New hyperlocal data analysis has identified Birmingham neighbourhoods as the poorest in England, with six areas in the city ranking at the very bottom for average disposable household income. The findings paint a stark picture of economic hardship, where daily life is a constant struggle for many residents.
Sparkhill North Named the Poorest Area in England
The data reveals that Sparkhill North, encompassing streets south east of Digbeth towards Sparkhill, is the poorest area in the entire country. This neighbourhood includes residents living either side of the A34 Stratford Road, with roads such as Walford Road and Medlicott Road falling within its boundaries.
Households in Sparkhill North have an average disposable income of just under £20,800 per year. This low figure means many families live week to week, facing significant challenges in putting food on the table and keeping their heads above water financially.
Birmingham Dominates the List of Most Deprived Areas
Following Sparkhill North, the next five poorest areas in England are all located within Birmingham:
- Sparkbrook South
- Small Heath Park
- Saltley East
- Washwood Heath
- Bordesley Green
This concentration of deprivation in Birmingham highlights significant regional economic disparities across the country. The data shows that just 1% of West Midlands households fall within the national top 10% for average disposable household income, compared to nearly half (45%) of all neighbourhoods in London.
Black Country Areas Also Among Most Deprived
While Birmingham dominates the list, two areas in the Black Country also feature among England's most deprived neighbourhoods. Smethwick North and West, along with Palfrey in Walsall, are identified as facing similar economic challenges to their Birmingham counterparts.
The comprehensive data analysis provides crucial insights into the geographic distribution of poverty across England, revealing concentrated areas of economic hardship that require targeted support and intervention.
