The city of Hartford, Connecticut, has consistently been ranked as the poorest city in the state based on various poverty metrics. According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2022 American Community Survey, Hartford has a poverty rate of 31.4%, significantly higher than the state’s overall poverty rate of 11.1%. This means that over one in three residents of Hartford lives below the poverty line.
Several Factors Contribute To Hartford’s High Poverty Rate, Including:
Deindustrialization: Hartford was once a manufacturing hub, but the decline of the industry in the late 20th century led to widespread job losses and economic hardship.
Education and Skills Gap: A significant portion of Hartford’s population lacks the education and skills required for well-paying jobs in today’s economy.
Racial and Ethnic Disparities: Hartford’s population is predominantly African American and Hispanic, groups that have historically faced barriers to economic opportunity.
Segregation: Hartford’s neighborhoods are highly segregated, with low-income residents concentrated in certain areas, limiting access to quality education, employment opportunities, and safe housing.
High cost of living: The cost of housing, transportation, and other essentials is relatively high in Hartford, making it difficult for low-income residents to make ends meet.
Lack of access to quality healthcare: Hartford has a shortage of primary care providers, and many residents lack health insurance, making it difficult to access preventive care and treatment for chronic conditions.
Crime and violence: Hartford has a high crime rate, which can create a climate of fear and distrust that can hinder economic development and make it difficult for residents to feel safe in their communities.
These statistics paint a stark picture of economic hardship faced by many residents of Connecticut.
| City | Hartford |
| Median Household Income | $39,513 |
| Poverty Rate | 31.4% |
| Unemployment Rate | 9.2% |
| White Population | 36.8% |
| Native American Population | 0.3% |
| Median Age | 33.8 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Poverty in Hartford, Connecticut
Q: What is the median household income in Hartford, Connecticut?
A: The median household income in Hartford is $39,513.
Q: What is the poverty rate in Hartford, Connecticut?
A: The poverty rate in Hartford is 31.4%. This means that over one in three residents of Hartford lives below the poverty line.
Q: What is the unemployment rate in Hartford, Connecticut?
A: The unemployment rate in Hartford is 9.2%.
Q: What is the percentage of the population in Hartford that is white?
A: 36.8% of the population in Hartford is white.
Q: What is the percentage of the population in Hartford that is Native American?
A: 0.3% of the population in Hartford is Native American.
Q: What is the median age in Hartford, Connecticut?
A: The median age in Hartford is 33.8 years old.
Q. What are the factors that contribute to poverty in Hartford?
Several factors contribute to Hartford’s high poverty rate, including:
- Deindustrialization
- Education and Skills Gap
- Racial and Ethnic Disparities
- Segregation
