Analysis of the socio-economic characteristics and housing condition in the core neighbourhood of Akure, Nigeria

The paper highlights survey on low – income settlements in the core area of Akure, the capital of Ondo State, Nigeria and examined the socio – economic characteristics of the respondent and the physical state of the building they occupy. It gathers field data with a structured questionnaire administered among residents of low income neighbourhoods of Akure using random sampling technique. The data were analysed using simple frequency and percentage distribution tables. The study showed that most of the residents are engaged in the informal sector of the economy (self employed), their income level is very low and that household size is very high .The survey carried out on housing revealed that most dwellings were constructed before 1960 and are of monolithic type. They are lacking in essential infrastructures and a large number (53.3%) are unsatisfactory by modern standards. While we are aware of the fact that findings of a study of this type may be more typical of the case than more general to other cities, there is every reason to believe that the issues involved are more national than local. The policy recommendations have therefore been geared to reflect this observation.   Key words: Cities, core neighbourhood, housing, urbanisation.