A recent study has unveiled that the six lowest-income neighborhoods in England are all located in Birmingham, underscoring significant economic challenges within the city. The research ranks neighborhoods based on average disposable income after taxes, placing Birmingham prominently among the country’s most deprived areas.
Sparkhill North topped the list with an average annual disposable household income of just under £20,800, the lowest in the country. Following closely are Sparkbrook South, Small Heath Park, Saltley East, Washwood Heath, and Bordesley Green. These figures highlight the ongoing financial struggles faced by many residents in Birmingham.
Beyond Birmingham, other parts of the Black Country also feature prominently among the poorest areas. Smethwick North, Smethwick West, and Palfrey in Walsall are noted for their lower income levels, reflecting broader regional inequality.
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The gap between the richest and poorest neighborhoods in England continues to widen. For example, households in Leamouth, Tower Hamlets—an affluent area with luxury riverside developments between Canning Town and Canary Wharf—had an average disposable income of £107,600 in the financial year ending 2023. This stark contrast reveals an income disparity of nearly £87,000 between the wealthiest and poorest neighborhoods.
In specific figures, Small Heath Park recorded an average disposable income of £21,666, Saltley East £21,689, Washwood Heath £21,787, and Bordesley Green North £21,928. Despite these figures, only 1% of households in the West Midlands rank among the national top 10% by disposable income, compared to almost 45% of neighborhoods in London—highlighting regional imbalances in economic opportunity.
These statistics offer a sobering reflection on economic inequality across England, particularly within the Midlands.