A group of sociologists conducted research on the well-being of Russian cities, which took place in 35 cities with a population of over 500,000 people. The survey of citizens allowed to form the "poverty index" value, which was used to compile the top 10 poorest cities in Russia.
10. Voronezh
In recent years, there has been a decline in production in the electronics industry, mechanical engineering and metalworking. A large number of enterprises were liquidated, which led to unemployment and a decrease in wages. The population of Voronezh at the beginning of 2017 was 1,039,801 people. The poorest in the city are pensioners (81%). Poverty index - 0.49. (For comparison: the most prosperous cities in Russia are Vladivostok and Moscow with a poverty index of 0.08).
Promotional video:
9. Naberezhnye Chelny
The city has a developed machine-building industry, construction industry, electric power industry, food and processing industries. But at the same time, the city with a population of 529,797 people has a very high unemployment rate and low wages. Pensioners also suffer from poverty. Poverty index - 0.5.
8. Barnaul
The city is the industrial, medical, cultural and educational center of Siberia. The machine-building industry, the food industry, and the production of building materials are well developed. According to 2017, the population of Barnaul is 633301 people. The standard of living of the population goes to extremes: 62% of urban residents of different ages are poor, and 10% can afford a luxurious life. Poverty index - 0.5.
7. Lipetsk
This city got into our rating due to the low level of social, communal and medical services. These areas could benefit from additional funding. At the beginning of 2017, 510,439 people lived in Lipetsk. Of these, 16% of the population is in extreme poverty. Poverty index - 0.52.
6. Rostov-on-Don
The city is an administrative center with a high level of development of all its branches. The population of Rostov-on-Don in 2017 was 1,125,299 people. At the same time, 52% of city dwellers belong to the poor, most of whom are elderly people. After all, the low level of pensions limits their normal existence. Poverty index - 0.53.
5. Saratov
First of all, the city suffers from a shortage of high-level medical facilities. The second problem is low-quality and cheap food, which does not benefit your health at all. The third problematic situation is ecology (dirty streets, garbage dumps around the city). All of this together affects the health and quality of life of the townspeople. And as a result, the high mortality rate of the townspeople. Of the 843,460 residents of the city, 64% are considered poor, and 20% live in poverty. Poverty index - 0.55.
4. Volgograd
1,015,586 people live in Volgograd. The city is a major industrial and tourist center. But, despite this, the income level of the population is quite low, which puts the townspeople in difficult living conditions. Especially the younger generation got it: 40% of young people are considered poor and 2% live in extreme poverty. Poverty index - 0.59.
3. Penza The city with a population of 523,726 people has a large number of enterprises carrying out various types of activities. Therefore, the unemployment rate is minimal here. Despite good employment, the townspeople have to look for additional sources of income. Low wages give the townspeople an opportunity to only: buy the necessary food, pay utility bills and make payments on loans. Poverty index - 0.6.
2. Astrakhan Astrakhan is a beautiful city with chic restaurants, high-level hotels, and modern office centers. But with a population of 532504 people, 11% of the townspeople are on the verge of poverty. Despite the "external beauty", many branches of the city budget need additional cash injections (subsidies, charity). Utilities and transport infrastructure suffer the most from the lack of funds. Poverty index - 0.68.
1. Togliatti
Togliatti is the poorest city in Russia. The population is 700,000 people, of which almost 13% are considered poor. The industrial structure of the city is represented by car manufacturers, which currently, faced with market competition, are not able to provide the citizens with the necessary number of jobs. As a result, among the 13% of the poor, the majority are young men. Poverty index - 0.8.
Let's hope that the authorities will find a way out of the current situations in these cities and the quality of life of people will improve.