Unsuccessful Places - Detroit

Question 1

What has caused Urban decline in USA’s Rust Belt?

Answer 1

Deindustrialisation due to the global shift of manufacturing. This has occurred as manufacturing goods abroad is cheaper mainly due to lower labour costs due to lower living standards. Some cities such as New York and Boston managed to develop their economies into the tertiary and quaternary sector, whilst cities such as Detroit failed to do so and thus experienced urban decay.

Question 2

Impacts of industrial decline on Detroit

Answer 2

1. Detroit is known as America’s crime capital. 7 out of 10 crimes go unsolved
2. In 2022, only 18% of adults had college degrees (compared to 37.7% national average). The once high-paying manufacturing jobs meant there was little reason to pursue higher education.
3. 36% of the population live below the poverty line
4. 27.8% vacancy rate
5. 19% unemployment rate
6. High levels of heavy metal poisoning from industrial waste.
7. High levels of preventable diseases (diabetes -15% and asthma 21%)