According to a report by Data USA, the poorest city in Hawaii is Maunaloa, with a poverty rate of 49.2% in 2020. This means that nearly half of the residents of Maunaloa are living below the poverty line. The median household income in Maunaloa is also significantly lower than the state average, at just $16,100 per year. There are a number of factors that contribute to the high poverty rate in Maunaloa, including a lack of access to good-paying jobs, high housing costs, and a lack of affordable childcare.
Factors Contributing To Poverty In Maunaloa
Several factors contribute to the high poverty rate in Maunaloa. One significant issue is the lack of access to good-paying jobs. The area’s economy is largely reliant on agriculture and tourism, which tend to offer low-wage employment opportunities. Additionally, Maunaloa’s rural location limits job opportunities in other sectors.
Housing costs also play a role in perpetuating poverty in Maunaloa. The median home value in the area is over $300,000, making it difficult for many residents to afford decent housing. This lack of affordable housing forces many residents to spend a large portion of their income on housing, leaving them with less money to cover other essential expenses.
Furthermore, the lack of affordable childcare in Maunaloa poses a significant barrier for working parents. The high cost of childcare can make it difficult for single parents or families with multiple children to afford to work, trapping them in a cycle of poverty.
Negative Consequences Of Poverty In Maunaloa
The high poverty rate in Maunaloa has a number of negative consequences for its residents. One of the most pressing concerns is the impact on health outcomes. Residents of Maunaloa are more likely to experience chronic health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. They are also more likely to lack access to adequate healthcare.
Poverty also has a detrimental impact on educational attainment in Maunaloa. Students from low-income families are more likely to drop out of school or struggle academically. This lack of education can limit their future employment opportunities and perpetuate the cycle of poverty.
In addition, poverty can contribute to increased crime rates in Maunaloa. When individuals lack opportunities to achieve economic security, they may turn to criminal activity to make ends meet. This can create a climate of fear and instability in the community.
These statistics paint a stark picture of economic hardship faced by many residents of Hawaii.
| Factor | Data |
| Poverty Rate | 49.2% |
| Median Household Income | $16,100 |
| Percentage of Residents Living Below Poverty Line | 49.2% |
1. What is the current poverty situation in Maunaloa, Hawaii?
Maunaloa reports a staggering poverty rate of 49.2% as of 2020, meaning nearly half of its residents live below the poverty line. The median household income is notably low at $16,100 annually, significantly below the state average.
2. What factors contribute to the high poverty rate in Maunaloa?
Limited access to well-paying jobs, reliance on low-wage sectors like agriculture and tourism, high housing costs (median home value over $300,000), and a dearth of affordable childcare options contribute to the persistent poverty cycle.
3. What is the median household income in Maunaloa, Hawaii?
The median household income in Maunaloa, Hawaii is just $16,100 per year, which is far below the state average of $78,420.
