Polk County, located in central Florida, boasts a population exceeding 700,000 residents and is home to various attractions, including Legoland, Bok Tower Gardens, and the Polk Museum of Art. Nevertheless, Polk County is not without its challenges.
Some areas within the county grapple with elevated crime rates, poverty, and social issues that deter residents. In this article, we’ll explore the five neighborhoods in Polk County facing the most significant challenges, based on data from sources such as the U.S. Census Bureau, the FBI, and NeighborhoodScout.
5. Combee Settlement
Combee Settlement, situated in northeast Lakeland, is home to roughly 6,000 residents. The neighborhood’s median household income stands at $29,732, which is less than half of the county average of $51,535.
Additionally, Combee Settlement contends with a high poverty rate of 32.4%, more than double the county’s average of 15.2%. Crime rates are also concerning, with 8.9 violent crimes and 49.7 property crimes per 1,000 residents, surpassing the county averages. Issues such as drug problems and gang activity have further impacted this community.
4. Wahneta
Wahneta, a census-designated place in southeast Winter Haven, is home to around 5,000 residents. Its median household income is $28,750, which also falls significantly below the county average. The poverty rate is alarmingly high at 35.7%, more than twice the county average.
Crime rates in Wahneta are above average as well, with 9.3 violent crimes and 48.8 property crimes per 1,000 residents. The neighborhood is predominantly Hispanic, with 84% of the population identifying as such, facing challenges like low educational attainment, language barriers, and immigration-related issues.
3. Crystal Lake
Crystal Lake, located in southwest Lakeland, houses roughly 6,000 residents. The median household income here is $31,250, well below the county average. Its poverty rate of 29% is nearly twice the county average.
Crystal Lake also grapples with elevated crime rates, with 10.4 violent crimes and 50.9 property crimes per 1,000 residents, some of the highest in the county. Similar to Wahneta, Crystal Lake is predominantly Hispanic, facing challenges like low education, language barriers, and immigration issues.
2. Inwood
Inwood, found in northwest Winter Haven, has approximately 7,000 residents. With a median household income of $30,625, it falls well below the county average. The poverty rate stands at 31%, more than double the county average.
Crime rates are concerning as well, with 11 violent crimes and 51.7 property crimes per 1,000 residents, among the highest in the county. Inwood is racially diverse, with 46% identifying as white, 34% as black or African American, and 18% as Hispanic or Latino. The community grapples with issues such as unemployment, drug abuse, and domestic violence.
1. Florence Villa
Florence Villa, located in northeast Winter Haven, is home to around 3,000 residents. The median household income is a mere $21,875, less than one-third of the county average. A staggering 44% of residents live below the poverty line, nearly three times the county average.
Crime rates are the highest in the county, with 12 violent crimes and 54 property crimes per 1,000 residents. Florence Villa is predominantly black or African American, with 86% of the population identifying as such, and it faces challenges like segregation, discrimination, and limited opportunities.
Conclusion
Polk County showcases a mix of thriving areas and those grappling with various challenges. The five neighborhoods discussed—Combee Settlement, Wahneta, Crystal Lake, Inwood, and Florence Villa—face significant obstacles, including high crime rates, poverty, and social issues that deter residents.
Additionally, these neighborhoods experience lower income levels, educational opportunities, and overall well-being, necessitating increased attention and resources from the county and state to improve living conditions and prospects.