Despite a median household income of $76,244, emblematic of the city's economic vibrancy, a significant portion of Los Angeles residents grapple with financial instability. With a poverty rate of 16.6%, it's evident that prosperity in Los Angeles is not equally distributed.
Here are the twelve poorest neighborhoods in Los Angeles.
12 Poorest Neighborhoods in LA
- Skid Row
- Fashion District
- South Park
- Pico-Union
- Watts
- East Hollywood
- Southeast Los Angeles
- Koreatown
- Florence-Graham
- El Monte
- Wilmington
- Boyle Heights
1. Skid Row
Nestled within downtown Los Angeles, Skid Row, officially known as Central City East, stands as a poignant symbol of urban poverty and homelessness. With a median household income of a mere $12,070 and a staggering poverty rate of 41.8%, this neighborhood encompasses one of the largest populations of homeless individuals in the United States.
Home to approximately 4,757 residents, Skid Row grapples with systemic issues of poverty, addiction, and mental health challenges, reflecting the broader societal issues facing marginalized communities.
2. Fashion District
Formerly recognized as the Garment District, the Fashion District paints a picture of economic hardship intertwined with entrepreneurial spirit. With a median household income of $30,417 and a poverty rate of 25.1%, this neighborhood is home to over 4,000 independently owned and operated retail and wholesale businesses.
Despite its vibrant commercial landscape, many residents face economic instability, highlighting the stark juxtaposition between business prosperity and individual hardship within the district.
3. South Park
South Park, with its median household income of $37,647 and poverty rate mirroring that of the Fashion District at 25.1%, serves as a microcosm of economic diversity within Los Angeles.
Home to 13,496 residents, this neighborhood grapples with affordable housing challenges, with a median rent of $1,090. Yet, amidst economic hardships, South Park fosters a sense of community resilience, as residents navigate the complexities of urban living with determination and solidarity.
4. Pico-Union
Pico-Union, with its median household income of $41,042 and a poverty rate of 28.1%, stands as a beacon of hope and opportunity amidst economic adversity. Home to a diverse population of 38,790 residents, this neighborhood boasts five public schools and a public library, underscoring the importance of education and community empowerment in combating poverty.
5. Watts
Watts, renowned for its iconic Watts Towers and vibrant cultural heritage, embodies the resilience of its residents in the face of economic hardship. With a median household income of $43,860 and a poverty rate of 34.7%, this neighborhood grapples with systemic issues of poverty and unemployment..
6. East Hollywood
East Hollywood, characterized by its median household income of $47,004 and a poverty rate of 22.4%, stands as a vibrant melting pot of diversity and culture within Los Angeles. Home to 48,165 residents, this neighborhood is notable for its rich tapestry of ethnic communities and cultural landmarks.
Despite facing economic challenges, East Hollywood thrives as a hub of creativity and innovation, with institutions like Los Angeles City College and Barnsdall Park contributing to its dynamic spirit.
7. Southeast Los Angeles
Southeast Los Angeles, with its median household income of $47,764 and a poverty rate of 28.4%, encompasses a diverse array of neighborhoods grappling with economic disparities. With a population of 302,016 residents, this region faces challenges related to affordable housing, education, and access to economic opportunities.
8. Koreatown
Koreatown, with its median household income of $48,064 and a poverty rate of 22.3%, stands as a vibrant reflection of Los Angeles' cultural diversity and economic disparities. Home to 123,080 residents, this community boasts a rich tapestry of ethnic diversity, with Latinos and Asians comprising a significant portion of the population.
Despite its vibrant cultural scene and bustling commercial districts, Koreatown grapples with issues of poverty and homelessness, with approximately 435 homeless individuals recorded in 2022.
9. Florence-Graham
Florence-Graham, with its population of 64,787 and a median household income of $54,241, embodies the spirit of community resilience and empowerment amidst economic adversity. With a poverty rate of 22.6%, this neighborhood is home to a diverse array of residents, who come together to nurture communal spaces like Mary M. Bethune Park, Franklin D. Roosevelt Park, and Colonel Leon H. Washington Park.
10. El Monte
Located approximately 12 miles east of downtown Los Angeles, El Monte stands as a testament to the intersection of tradition and innovation in the face of economic hardship. With a median household income of $55,609 and a poverty rate of 21%, this neighborhood is home to 106,907 residents who navigate the complexities of urban living with resilience and determination.
Known for being the home of Longo Toyota, the number one auto dealer in the United States by sales and volume, El Monte embodies the entrepreneurial spirit and economic vitality of its residents, who continue to carve out opportunities for themselves and their families despite the challenges they face.
11. Wilmington
Wilmington is also one of the most ghetto neighborhoods in Los Angeles. It has a population of 145,636 and a median household income of $57,267. Featuring a heavy concentration of industrial activities and the third-largest oil field in the continental United States, this neighborhood faces unique economic challenges related to environmental justice and community well-being.
Over 20% of Wilmington residents are living below the poverty line.
12. Boyle Heights
Boyle Heights, historically known as Paredón Blanco, stands as a vibrant cultural hub within Los Angeles, characterized by its rich history, diverse communities, and vibrant cultural landmarks.
With a median household income of $59,799 and a poverty rate of 22.4%, this neighborhood is home to 107,406 residents who celebrate their heritage and culture through events like the annual Día de los Muertos celebrations and cultural landmarks like Mariachi Plaza.