New Census Data Shows Population, Poverty In Century, Escambia

December 20, 2010

A new U.S. Census Bureau 5-year American Community Survey released last week shows that declining population and a high poverty level plagues Century when compared to Escambia County.

The U.S. Census Bureau data shows Century’s population declined just under 10 percent during the period, from 1,714  to 1,553. During the same 2000 to 2009 period, Escambia County’s population increased about three percent, from 294,410 to 303,292.

Among the Town of Century’s residents, 31.9 percent of residents lived below the federal poverty level in 2009, according to the data released last week. Of Century’s families, 24.4 percent lived in poverty. The percentage of Century’s residents in poverty was virtually unchanged during the nine year period.

Escambia County’s poverty levels increased during the period, but were half that of Century. In 2009, 15.5 percent of people in Escambia County lived in poverty, while 11.7 percent of families were below the poverty level.

Up until now, small geographic areas had to rely on outdated 2000 Census figures for detailed information about the characteristics of their communities. But the 2009 estimates released last week in the American Community Survey provides estimates to  give even the smallest communities like Century more timely information on topics ranging from commute times to languages spoken at home to housing values.

  • For complete data from the U.S. Census Bureau 5-year American Community Survey for Century, click here.
  • For complete data from the U.S. Census Bureau 5-year American Community Survey for Escambia County, click here.

Comments

10 Responses to “New Census Data Shows Population, Poverty In Century, Escambia”

  1. FormerC3nturyboy on December 22nd, 2010 4:28 pm

    I grew up in Century and grew up to be very successful. Lets honestly break this down – where are the jobs in this town? Piggly Wiggly, post office, Burger King, Whataburger, and a couple of gas stations. Thats it, period.

    Let me give you a formula:

    No jobs in a small area = poverty.

  2. David Huie Green on December 21st, 2010 1:47 pm

    About a forty percent increase in per capita income in Century and the poverty rate was unaffected. Thus, poverty is not directly related to income?

    A 24% increase in per capita income in Escambia County as a whole and the poverty rate went up?

    Oh wait, I guess that could happen if some made much more and some made much less, the average per capita income could go up but there still be more considered in poverty.

    David contemplating the statistics

  3. AL on December 21st, 2010 12:16 pm

    huh said “people are just poor because they are lazy thats it! Where are these jobs you speak of? Feel free to post them ”

    - McDonald’s, Burger King, Hardees, Chik-fil-a
    - Walmart, Lowes, Home Depot

    Want higher pay?
    – Navy Federal
    – Clearwire
    – West

    Navy Federal hired around 300 people this year??

  4. A.W. THOMPSON on December 21st, 2010 8:36 am

    I think you make some valid points Jane.First one being that there is a beach everyone in the world knows theres a beach here hence the name Pensacola Beach get it. Jobs are what we need plain and simple.Second point being that tags,licenses and most of all land taxes are outreagous compared to our neighbors to the north.If things dont improve with the newly elected governer I will be forced to move back home to ‘THE HEART OF DIXIE’.where they dont put uneeded septic tank inspections and the cost being put on poor people in times like these.One word says it all Obamanation.Over and out. A.W. THOMPSON MOSQUITO FLATS, FLORIDA

  5. huh on December 20th, 2010 6:50 pm

    Yeah ProudArmyParent , people are just poor because they are lazy thats it! Where are these jobs you speak of? Feel free to post them

    Lots of people I know have been downsized, laid off, cut back , the list goes on. Its going to be a very bleak 2011. Not enough manufacturing jobs , the housing market is bust

  6. ProudArmyParent on December 20th, 2010 12:04 pm

    There are jobs, they might not all be in Century but they are around. It is just getting people out of the habit of getting a free handout. A check for not working is quite a deal!

  7. Jane on December 20th, 2010 9:42 am

    Maybe our county commissioners need to focus on industry instead of tourism! Do they not understant the concept that good jobs mean the county can collect more tax dollars??? So far I see Alabama becoming a better place to live compared to Florida, maybe our county commissioners should take a trip to Alabama to find out how they do things there!

  8. ME on December 20th, 2010 9:28 am

    WITH ALL THE DRUGS IN THE AREA, THERE SHOULDN’T BE MUCH POVERTY…PEOPLE HAVE THE MONEY TO BUY THEM TOO…..

  9. p-cola resident on December 20th, 2010 8:05 am

    That’s what having no jobs will do to a small town.

  10. bama54 on December 20th, 2010 7:53 am

    Ok, we don’t have the jobs, but we do have people! The first think, would be to get our county commissioner up in the communities and form a take pride committee. You look around district 5, and what do you see? Junk!! People we have got to do a better job of keeping our communities clean. Look around the other counties, Santa Rosa, and especially Baldwin County Alabama. They keep it clean, and when you drive thru there communities you are impressed of how nice it looks. This is what investors look for when searching for places to start businesses. First impressions means a lot to the investor. With jobs, poverty goes away, maybe not completely because we still have to educate or citizens in order to do the job, but a first impression goes along way. I know this is about the poverty, but I think to stop poverty we have to present our communities in a better light, so just maybe a business investor might think to himself, this is nice place to start a business.