Poverty Rates in South Carolina
Isolation of the State's Poorest Multiplies the Problem
With a poverty rate of 15.0%, South Carolina has the 9th highest poverty rate in the United States, a position that it shares with the state of Tennessee.
This is just slightly lower than the poverty rate of Arkansas, and just slightly higher than the poverty rate of Arizona.
Where the Worst Poverty in South Carolina Occurs
The highest poverty rates in South Carolina occur in both major cities and a string of counties that stretch through the center of the state (see map below article).
The six counties in South Carolina where poverty rates reach critical levels (at least 50% above the state average) are the following:
- Allendale (32.1%)
- Bamberg (23.1%)
- Clarendon (23.2%)
- Lee (22.7%)
- Marion (22.5%)
- Williamsburg (25.8%)
These counties are all much more rural areas of the state where population densities only rise above half of the South Carolina average in parts of Marion County.
On the other side of the spectrum, poverty rates also reach critical levels in the following major cities (25,000 or more people):
- North Charleston (23.2%)
- Spartanburg (23.3%)
The poverty rates stop just short of critical levels in other major cities such as Columbia and Anderson as well.
Why the Worst Poverty in South Carolina Exists
Since critical poverty rates are found in both rural and urban areas of South Carolina, it is important to understand reasons behind both. In South Carolina, a lot of the problems in both areas are rooted in a long-lasting negative stigma associated with poorer areas.
This negative stigma of the areas discourages businesses from investing in the region, which causes a rise in unemployment. It will also make the areas unattractive choices for teachers and health care professionals, leading to poor quality education and health care.
In the rural areas of South Carolina this isolation leads to a lack of information. This lack of information is caused by both geographical distances from any major city, and a lack of interest from politicians.
In the urban areas of South Carolina, this negative stigma of the poor neighborhoods leads to an increase in crime, decreased and/or negative attention from police, and very low wage jobs.
All of these problems make extreme poverty in the areas continually worse and harder to escape from.
All of this aside, it is important to keep in mind that the reasons for poverty are as unique as the individuals who live through it. Though finding trends in a specific area is important, no generalization can account for everyone.
What is Being Done about Poverty in South Carolina
In rural areas of South Carolina, the USDA’s Rural Development branch and organizations like Habitat for Humanity do a lot to help people escape from a life of poverty.
In particular, Habitat for Humanity has built more than 250,000 houses in the United States and around the world, providing more than 1 million people in more than 3,000 communities with safe, decent, affordable shelter.
In the more urban areas of South Carolina a host of charitable and outreach organizations such as United Way, Red Cross, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Poverty USA, and Second Harvest all help lower-income families and individuals.
Other people who have greatly helped people in need in South Carolina’s major cities are national legislators who worked to raise the minimum wage. A higher minimum wage will make it easier for lower-income individuals and families to be better able to sustain themselves without federal assistance.
References:
United States Census Bureau
Habitat for Humanity
