attainment when compared to other states in the US.
As per Wikipedia, the median household income in Huntsville is $29,765, which is less than half of the national median of $62,843.
The poverty rate in Huntsville stands at 35.8%, surpassing more than double the national average of 13.4%. Only 19.9% of adults in Huntsville hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, in contrast to the 32.6% nationwide.
Huntsville is renowned for being the residence of Sam Houston, a prominent figure in Texas history, and the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, which oversees several prisons in the region.
While Huntsville boasts a lower cost of living index than the national average, it also presents a higher health care index and a greater goods and services index.
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Final Words
Huntsville, Texas, stands as the least affluent city in the state and ranks among the most impoverished in the nation, as revealed by a recent study. The city grapples with various hurdles, including meager incomes, elevated poverty rates, limited educational attainment, heightened unemployment, and a substantial reliance on government aid.
Moreover, Huntsville contends with healthcare and goods and services costs surpassing both state and national averages. Despite its historical and cultural significance, Huntsville requires increased economic prospects and enhanced social assistance to uplift living standards and narrow the poverty divide.
