With a Gini index of 53.6, the economy of Essex County is considered half as equal as a healthy model would be. Consider the Household Income Ratio of Essex County for perspective: at 6.26 on an 80/20 quartile scale, the top quarter income bracket is a stunning 6x greater than that of the bottom 25%.

Manieri's figures give Essex County the 26th highest Gini Index of every county in the United States; The 80/20 ratio of 6.26 place Essex County as the 62nd highest of all counties nationwide. When isolating for counties with populations of 250,000 or over, however, the rankings only get more concerning. Of the most populous counties, Essex County takes the fifth highest spot in regards to its Gini Index Score; 10th highest in regards of its 80/20 ratio. It is clear that Essex County is not just the most unequal county in New Jersey, but one of the most challenging economies in the entire country.



Contributing to Essex County's highest rate of inequality in the state is a cost of living that is 30% higher than the national average, with groceries costing 10% more. Despite this, SNAP does not account for different incomes and consumer costs, applying the same income requirements to residents of all 48 contiguous states. This leaves those living in the shades of the suburbs of wealthy cities at a disadvantage.

These gaps in lifestyle put estimates for the price to prepare an average meal in Essex County at $3.72/person. At that rate, it costs approximately $300 to meet the needs of a single person for a month, yet SNAP only allots $192 for a single person and $504 for a household of three.

This means a family of three, already dependent on assistance, will have to pay nearly $400 a month out of pocket (from a maximum gross monthly income of $3149). Even making the maximum wage allowed, paying an average rent of $1400/mo. leaves these families with only $1300 (or, $450 per person) to cover all other expenses. With wealth gaps so large, government attempts to meet people halfway are failing to address food insecurity.

