The geographical distribution of deprivation in my home state of Queensland is broadly similar to patterns in other states and territories. A small minority of localities, mostly situated outside Greater Brisbane, suffer from disproportionately high rates of a wide array of problems including low income, overcrowding, long-term unemployment, particulate matter in the air, no internet, child maltreatment, and youth crime. These different strands of disadvantage pile-up and interlock, countering attempts to break free. By Ross Homel