North Carolina is unique because it has a wide range of landscapes, a rich culture history, and a strong economy. Not every part of the state is as prosperous, though. A recent study by 24/7 Wall St. found that Scotland Neck, a small seaside town with about 1,000 people, is the poorest town in North Carolina.
Things that Lead to Poverty in Scotland Neck
Scotland Neck is in Brunswick County, about 30 miles south of Wilmington. It has a past that goes back to the colonial era, when English and Scottish people came to live there. The town’s name comes from the land “neck” that connects it to the shore. Tourism, fishing, and farming are the main industries that bring in money for the town. Still, these businesses have had to deal with problems like pollution, competition from other places, and shifting customer tastes. There is also a lot of crime in Scotland Neck, not many people have finished school, and it’s hard to get to medical care and public transportation.
The American Community Survey (ACS) says that in 2020, the average family income in Scotland Neck was only $15,985. This is 73.6% less than the average for the state. Over half of the people living there were living below the government poverty line, as the poverty rate rose to 46.9%. The rate of unemployment was 10.8%, which was higher than the average rate of 5.8% in the state.
How It Compares to Other North Carolina Towns
In North Carolina, Scotland Neck is not the only town that is having trouble with its economy. A similar or higher amount of poverty can be found in a number of other towns:
Selma: This town of about 6,300 people has the second-lowest income in North Carolina, at $25,421, and 33.6% of its people live in poverty. It has a higher jobless rate than the rest of the state, at 22%.
This town, Boone, has about 18,000 people and is the poorest in North Carolina, which is not something anyone wants to be. People there make $24,756 a year, and 55.3% of them are poor. Unemployment is at 18%.
About 8,300 people live in Roxboro, which has an income of $31,573, a poverty rate of 37.9%, and a jobless rate of 21%. It is the fourth poorest town in North Carolina.
For every 4,600 people who live in North Wilkesboro, which has an income of $32,000, a poverty rate of 45.5%, and a jobless rate of 20%, it is the third poorest city in North Carolina.
Possible Answers for Scotland Neck’s Getting Better
Poverty causes a lot of problems, but they are not impossible to solve. Government bodies, businesses, nonprofits, and people in the community can work together to deal with some of the main causes of poverty:
Putting money into education and training programs: Giving more money to programs that teach, train, and help people find jobs can give locals more power by giving them new skills and credentials.
Diversifying Economic Activities: Encouraging diversification in fishing, farming, and tourism can give people more job options, ways to make money, and economic opportunities.
Improving Public Safety: Increasing public safety, law enforcement, and the justice system can help lower crime rates, protect residents’ rights, and stop people from doing illegal things.
Improving Social Services and Healthcare: Improving public transportation, social services, and healthcare can make it easier for people to get good medical care, connect with others, and get around.
Promoting Civic Engagement: Promoting volunteering, civic engagement, and community building can help people get along better, trust each other, and work together.
Scotland Neck may be having trouble with its economy, but the town can get through it and have a better future if people are determined, creative, and work together.
In Conclusion
It turns out that Scotland Neck is one of the poorest places in North Carolina, with low incomes, a falling population, and economic problems. Even with these problems, the town has some good things going for it, like beautiful nature, a rich cultural history, and a friendly community. Scotland Neck can work toward a better future by putting in place targeted answers, dealing with problems that are already there, and making the most of its strengths.