Employment, Income, and Poverty in Kalamazoo City Core Neighborhoods

Authors

Val Klomparens, W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment ResearchFollow

Upjohn Author ORCID Identifier

https://orcid.org/0009-0001-1976-2668

Series

Kalamazoo Community Data System Report

Issue Date

November 2023

Abstract

This report employs a traditional methodology using American Community Survey data to examine employment, income, and poverty in three neighborhoods in Kalamazoo, Michigan: Eastside, Northside, and Edison. These neighborhoods are studied with an emphasis on eligibility status for the Distressed Area Recompete Pilot Program, administered through the U.S. Economic Development Administration. Eastside residents are unique in that a larger share earn income through wages or employment than do Michigan residents, yet their median income falls below those at the county and state levels in a statistically significant way. The Edison neighborhood is characterized by greater income inequality than the other two neighborhoods studied. Edison residents are employed at equal levels relative to county and state neighbors, but their median income lags behind these neighbors with statistical significance. The Northside neighborhood has lower rates of employment and income relative to residents of Eastside and Edison, contributing to a higher rate of poverty in this neighborhood, with these differences carrying statistical significance.

Sponsorship

City of Kalamazoo

Subject Areas

Postsecondary education; LABOR MARKET ISSUES; Wages, health insurance and other benefits; ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT; Industry studies; Local labor markets; Michigan studies; Urban issues; Poverty and income support