In the video “High Poverty and Unemployment in Cardwell: Joe & Nic’s Road Trip,” Joe takes you on a journey through rural towns in Missouri. The video captures the declining population of Caruthersville, highlighting its high crime rate and notable landmarks such as the Pima Scott County Courthouse and the Caruthersville Water Tower. The video also briefly visits the town of Haiti, which has also experienced population decline and high poverty rates. Joe explores residential areas, observing abandoned homes and noting the presence of Dollar Tree and Family Dollar stores. The video then takes you to Kennett, Missouri, where you can see the County Courthouse, learn about the town’s numbers, and visit the birthplace of Sheryl Crow. Finally, the trip concludes in Cardwell, Missouri, a town with a significant decline in population, high poverty levels, unemployment rates, and alarming crime rates. Through this captivating road trip, Joe sheds light on the bleak conditions in these towns and their pressing challenges.
Introduction
Welcome to a journey through the rural towns of Missouri! In this article, we will explore the towns of Caruthersville, Haiti, Kennett, and Cardwell. Each town has its own unique characteristics and stories to tell. Join us as we delve into the population decline, demographics, crime rates, notable landmarks, residential areas, presence of dollar stores, and more. So sit back, relax, and let’s embark on this adventure together!
Exploring Caruthersville, Missouri
Decline in Population
Caruthersville, Missouri, founded in 1857, has experienced a significant decline in population over the years. In 1960, it reached its peak population of over 8,600 people. However, today, the population stands at a little over 5,500 people. This decline in population has had a noticeable impact on the town’s landscape and economy.
Demographics
As we explore Caruthersville, let’s take a closer look at the town’s demographics. The median age of the residents is 36 years old. In terms of gender breakdown, 56 percent of the population is female, while 44 percent is male. It’s interesting to note that a significant portion of the town’s residents live alone, which may contribute to the lower median household income of $33,900.
High Crime Rate
While Caruthersville may seem quaint and picturesque at first glance, it faces a significant challenge in terms of its crime rate. The overall crime rate in the town is 66 crimes per 1,000 people, which is higher than the national average. The violent crime rate is a staggering 24 crimes per 1,000 people, six times higher than the national average. As we continue our exploration, we will keep an eye out for how this impacts the town and its residents.
Notable Landmarks
No visit to Caruthersville would be complete without mentioning its notable landmarks. One of these is the Pemiscot County Courthouse, a beautiful building that dates back to 1924. Its stunning architecture is a testament to the rich history of the town. Another landmark worth mentioning is the Caruthersville Water Tower, also known as the lighthouse. Built in 1903, this historic structure is a must-see for visitors.
Visiting Haiti, Missouri
Decline in Population
Our next stop is the town of Haiti, Missouri, where we will explore its own unique characteristics. Like Caruthersville, Haiti has also experienced a significant decline in population. In 1980, the town had just under 4,000 residents. However, today, the population stands at approximately 2,200. This decline in population has had a profound impact on the town’s economy and way of life.
High Poverty Rate
Unfortunately, Haiti also faces high poverty levels. The poverty rate in the town is a staggering 41 percent. This means that a large portion of the town’s residents struggle to make ends meet and face economic hardships on a daily basis. Exploring the town, we can look for signs of how this poverty affects the community and the support systems in place.
High Crime Rate
In addition to the challenges posed by poverty, Haiti also faces a high crime rate. Violent crimes, in particular, are a concern in this town. It’s important to understand the impact this has on the sense of safety and security felt by the town’s residents.
Racial Breakdown
Lastly, let’s take a look at the racial breakdown of Haiti’s population. Approximately 65 percent of the residents are White, while 32 percent are Black. This diversity adds to the unique fabric of the town and contributes to its cultural heritage.
Observing Residential Areas
As we continue our exploration, we shift our focus to the residential areas of these towns. By observing these areas, we can gain insight into the impact of population decline and poverty on the housing situation of Caruthersville and Haiti.
Population Comparison
While Caruthersville and Haiti may have experienced a decline in population, it is interesting to note that the population in both towns is still relatively high compared to smaller rural communities. This indicates that despite the challenges they face, these towns remain vibrant and resilient.
Housing Similarities
As we explore the residential areas, we may notice similarities in the housing structures. Many homes in both towns may show signs of aging and require some care. It is a testament to the rich history of these communities and the challenges faced by their residents.
Abandoned Homes
One sad consequence of population decline is the presence of abandoned homes. These empty structures can serve as a visual representation of the challenges faced by these towns. It is a reminder of the need for revitalization and support to breathe new life into these communities.
Presence of Animals
Throughout our exploration, we may come across the presence of animals in these residential areas. Cats and dogs roaming the streets can be a familiar sight in towns like Caruthersville and Haiti. These animals may be a symbol of resilience and companionship amid the hardships faced by the community.
Noting Presence of Dollar Stores
As we continue our journey, we can’t help but notice the prevalence of dollar stores in these rural towns. Dollar Tree, Family Dollar, and Dollar General serve as important retail options for the residents, providing affordable products and necessities.
Dollar Tree
Dollar Tree is a popular destination for residents seeking low-cost everyday items. Its presence in these towns serves as a testament to the commitment to affordability and accessibility. It ensures that residents have access to essential goods at fair prices.
Family Dollar
Family Dollar is another nationwide chain that caters to budget-conscious shoppers. With a range of products from household items to groceries, Family Dollar plays an important role in supporting the economy and daily needs of the community.
Dollar General
Dollar General, a staple in rural communities, offers a wide array of products at affordable prices. Its presence in these towns ensures that residents have access to a variety of goods without having to travel long distances.
Exploring Kennett, Missouri
Our next destination brings us to Kennett, Missouri, a town with a population of approximately 10,500 people. As we explore Kennett, let’s take a closer look at its unique characteristics and landmarks.
Population Overview
Kennett has a more stable population compared to Caruthersville and Haiti. With its population of around 10,500 people, Kennett stands as a larger and more bustling town in comparison. This stability may contribute to a stronger sense of community and economic growth.
County Courthouse
One notable landmark in Kennett is the County Courthouse. Built in 1924, this beautiful building stands as a symbol of the town’s history and governance. Its architecture and presence add to the town’s charm and character.
Sheryl Crow’s Birthplace
Kennett proudly claims to be the birthplace of the renowned musician Sheryl Crow. This famous connection adds a unique cultural element to the town and serves as a point of pride for residents.
Presence of Walmart
Like many towns across the United States, Kennett is home to a Walmart store. This presence of a nationwide retail chain reflects the town’s economic stability and provides residents with a convenient shopping option.
Traveling to Cardwell, Missouri
Our final stop takes us to Cardwell, Missouri, a town that has faced significant challenges in recent years. As we explore Cardwell, let’s examine the town’s struggles and the impact on its residents.
Significant Population Decrease
Cardwell has experienced a drastic 37 percent decrease in population within a single year. This rapid decline poses significant challenges for the town and its infrastructure. It is vital to understand the factors contributing to this decline and the potential consequences for the community.
Bleak Condition of the Town
As we travel through Cardwell, we may notice the bleak condition of the town. Abandoned buildings and a struggling economy may be visible indicators of the hardships faced by the residents. This stark reality serves as a reminder of the importance of community support and revitalization efforts.
High Poverty Levels
Similar to Haiti, Cardwell battles high poverty levels within its community. This economic struggle can create barriers to social mobility and access to basic needs. Recognizing these challenges is crucial in understanding the daily lives of the residents.
Unemployment Rate
Another important statistic to note is the town’s unemployment rate. With limited economic opportunities, Cardwell may struggle with providing employment options for its residents. This can have long-term consequences on the town’s economic stability and overall well-being.
High Crime Rates
Cardwell also faces high crime rates, both in terms of violent and property crimes. This presents a significant challenge for the town’s residents in terms of their safety and security. Exploring the impact of this crime on the community is essential for understanding the town’s dynamics.
Extremely Low Median Home Value
One striking statistic about Cardwell is its extremely low median home value, which stands at just $38,000. This highlights the challenging real estate market in the town and the potential impact on residents’ quality of life.
Conclusion
In conclusion, our journey through the rural towns of Missouri has provided us with valuable insights into the unique challenges and characteristics of Caruthersville, Haiti, Kennett, and Cardwell. We have explored population decline, demographics, crime rates, residential areas, the presence of dollar stores, and notable landmarks. It is clear that these towns face significant hardships but also possess a sense of resilience and community spirit. As we conclude our exploration, let us reflect on the stories we have encountered and the importance of understanding and supporting small towns like these in our larger societal fabric.