Census data show that the richest counties are getting richer and the poorest are getting poorer.
The poorest county in the US, Owsley County, Ky, had the lowest median household income outside of Puerto Rico. Its median income decreased to $18,869 from $20,346 in 2000. Of all the county or county equivalents, Falls Church, Va. had the highest median income, at $113,313, an increase from $96,449 in 2000.
Cale Turner, county executive of Owsley County, Ky, said he was not surprised that Owsley once again was one of the poorest areas of the country, in part because of drug addiction.
“Those with drug addictions end up in prison without effective treatment. And it happens over and over in this community. The drug problem continues to get worse every year.”
Turner said the lack of resources and insurance makes it difficult for addicts to obtain effective, long-term treatment. “They’re coming out of prison still addicted to drugs, and there's still little hope for them.”
Failing drug policy? Shocking!
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