Huntsville has the dubious distinction of being Texas’ poorest city, according to research conducted by 24/7 Wall St. Using data from the 2020 American Community Survey (ACS), the study evaluated cities with populations larger than 25,000 based on median household income.
With a typical household income of $29,765, Huntsville is much lower than the state norm of $64,034—less than half in fact. The city also has a high poverty rate of 35.8%, which is more than double the state average of 14.5%.
Huntsville’s unemployment rate sits at 8.4%, higher than the state rate of 6.2%. Furthermore, 42.5% of Huntsville households receive food stamps, which is higher than the statewide rate of 11.7%.
It is worth mentioning that Huntsville is not alone in battling economic issues in Texas. According to another estimate, the top ten poorest cities in Texas in 2023 are Prairie View, Marlin, Roma, Jasper, Sinton, Robstown, Raymondville, Alton, Nacogdoches, and Rio Grande City.
These cities have median earnings ranging from $16,914 to $36,176, and poverty rates range from 28.9% to 53.5%.
Huntsville in Comparison to Other Cities in Texas
Huntsville, in Walker County, Texas, has a population of around 47,000 as of 2022. It is known for housing Sam Houston State University and the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Compared to other Texas cities, Huntsville exhibits:
- A lower median household income ($29,765, versus the statewide average of $64,034) and a greater poverty rate (35.8% vs. 14.5%).
- Lower educational attainment (19.9% of individuals with a bachelor’s degree or above, compared to 30.3% statewide) and higher unemployment rate (8.4% vs. 6.2% statewide).
- A lower cost of living index (93 compared to 92 overall) and a lower housing index (78 vs 83 statewide).
- A higher healthcare score (110 versus 95 statewide) and a higher goods-and-services index (104 versus 97).
Factors contributing to Huntsville’s poverty
Several factors contribute to Huntsville’s economic difficulties, including poor educational attainment, high unemployment, and a large reliance on government aid. In Huntsville, only 19.9% of people have a bachelor’s degree or above, compared to the state average of 30.3%.
How Does Huntsville Compare to Other States in the USA?
Huntsville, Texas, has a lower median income, a higher poverty rate, and lower educational attainment than other states in the United States.
According to Wikipedia, the median household income in Huntsville is $29,765, less than half of the national median of $62,843.
The poverty rate in Huntsville is 35.8%, more than doubling the national average of 13.4%. Only 19.9% of Huntsville adults have a bachelor’s degree or above, compared to 32.6% nationally.
Huntsville is well known for being the home of Sam Houston, a famous character in Texas history, as well as the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, which manages multiple prisons in the area.
While Huntsville’s cost of living index is lower than the national average, it also has a higher health care index and a higher goods and services index.
Final Words
Huntsville, Texas, is the least affluent city in the state and one of the poorest in the country, according to recent research. The city faces a number of challenges, including low wages, high poverty rates, poor educational attainment, increased unemployment, and a significant reliance on government assistance.
Furthermore, Huntsville’s healthcare and goods and services expenditures exceed both the state and national average. Despite its historical and cultural significance, Huntsville demands more economic opportunities and social aid to improve living conditions and close the poverty gap.
SOURCE: areavibes.com, roadsnacks.net