This Town Has Been Named The Poorest In Georgia

This Town Has Been Named The Poorest In Georgia

Cordele, Georgia has been named the poorest town in the state. Located about two hours south of Atlanta, this small city of approximately 10,752 residents faces significant economic challenges:

Economic Indicators

  • Poverty Rate: Cordele has an alarmingly high poverty rate of 50.7%, which is the highest in Georgia. This means over half of its residents live below the poverty line.
  • Median Household Income: The median household income in Cordele is around $23,294, less than half of Georgia’s statewide median of $51,037.
  • Unemployment: The city struggles with an unemployment rate of 8.8%, significantly higher than the state average.

Contributing Factors

Several factors contribute to Cordele’s economic struggles:

  • Lack of Employment Opportunities: The city faces a shortage of stable, well-paying jobs, which exacerbates its economic difficulties.
  • Educational Attainment: Only 13.6% of adults in Cordele have a bachelor’s degree or higher, limiting economic mobility.
  • Agricultural Dependence: While Cordele is known as the “Watermelon Capital of the World,” its reliance on agriculture may contribute to economic instability.

Impact on Community

The high poverty rate in Cordele affects various aspects of community life:

  • Housing: There is a significant lack of affordable housing, which impacts the ability to attract and retain workers for local industries and institutions.
  • Public Services: The economic situation strains public services and infrastructure in the city.
  • Quality of Life: Limited recreational and entertainment options, particularly for young people, contribute to a cycle of economic stagnation.

Despite these challenges, Cordele does have some positive attributes, including its proximity to Lake Blackshear and the Georgia Veterans State Park, which offer recreational opportunities.

Sources:

  1. https://owossoindependent.com/this-town-has-been-named-the-poorest-in-georgia/
  2.  https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/some-poor-people-in-georgia-say-they-have-no-reason-to-vote-a-decision-that-could-sway-election
  3.  https://www.theworkersrights.com/top-10-poorest-cities-in-georgia/