Despite rapid wage growth, San Antonio remains among most impoverished U.S. metros
San Antonio's median household income increased by 3. 7% to $78,100, yet the city ranks as the third-most impoverished metro area in the U. S. , with about 13% of its population living in poverty. Following only Detroit and Houston, this ranking reflects ongoing economic challenges despite wage growth.
David Vequis, a business professor at Incarnate Word, attributes the high poverty rate to the workforce's insufficient education, which limits the city's attractiveness to high-wage employers. Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones emphasized the need for further economic impact research on a proposed $4 billion sports-and-entertainment district, linking it to the city's poverty issues. The U. S. Census Bureau data also shows a slight decline in the poverty rate since 2023.
San Antonio's persistent poverty problem has garnered attention, prompting discussions on necessary local economic strategies. Addressing these disparities is essential for the city's sustained growth and development. Local leaders continue to seek solutions to improve educational outcomes and economic opportunities for residents.