Barstow: The Armpit of California скачать в хорошем качестве

Barstow: The Armpit of California

Barstow, California, faces a range of significant challenges impacting safety, economic security, and quality of life for its residents. The city’s violent crime rate is 11 per 1,000 residents, more than double the national median. Property crime is also an issue, with a rate of 27 per 1,000, surpassing the national average. Motor vehicle theft is especially high, with residents facing a 1 in 109 chance of having their car stolen—one of the highest rates in the country. Overall, Barstow scores just 5 out of 100 on the crime index, making it safer than only 6% of U.S. cities, and the total crime rate is 49.15 per 1,000 residents, far above the national level. Poverty and economic hardship are also pronounced in Barstow. About 1/3 of the population lives below the poverty line, nearly double the U.S. average. Some neighborhoods experience even greater distress, with poverty rates reaching as high as 49%. The per capita income is just $27,435, about 63% of the national average—and the median household income sits at $56,754, well below the U.S. median. A significant gender wage gap exists, with men earning 41% more than women. Educational outcomes present another challenge. Only 9% of Barstow residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, well below the state average. Socioeconomic disadvantage is widespread, affecting 80.3% of students in the Barstow Unified School District. Barstow High School is ranked relatively low within California, and 1.2% of students are foster youth, a group that often faces additional hurdles. Around 9.7% of students are English learners who require specialized support. Housing and affordability issues are widespread as well. Only 39% of housing units are owner-occupied, with the majority of residents renting their homes, which increases the risk of housing instability. The median value for owner-occupied homes is $221,000—substantially lower than the California average. Out of the 10,094 housing units in Barstow, many are rental properties, and while home appreciation over the last decade has been 189%, this may further reduce affordability for new buyers. #barstow