Maps paint a stark picture of poverty and deprivation in our region
West Bromwich town centre
West Midlands streets among some of the poorest in England can be seen on special deprivation maps.
The maps have been coloured according to average incomes, painting a stark picture of the rates of poverty and deprivation which exists in our region.
The map was produced by the ONS and based on its hyperlocal data for income-deprivation in England’s towns and cities.
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Birmingham, Sandwell, Wolverhampton and Walsall are all listed among the 20 most deprived parts of England.
Our region’s struggles with inequality are well documented but the coloured maps allow people to see where the worst-hit areas are, as well as the more affluent and better-off parts.
Sandwell
Sandwell
The Black Country borough is among the most deprived places in England, with high rates of poverty.
According to this ONS study, the borough is the ninth most income deprived. Other studies have put Sandwell as high as third nationally for poverty.
And the map shows widespread deprivation across the borough in maroon, red and orange, with only small pockets with good standards of living in blue on the fringes.
Towns like West Bromwich, Oldbury and Smethwick are among the poorest areas.
Wolverhampton
Wolverhampton
Wolverhampton isn’t far behind Sandwell in 11th place nationally for deprivation.
Higher poverty levels are mostly situated around the city centre, including immediately to the east in Heath Town and All Saints.
These parts can be seen coloured in maroon. Areas to the north are also among the poorest such as Low Hill.
The western edges of the city are the most affluent, which won’t come as a surprise to those familiar with Wolverhampton.
Walsall
It’s a tale of two halves in Walsall.
The more populated central and western parts of the borough are where deprivation is highest.
The poorest streets are to the north and south of the town centre including Leamore and parts of Bloxwich.
Out to the east of the borough are the quieter and more rural parts, while Aldridge and Streetly are among the poshest parts of the region.
Nationally, Walsall was 16th on the list of most deprived.
Birmingham
Birmingham
We previously reported on Birmingham’s poorest streets, and full details can be seen here.
The city is among the most deprived anywhere in the country, in seventh place on this list.
Areas among the most deprived include Handsworth, Aston, Perry Barr, Saltley, Small Heath and Sparkbrook.