The city of Springfield, Missouri has been named the poorest city in the state. With a median household income of $37,491, Springfield falls far below the national median household income of $57,290. The city’s poverty rate is 22.2%, which is significantly higher than the national poverty rate of 11.4%.
Poverty in Springfield has a number of negative consequences for the city’s residents. It is linked to a higher crime rate, lower educational attainment, and poorer health outcomes. Poverty also limits residents’ opportunities for economic advancement.
Causes Of Poverty In Springfield
There are a number of factors that contribute to poverty in Springfield. These include:
- A high unemployment rate: The unemployment rate in Springfield is 6.1%, which is higher than the national unemployment rate of 3.6%.
- A lack of affordable housing: The median home value in Springfield is $130,000, which is out of reach for many low-income residents.
- A low level of education among residents: The percentage of adults in Springfield with a high school diploma or equivalent is 76.4%, which is lower than the national average of 85.6%.
Effects Of Poverty On Springfield
Poverty has a number of negative effects on Springfield. These include:
- A higher crime rate: The crime rate in Springfield is 20.1 crimes per 1,000 people, which is higher than the national crime rate of 16.2 crimes per 1,000 people.
- Lower educational attainment: The graduation rate for Springfield Public Schools is 86%, which is lower than the national average of 88%.
- Poorer health outcomes: Residents of Springfield are more likely to suffer from chronic health conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
Poverty also limits residents’ opportunities for economic advancement. Many low-income residents are trapped in low-wage jobs with limited opportunities for advancement. They may also lack the education and skills necessary to qualify for higher-paying jobs.
| Indicator | Springfield, MO | Missouri |
| Median Household Income | $37,491 | $57,290 |
| Poverty Rate | 22.2% | 12.1% |
| Unemployment Rate | 6.1% | 3.6% |
| High School Diploma or Equivalent | 76.4% | 84.5% |
| Crime Rate per 1,000 People | 20.1 | 17.4 |
| Graduation Rate | 86% | 88% |
The Role Of Government In Addressing Poverty
The government has a role to play in addressing poverty in Springfield. The government can provide funding for programs that help low-income residents, such as job training, financial assistance, and housing counseling. The government can also enact policies that promote economic growth and create jobs.
FAQs About Springfield, Missouri:
Q. What is the poverty rate in Springfield, Missouri?
The poverty rate in Springfield, Missouri is 22.2%, which is significantly higher than the national poverty rate of 11.4%.
Q. What are the causes of poverty in Springfield?
There are a number of factors that contribute to poverty in Springfield, including a high unemployment rate, a lack of affordable housing, and a low level of education among residents.
Q. What are the effects of poverty on Springfield?
Poverty has a number of negative effects on Springfield, including a higher crime rate, lower educational attainment, and poorer health outcomes. Poverty also limits residents’ opportunities for economic advancement.
Q. What are the solutions to poverty in Springfield?
There are a number of solutions to poverty in Springfield, including increasing the minimum wage, investing in education, and expanding access to affordable housing.
Q. What is the role of government in addressing poverty?
The government has a role to play in addressing poverty in Springfield. The government can provide funding for programs that help low-income residents, such as job training, financial assistance, and housing counseling. The government can also enact policies that promote economic growth and create jobs.
Q. How has poverty in Springfield changed in recent years?
The poverty rate in Springfield has been increasing in recent years. In 2010, the poverty rate was 17.6%.
Q. What programs are in place to help low-income residents in Springfield?
The city of Springfield has a number of programs in place to help low-income residents. These programs include a living wage ordinance and a program to provide affordable housing.
Q. What organizations are working to reduce poverty in Springfield?
There are a number of organizations working to reduce poverty in Springfield. These organizations provide a variety of services to low-income residents, such as job training, financial assistance, and housing counseling.
