Abstract
Answers gleaned in any study of poverty are in some measure a result of the spatial scale of analysis selected. This paper views poverty in Illinois from three spatial scales; the state, county, and census tract. Mapping census data reveals several facets of Illinois poverty. Illinois as a whole, is average in terms of general poverty levels, although many ofthe poor are severely impoverished. County level analysis indicates that poor rural southern Illinois contrasts with affluent urban areas. Census tract level investigation reveals that seemingly affluent urban counties in reality have a distinct internal spatial structure. The urban poor are concentrated into confined geographic areas in central cities that provide a marked contrast to the affluence enjoyed by other urban residents. Within both rural and urban Illinois high poverty rates are associated with high percentages of African-American population.
Recommended Citation
Shaw, Wendy
(2000)
"Illinois: Spatial Scales of Poverty,"
The Geographical Bulletin: Vol. 42:
Iss.
1, Article 2.
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.kennesaw.edu/thegeographicalbulletin/vol42/iss1/2