Many towns in the U.S. are struggling with poverty, but one town in New Jersey stands out the most. Based on recent data, Salem City has officially been named the poorest town in New Jersey. This small town, located in Salem County, has the lowest income levels in the entire state.
In this article, we will explore why Salem City has earned this unfortunate title, what the numbers say, and how it compares with other poor towns in New Jersey.
What Makes Salem City the Poorest Town?
According to recent reports from the U.S. Census and other reliable sources, Salem City has some of the lowest income levels in the state. The per capita income (average income per person) is just $17,949, which is far below the state average. The median household income is around $37,000, while the state average is close to $100,000.
More than 30% of people in Salem City live below the poverty line, meaning they don’t earn enough to cover basic needs like food, housing, and clothing. This is one of the highest poverty rates in New Jersey.
How Does It Compare to Other Poor Towns?
While Salem City ranks the lowest in income, there are a few other towns in New Jersey that are also facing serious poverty problems. These include:
Atlantic City
Atlantic City is known for its casinos and boardwalk, but many residents are struggling financially. About 32% of people here live in poverty, and the median household income is only $35,000.
Leisure Village
This is a small retirement community with a poverty rate of around 32%. The average household income is close to $41,000, which is still low compared to the state average.
Pleasantville
Pleasantville also faces economic challenges. Around 25% of its population lives in poverty, with a median household income of $48,700.
Why Is Salem City Struggling?
There are many reasons behind the poverty in Salem City. Some of the major factors include:
Lack of job opportunities
Businesses leaving the town
Low-quality education system
Poor infrastructure and fewer public services
Over time, these problems have led to fewer jobs, more families living in poverty, and young people moving out in search of better lives.
What Can Be Done?
Improving towns like Salem City will take time and effort from local government, community leaders, and residents. Some ways to help reduce poverty include:
Creating more job opportunities
Supporting small businesses
Improving education and skill training
Offering social support to families in need
Helping the poorest towns grow can lead to a better future for everyone in the region.
Salem City holds the title of the poorest town in New Jersey because of its very low income levels and high poverty rate. Many people in this town face daily struggles to meet their basic needs.
While other towns like Atlantic City and Pleasantville also face similar problems, Salem City stands out for having the lowest income figures in the entire state. To change this, long-term support and planning are needed to improve job opportunities, education, and public services.
