The first comprehensive study of deprivation across England since the Covid-19 pandemic has revealed stark contrasts in living standards, with Birmingham emerging as the second poorest place in the entire country.
Midlands Dominates England's Deprivation List
This landmark analysis, the first national deprivation study since 2019, shows the dramatic divide between affluent and struggling communities across the West Midlands region. The research examined 296 local authority areas nationwide, ranking them based on the proportion of residents living in poverty.
Birmingham's position at number two nationally highlights the severe challenges facing hundreds of thousands of families in the city, where daily life remains a struggle for many. The city has actually moved up the poverty rankings since the last study, with a staggering 43% of Birmingham neighbourhoods now classified as highly deprived.
Multiple Midlands Areas Among Most Deprived
Two other major Midlands cities joined Birmingham in the national top twenty most deprived areas. Nottingham claimed the 18th position while Stoke-on-Trent followed closely behind in 19th place.
Further down the list but still facing significant challenges are Walsall at 25th and Wolverhampton at 32nd. Leicester and Coventry appear at 38th and 48th respectively.
Notably, Sandwell in the Black Country, previously considered among the ten most deprived areas, has shown some improvement and now ranks 54th nationally.
Affluent Areas Show Zero Deprivation
At the opposite end of the spectrum, the study identified four Midlands areas where no residents live in conditions classified as highly deprived. These communities represent the region's most affluent areas and include Bromsgrove, Lichfield, South Staffordshire and Stratford-upon-Avon.
The complete deprivation rankings for Midlands areas reveal:
- Birmingham - 2nd
- Nottingham - 18th
- Stoke-on-Trent - 19th
- Walsall - 25th
- Wolverhampton - 32nd
- Leicester - 38th
- Coventry - 48th
- Sandwell - 54th
- Solihull - 62nd
- Telford and Wrekin - 66th
- Wyre Forest - 66th
- Worcester - 71st
- Dudley - 89th
- Nuneaton and Bedworth - 99th
This post-Covid deprivation study provides the most current picture of economic hardship across England, revealing both the persistent challenges in urban centres and the pockets of prosperity that coexist within the same region.
