The poorest areas in Manhattan are generally concentrated in Northern Manhattan, specifically East Harlem, Washington Heights, and Inwood. These neighborhoods are characterized by lower median incomes, higher poverty rates, and a significant proportion of the population living on lower-income public assistance. Historically, these areas have been home to many immigrant and low-income communities.
Specific neighborhoods and details
- East Harlem: Often cited as one of Manhattan's poorest neighborhoods, with median household income being significantly lower than the city's wealthiest areas. It has historically been a neighborhood of successive immigrant waves.
- Washington Heights and Inwood: These northern Manhattan neighborhoods are considered disadvantaged and medically underserved. A significant percentage of residents live in poverty, and they have a high proportion of Hispanic and Black residents.
- Other historical areas: Areas like the Lower East Side and the Bowery were historically notorious low-income slums but have undergone significant gentrification, leading to a mix of old and new residents.
- Poverty and public housing: These neighborhoods often have a high number of public housing developments and segregated housing projects.
