Los Angeles, renowned for its glitz and glamour, harbors some of the least affluent cities in the county. This article seeks to illuminate these areas, offering a more profound insight into the economic inequalities prevalent within the city.
Identifying the Poorest Cities
Recent data pinpoint Hawthorne, El Monte, and Compton as the most economically challenged cities in Los Angeles County.
Hawthorne
Situated in southwestern Los Angeles County, Hawthorne forms part of the Los Angeles metropolitan region. Despite hosting the headquarters and design centers of Tesla and SpaceX, Hawthorne boasts a population density of 13,951 persons per square mile, spanning over 6 miles.
The median age in Hawthorne is 33.2 years, with males averaging 32.3 years and females 34 years. The city has a median household income of $54,215 and a poverty rate of 15.4%.
El Monte
Nestled in the San Gabriel Valley to the east of Los Angeles, El Monte, also known as “The End of the Santa Fe Trail,” reports a population density of 12,115 persons per square mile across more than 10 miles. The median age in El Monte is 35.7 years, with a median household income of $49,003 and a poverty rate of 19.5%. Recent figures indicate a median rental rate of $1,282 per month and a median property value of $454,900.
Compton
Ranking as the poorest city in Los Angeles County with the highest poverty rate, Compton is situated in southern California, in the south of Los Angeles County.
Poverty in Los Angeles
The poverty rate in Los Angeles, California, surpasses the state average by 34.96%. Approximately 16.6% of the city’s 3,828,299 residents live in poverty. Los Angeles ranks third in the number of persistently poor neighborhoods, trailing behind New York City and Chicago.
Conclusion
While Los Angeles often basks in its association with affluence, it’s crucial to acknowledge that not all areas within the city share in this prosperity. Cities such as Hawthorne, El Monte, and Compton underscore the economic disparities within Los Angeles County. Addressing these imbalances is imperative for ensuring a higher quality of life for all residents.
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