Now, mind you, I am not poor. I make a decent living in my chosen profession. I own my own home. I have two cars, more than 2.2 kids (they make up for not having a dog), and I have at least some money set aside for retirement. I am not, however, rolling in the dough.
The website my co-worker showed my is Rich Blocks Poor Blocks, a site set up by the American Community Survey that shows income distribution down to the neighborhood level in cities and states across America. They have taken census data and laid it over a map to show who has the money and who doesn't. And yes, the people in my neighborhood make a lot more money than I do on average. What that tells me is the stories my kids tell me about the kids coming to school with new iPhones are probably truthful. It explains why some of my friends take themselves and their kids on airplanes for exotic vacations. And it proves that my neighbors really can afford three vehicles for two drivers, two of which are $50,000 Lexuses.
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| Rich Blocks, Poor Blocks shows income distribution down to the neighborhood level. |
Looking at the map, rich areas are shown in green. The poorer areas are shown in red. Unfortunately, much of my city - a mid-sized city in the Pacific Northwest - is red and orange. I just happen to live in a green area. A dropdown menu at the top of the page allows you to look at rent prices instead of household income. White means rents under $500; red means rents $1349 or more. As expected, much of my city is pale yellow if not white. I just happen to live in a pretty dark orange area.
I guess it all means I figured out a way to get a decent house in a decent neighborhood at a decent price. I think I've always been pretty good at finding comfortable places to live on a tight budget - at least since the time I ditched a $375-per month duplex for a $325-per month basement apartment when I was newly married so I could save money on utility costs (big mistake).
More importantly, though, I think it highlights the evident chasm between those who have and those who have not. Or at least it shows how so few people make so much more than everyone else. I am not going to take a political stance here, but it makes me wonder. And it should do the same for you too.
How do you fit in with YOUR neighbors?
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