The Eastside has a high rate of poverty compared to other U.S. neighborhoods. Around 32% of residents live below the poverty line, which is about two times greater than the average for Kalamazoo County and about two times more than the national average. However, the local poverty rate fell by 15 percentage points in the last decade.

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

Homeownership is moderate in the Eastside. Just over half of homes are owner-occupied.

Housing growth during the last decade was negative in the Eastside. The number of local homes fell by 4%.

Long-term vacancy is moderate in the Eastside. Around 8% of homes sit empty and off the market.

Self-employment rates are also moderate in the Eastside. Approximately 6% of workers work for themselves.