A new study has revealed that several towns and cities in the Midlands, including Birmingham, Wolverhampton, and Walsall, rank among the 50 poorest places in England.
The analysis, conducted by the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government, assigned scores to each area based on income, employment, education, health, crime, housing, and the local environment.
Birmingham is the second most deprived area out of roughly 300 regions, a significant decline from its 7th-place ranking in the 2019 pre-Covid list. Only Middlesbrough ranks higher in deprivation.
Nottingham follows as the 18th most deprived area in England, closely trailed by Stoke-on-Trent in 19th place.
In the Black Country, Walsall is ranked 27th and Wolverhampton 32nd. Sandwell, previously among the most deprived boroughs, has improved and now sits in 54th place, no longer in the top 50.
Other Midlands areas in the top 50 include Leicester (38th), Derby (46th), and Coventry (48th).
The study highlights the persistent north-south divide in England, with most deprived areas located in the north.
Full list of top 50 poorest Midlands areas
- Birmingham - 2nd
- Nottingham - 18th
- Stoke-on-Trent - 19th
- Walsall - 27th
- Wolverhampton - 32nd
- Leicester - 38th
- Derby - 46th
- Coventry - 48th
