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Over the years, poverty-stricken areas (communities with 20%+ residents living below the federal poverty line) in Cola and across the U.S. have migrated from city centers to the suburbs.

In the Midlands, while more people live in poorer areas downtown, poverty has grown the most in rural areas (thanks in part to the recession). This can cause people to become “economically isolated,” a.k.a. stuck in the middle of nowhere without a job or transportation.

In 2015, the Midlands reported 64 high-poverty neighborhoods – up from 34 neighborhoods in 2000 – growing in rural areas. This isn’t always bad, though: If people have access to good jobs, affordable housing, low crime + good schools, the ‘burbs can provide a way out of poverty.

4 min read / Free Times