In the video “Journey Through Hughes, Marianna, Brinkley, and Forrest City”, the creator explores four towns in Arkansas that have experienced a decline in population and high poverty rates, particularly among children. These towns, namely Hughes, Marianna, Brinkley, and Forrest City, have lower median household and per capita incomes compared to the national average. The video showcases abandoned buildings, decay, and signs of despair, but also highlights a few buildings that are still in decent condition. Additionally, the narrator visits two towns, with one having an impressive post office and the other being known for its duck hunting and historic district called Lick Skillet Railroad. The video concludes with the narrator heading back to Dallas, eventually planning to journey to the Florida Keys.
Hughes
Welcome to the town of Hughes in rural Arkansas! This town has a rich history but has unfortunately experienced a significant decline in population over the years. In 1960, Hughes had a peak population of almost 2,000 people, but now it has less than 900 residents. This population decline has had a profound impact on the town.
Despite its small size, Hughes is a diverse town. The racial breakdown is 55% Black, 36% White, and 9% Hispanic. The town has a unique blend of cultures and backgrounds, which adds to its charm.
However, the economic situation in Hughes is quite dire. The per capita income is only $18,900, which equates to $363 a week. The median household income is $22,600 per year, or $435 a week. These numbers are incredibly low compared to the U.S average.
Poverty rates in Hughes are also alarmingly high. Approximately 36% of the population lives below the poverty line. This is particularly devastating for children, as 37% of children aged 17 and under live in poverty. Even seniors are not spared from the hardships, as 32% of those aged 65 and older live in poverty.
While the poverty rates are concerning, the crime rates in Hughes are relatively low. With only 15 incidents per 1,000 people, the crime rate in Hughes is lower than the U.S average of 23 incidents per 1,000 people. This provides some comfort to the residents of Hughes, as they can feel a sense of safety and security in their town.
As you explore the streets of downtown Hughes, you will see signs of decay and despair. Abandoned buildings and crumbling infrastructure are a common sight. The town’s once-thriving economy has suffered greatly, leaving behind a stark reminder of the challenges faced by its residents. However, amid the turmoil, you will find some areas of hope. The fire department and police presence in Hughes demonstrate the community’s commitment to keeping its residents safe.
While walking through the residential areas of Hughes, you will witness the impact of population decline firsthand. The streets are dotted with abandoned homes, a sad reminder of the town’s shrinking population. It’s evident that the town has lost a significant number of residents, which has contributed to the overall sense of decline and loss.
Marianna
Next on our journey through rural Arkansas is the town of Marianna. Like many other towns in the area, Marianna has also experienced a decline in population and high poverty rates. In 1980, Marianna had a population of 6,200, but now it has just over 3,500 residents. This loss of population has had a profound impact on the town’s economy and overall well-being.
Marianna has an older population, with a median age of 41. The town has a higher percentage of females, with 57% of the population being female. The racial breakdown in Marianna is 78% Black, 20% White, and 2% mixed. This diversity adds to the town’s rich cultural heritage.
The economic situation in Marianna is dire, just like in the other towns we have visited. The per capita income is $16,200 per year, which equates to $311 a week. The median household income is shockingly low at $18,000 per year, or $346 a week. These numbers highlight the challenges faced by the residents of Marianna in making ends meet and providing for their families.
Poverty rates in Marianna are alarmingly high, particularly for children. A staggering 60% of children aged 17 and under live in poverty. This is a stark reminder of the struggles faced by the younger generation and the need for support and resources to uplift them. For seniors aged 65 and older, the poverty rate is 8%, which, although lower than younger age groups, still highlights the economic challenges faced by seniors in Marianna.
Crime rates in Marianna are also a concern, with 44 incidents per 1,000 people. This is almost double the U.S average of 23 incidents per 1,000 people. The high crime rate adds to the overall challenges faced by the town and further emphasizes the need for community support and resources to address these issues.
As you explore downtown Marianna, you will find a mix of open shops and businesses alongside some abandoned ones. The town is not completely deserted, as some people still work hard to support their families and keep the town alive. The county courthouse, with its unique mix of colonial and Art Deco architecture, stands as a reminder of the town’s history and resilience.
In the residential areas, you will find stately homes that reflect the town’s past prosperity. However, there are also abandoned homes that serve as a somber reminder of the loss of population and the economic struggles faced by the town. Despite these challenges, there is still a sense of community in Marianna, evident in the small businesses and the people going about their daily lives.
Brinkley
Our journey through rural Arkansas takes us to the town of Brinkley. Much like the previous towns we have visited, Brinkley has also experienced a decline in population and high poverty rates. Since 2010, the town has seen a population drop of 2,400 people. This significant loss of residents has had far-reaching effects on the town’s economy and overall well-being.
Brinkley has a unique history as a town known for its duck hunting and its historic district called Lick Skillet Railroad. This adds to the town’s charm and makes it an interesting destination for visitors. However, behind the scenic backdrop lies the stark reality of poverty and population decline.
The poverty rates in Brinkley are particularly alarming. The town has a poverty rate of 33%, which is significantly higher than the U.S average. This means that one in three residents in Brinkley lives below the poverty line. This economic struggle affects all age groups, including children and seniors.
The crime rate in Brinkley is also a concern, with overall crime rates three times higher than the U.S average and violent crime rates four and a half times higher. This poses additional challenges for the residents of Brinkley and emphasizes the need for community support and resources to address these issues.
Despite the challenges faced by the town, Brinkley has not lost its sense of pride and resilience. The town was named after Confederate General Nathan Bedford Forrest, but history took a turn in 1988 when Brinkley had its first racially integrated high school prom. This event represents a step towards progress and unity in a town grappling with economic struggles.
Brinkley is also the birthplace of R&B soul musical legend Al Green. This serves as a reminder of the town’s contributions to culture and music and the potential for growth and revitalization.
As you explore Brinkley, you will find a mix of open shops and businesses, along with some abandoned ones. The town is not completely devoid of life, as some people are still working hard to make a living and support their families. This shows the resilience and determination of the community to overcome the economic challenges they face.
Forrest City
Our final stop on this journey through Arkansas is Forrest City. This town has seen a significant population drop of 2,400 people since 2010, similar to Brinkley. The decline in population has had severe consequences for the town’s economy and overall well-being.
Forrest City has a high poverty rate of 33%, which is significantly higher than the U.S average. This means that one in three residents in Forrest City lives below the poverty line. The economic struggles faced by the town are particularly difficult for children, with 60% of children aged 17 and under living in poverty. The town’s seniors also face economic challenges, with 8% of those aged 65 and older living in poverty.
Crime rates in Forrest City are a concern as well. With 44 incidents per 1,000 people, the crime rate in Forrest City is almost twice as high as the U.S average. Violent crime rates are also significantly higher, with 8.4 incidents per 1,000 people compared to the U.S average of 3.9 incidents. These statistics highlight the need for community support and resources to address these challenges and ensure the safety of residents.
Forrest City was named after Confederate General Nathan Bedford Forrest but has taken steps towards racial progress and unity. In 1988, the town had its first racially integrated high school prom, representing a significant milestone in promoting equality and diversity in the community.
The town is also known for being the birthplace of R&B soul musical legend Al Green. This serves as a testament to the town’s rich musical heritage and the potential for growth and revitalization in the future.
As you explore Forrest City, you will find a mix of open shops and businesses, alongside some abandoned ones. The town is still home to a sense of community, with people working hard to support their families and keep the town alive. Despite the challenges faced by Forrest City, there is a sense of resilience and hope that can be seen in the efforts of its residents.
In conclusion, the towns of Hughes, Marianna, Brinkley, and Forrest City have all experienced significant population declines and high poverty rates. These towns face economic struggles and challenges that impact the lives of their residents, particularly children and seniors. However, amid the despair and decline, there is also resilience, unity, and hope. The rich history, unique landmarks, and talented individuals that hail from these towns serve as a reminder of their potential for growth and revitalization. By supporting these communities and providing them with resources and opportunities, we can help them overcome their challenges and create a brighter future for all.