Urban poverty in the United States

Hilary Silver

Chapter 1 in A Modern Guide to Urban Poverty, 2026, pp 19-45 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: Urban poverty in the United States has periodically captured academic and public attention since the nineteenth century, with contemporary research emphasizing its spatial concentration and impacts on crime, health, education, and social outcomes. Grounded in William Julius Wilson's seminal work on disadvantaged neighborhoods, studies highlight the intersections of poverty with racial segregation, income inequality, and suburbanization. American poverty remains racialized, disproportionately affecting Black and Hispanic populations, and is further exacerbated by housing costs, income segregation, and systemic barriers to movement. Anti-poverty efforts have included mobility programs, housing assistance, and income supports like the Earned Income Tax Credit, but gaps in access and effectiveness persist. While policy responses during the COVID-19 pandemic temporarily reduced poverty, lasting solutions require integrated approaches that address systemic inequalities, housing affordability, and economic mobility. This chapter examines the evolution, spatial distribution, and policy responses to urban poverty, proposing strategies for more sustainable, inclusive urban development.

Keywords: Urban Poverty; Concentrated Poverty; Neighborhood; Poverty Reduction; Housing (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
ISBN: 9781800889682
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