Brightwood is one of the poorest neighborhoods in the nation. Around 46% of residents live below the poverty line, which is over two times the average for Hampden County and more than three times the national average. Fortunately, the neighborhood’s poverty fell 5 percentage points during the last decade, even though the across other neighborhoods in Hampden County barely moved.

We can also observe how some of the indicators linked to future prosperity are currently performing.

Homeownership is very low in Brightwood. Around 12% of homes are owner-occupied. The rate of homeownership in the community fell significantly during the last decade and it is now lower than almost every other neighborhood in the nation.

Housing growth during the last decade was positive in Brightwood, where the number of homes rose 8%. This rate of growth was greater than that of most other neighborhoods in Hampden County.

Long-term vacancy is very low in Brightwood. Only 3% of homes sit empty and off the market.

Self-employment rates are high in Brightwood. Approximately 7% of workers work for themselves. This rate rose over the last decade at a speed faster than in the rest of Hampden County.