In Benton Harbor, Michigan, the numbers speak for themselves. During the past several decades, the population of the city has decreased. It is now the third least-populous city in Michigan, and more than 90% of the school-aged children are living in poverty. The city is currently pursuing redevelopment policies that will attract middle-class layers. But market-rate housing and office space will not do much for residents.
The city's unemployment rate is almost twice the official figures. Most of the residents are employed in minimum-wage, temporary jobs. This is to keep labor costs down. Another common problem is youth unemployment, which is especially high. Youth unemployment is a major cause of riots in the city. The average manufacturing wage in Benton Harbor is less than $20,000.
The most common jobs in Benton Harbor are in production, sales, and food preparation & serving. The majority of residents live in one of three neighborhoods. Most people commute by car, walking, or taking the trolley. However, there are also some people who use public transportation to get to work.
After World War II, Benton Harbor was part of an industrial unionism and militancy movement. In 1947, workers at the Remington Rand factory struck, and the county sheriff called the strike "insurrection". The workers were led by members of the Communist Party. They united white and black workers, and socialist-minded workers. In the following years, the town's industrial growth provided stable jobs to a large section of the working class.