- Crime rate is 50% higher than Alaska average
- 4,659 per 100k crime rate per capita
- Cost of living 30% higher than national average
292,090 souls live in Anchorage, Alaska and they can't decide whether they're the happiest or the most miserable city in the state. I mean. The median household income there is approximately $82,300 with just 8.1% of the population living below poverty level. So what's there to be so miserable about?
It may have something to do with the fact that Anchorage has the highest average weekly work hours in the country. Then again, it could be that the crime rate in Anchorage is about 50% higher than the national average, with a 4,659 per 100k crime rate per capita.
- Cost of living 77% higher than the national average
- Crime rate is 27% higher than the national average
According to Wallet Hub, Hawaii is the happiest state in the country. As a matter of fact, Honolulu is doing pretty well for itself seeing as how most of the residents there have an annual household average income of $72,454. Only 10.7% of this city's population lives below poverty level. Hawaii also has the lowest share of adult depression.
So why is Honolulu so miserable? Well, the cost of living in Hawaii overall is 77% higher than the national average. The cost of housing alone is 171% higher than the national average, as well. The crime rates are a bit high there, as well. Overall crime is 27% higher than the national average, giving citizens a 1 in 32 chance of becoming a victim.
- Lowest income growth in the country
- Crime rate 66% higher than Wyoming average
In a city with a population of approx 57,000, the median household income is about $60,000, which is above the national average. However, Casper has the lowest income growth in the country and the crime rate there is about 66% higher than the state average. That means that if you move there, you'd have a 3% chance of becoming a victim of some kind of crime.
Wyoming, itself has the third-highest work hours per week. But, if you are planning a move to Wyoming, may we suggest Cheyenne? It is considered the happiest city in the state.
- Median household income lower than the national level
- Commute time higher than the national average
- Crime rate is 58% higher than the national average
The national median household income is approximately $61,000. In contrast, the median household income in Rapid City is just $53,760. On top of that, Rapid City has the most drug arrests per capita in the United States.
This puts the city's crime rate at 58% higher than the national average, giving citizens a 3% chance that they'll become the victim of a crime at some point. We think Sioux Falls sounds like a much better choice since it is the happiest city in the state.
- 13.9% of the population below poverty level
- Cost of living 11% higher than the national average
- Cost of housing 64% higher
In Portland, the cost of living is 11% higher than the national average and the median household income is just $61,000, putting 13% of the population below the poverty level. With the cost of goods 11% above the national average as well as the cost of housing being 64% higher, we can see how this city could be deemed miserable.
One plus for Portland is that the crime rates are improving. The crime rate is only about 5% higher than the national rate with violent crime falling 25% below the national average for the 2018 year. In Portland, you would have a 1 in 37 chance of becoming a victim of crime.
- 13% live below poverty level
- School test scores are 28% below national average
- Crime rate is 17% higher
In Manchester, the population is around 112,525 with a median income of around $62,000 so statistically speaking, they are right on par with the national average. However, 13% of the city's residents live below the poverty level. Another factor to put this city on the most miserable is that their school test scores are 28% below the national average. The crime rate in Manchester is about 17% higher than the national average, giving residents of the city a 1 in 32 chance of becoming a victim.
If your heart was set on this New England state, we suggest you try the Nashua area, as it's been declared the happiest city in New Hampshire. And if you needed extra incentive, the crime rates in Nashua are actually the lowest in the entire country at about 45% below the national average. Their violent crime rate is even lower, at 65% below the national average.
- Median household income below the national average
- Violent crime higher than the national average
- 15.5% live below poverty
The state of Idaho can be considered the most miserable state in the entire country. However, Pocatello is considered the most miserable city due to income and poverty rates. The median household income is approximately $46,000—that's nearly $10,000 below the national average.
As of right now, approximately 15% of Pocatello residents live below the poverty line. The crime rates in Pocatello are a little high as well with some violent crimes sitting above the national average.
- 20% live below poverty level
- Household income is $10,000 below national average
- Crime rate 97% higher than the national average
New Mexico has plenty to be miserable about considering it is the state with the highest divorce rate in the country. However, we are talking about miserable cities, so without further ado, we give you Roswell. In Roswell, 20% of residents live below the poverty line, the household income is $10,000 below national average.
But that's not the worst part of living in Roswell. The worst part is having a high chance of becoming a victim of crime since the crime rate is 97% higher there than the national average. Las Cruces, New Mexico made the happiest cities list, so we suggest you start there if you're planning on a move out west.
- Median household income 16% below the national average
- Crime 73% higher than national average
- 19.2% of residents below poverty
Well, some good news about Kansas. They have the lowest percentage of teen drug users and the least amount of drug arrests per capita in the nation. The most miserable city, however, is Kansas City where the median household income is 16% below the national average. The violent crime rate in KC is nothing to sneer at either, at 73% higher than the national average, giving residents a 1 in 17 chance of falling victim.
Nearby Overland Park is considered the happiest city in the state. The city has one of the lowest poverty rates and one of the highest median credit scores in the country. Also, it is reported that residents there get the highest adequate sleep amount and Overland Park has oneo f the most affordable housing rates in the country.
- Median household income is $10,000 below national average
- 21% live in poverty
- Violent crime rate is 38% above national average
Okay. Raise your hand if you would move there just so you could say that you're from Woonsocket? Come on! Be honest! But honestly, if your plans are to move to Rhode Island, we suggest you avoid this city as it made the most miserable city in the state.
In Woonsocket, the median household income is approximately $10,000 the national average and about 21% of the city lives in poverty. In addition, the violent crime rate there is 38% higher than the national average, giving citizens a 1 in 37 chance of becoming a victim.
- 10% live below poverty
- Test scores 32% below the national average
- Crime rate 16% higher than the national average
In Carson City, with a population of 55,414 people, the median household income is $58,305 with about 10% of the population living below the poverty line. The cost of living in Carson City is about 1% higher than the national average.
The real trouble comes in with the crime rate which is 16% higher than the national average, giving residents a 1 in 30 chance of becoming a victim at some point. We suggest that Reno may be a better spot to retire to seeing as how it's the happiest city in the state. It surpassed both Las Vegas and Henderson by ranking #77 out of the 186 happiest cities in America.
- 14.9% live below the poverty level
- Crime rate 126% higher than the national average
- Violent crime 43% higher than the national average
Great Falls may not actually be so bad considering the median household income is just $49,000 and just 14.9% live below the poverty level. The national average poverty rate is 15.1% so the city isn't doing too badly.
However, the crime rate in Great Falls is 126% higher than the national average with violent crime leading at a rate 43% higher than the national average giving residents a 1 in 28 chance of becomig a crime victim.
- Poverty level is 15% higher than national average
- 17.5% live below poverty level
Waterloo is a small city of about 67,798 residents with a median household income of approximately $47,000 and where 17.5% of the population lives below the poverty line. Here, the income per capita is about 19% below the national average.
Unfortunately, the crime rates in Waterloo are 32% above the national average, giving residents a 1 in 30 chance of becoming a victim of crime. Cedar Rapids, Iowa was named the happiest city in the state—possibly due to the fact that it has been ranked #5 in the nation for the most affordable housing and above-average salaries for 18-34-year-olds.
- Crime rate 62% higher than average
- Violent crimes 63% higher
- 12% living in poverty
In Omaha, the residents don't have too much to be miserable about; however, it does rank on our most miserable cities list for several reasons. With a population of approximately 479,000 residents, the median household income is around $62,000 which is higher than the national average. Also, only about 12% of the residents live at or below the poverty line, which is right on par with the national average.
The biggest concern in Omaha is actually the crime rate which is 62% higher than the national average. There were 631 violent crimes reported in Omaha in 2021 per capita. That is 63% higher than the national average, giving residents a 1 in 25 chance of becoming a victim.
- 28% live below poverty level
- Median household income is $36,154
- Crime rate 12% higher than national average
Despite being home to one of the most prestigious Ivy League colleges in the country, Hartford made the most miserable city in Connecticut. The median household income in Hartford is $36,154 and 28% of residents live below the poverty level. The income per capita here is about 26% lower than the national average, and the unemployment rate is at 6.8%.
The crime rate in Hartford is about 12% higher than the national average. The violent crime rate is up 23% higher than the national average, meaning residents have a 1 in 22 chance of becoming a victim. If you're looking for something in the beautiful foliage of Connecticut, we suggest Bridgeport. They have the lowest average weekly work hours in the country.
- 18.4% live below poverty level
- Median home value is 40% lower than the national average
- Income per capita is 15% lower than national average
The population in Lawton is currently at 93,000. In the city, approximately 18.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The median home value in Lawton is actually 40% lower than the national average, and the income per capita is approximately 15% lower than the U.S. average.
If you're looking to move to Oklahoma any time soon, we suggest the happiest city, Tulsa. There the cost of living is 13% lower than the national average, average school test scores are 4% higher, and the high school graduation rate is equal to the national average at 88%.
- Cost of living is 13% higher than national average
- 16% of residents live below poverty level
- Highest rate of adult depression in the state
In Gresham, the population stands at 110,456 residents, with a median household income of approximately $58,000. The cost of living, here, is about 13% higher than the national average, and about 16% of residents live below the poverty level. Gresham also has the highest share of adult depression in the state.
Portland, Oregon is considered the happiest city in the state. It ranked #90 on the list of happiest cities in the country. The median income is higher than the national average at $61,532, the high school graduation rate is higher than the national average, and the number of residents with bachelor's degrees or higher is 55% higher than the national average.
- 23% live below poverty rate
- Median household income is approximately $10,000 less than the national average
- Income per capita 3% lower
A relatively small city in Kentucky, Covington has a population of about 40,000 residents—with about 23% of the population living below the poverty rate. The median household income here is almost $10,000 less than the national average income. The income per capita is $29,038—3% lower than the national average.
The unemployment rate is on par with the national average, average school test scores are 14% lower than the national average, and only 22% of residents have a bachelor's degree or higher. For a happier experience in Kentucky, we now direct you to Lexington-Fayette where the unemployment rate is 4% lower than the national average and the income per capita is higher.
- Unemployment rate 14% higher than national average
- More than 21% live below poverty level
- Median household income is 26% lower than the national average
In Sumter, the unemployment rate is 14% higher than the average, and the income per capita is already 17% lower than the national average. More than 21% of the city's population lives below the poverty rate, and the median household income is 26% lower than the national income.
For a happier experience, we suggest you try Charleston, South Carolina. It could be because of the bustling economy, the proximity to beaches, the fact that the crime rate is lower than the national average—or it could be all those things combined that make Charleston the happiest city in the state.
- 19.7% live below the poverty level
- Test scores 50% lower
- High unemployment rate
Rocky Mount's population has also been declining since 2010—by 6%. Of a population of 54,330 residents, 19.7% live below the poverty level. The income per capita is $24,544 and the unemployment rate is at 5.2%. Average test scores from the schools in the city are 50% below the national average, suggesting that these schools may not be the best for your family.
In Rocky Mount, the crime rate is 45% higher than the national average with a murder rate of 22.5 per 100k. That gives residents a 1 in 28 chance in becoming a victim of a crime. However, in terms of drug use, North Carolina ranks 33 out of 50 states.
- 14.2% live below the poverty level
- Crime rates are 54% higher than the national average
- Violent crime is 42% higher than the national average
When it comes to happiest states, Utah is right up there at the top. The state itself has the lowest divorce rate, works the fewest hours, and is considered the 4th safest state to live in. But when it comes to miserable cities, the most miserable in Utah is Ogden. The median household income is $55,974 and 14.2% of the population lives below the poverty level.
The crime rates in Ogden are some of the highest in the state at 54% higher than the national average crime rate. Violent crime, alone, is up 42% higher than the national average, giving residents a 1 in 25 chance of becoming a victim. The income per capita is around 10% lower than the national average. We suggest the happiest city in Utah—Salt Lake City.
- 17.9% live below poverty level
- Crime rates are 21% higher than the national average
- Median household income below national average
Grand Forks ain't so grand after all, it turns out. The median household income there is about $50,000 which is below the national average, and approximately 17.9% of the population lives below the poverty level. On the crime front, the city's rate is 21% higher than the national average crime rate.
However, a couple of redeeming qualities for this city are that it has the lowest long-term unemployment rates and the highest income growth rate in the country. So maybe it won't be the most miserable city in the country for too much longer. But until then, if your heart is set on North Dakota for your next move, we suggest Bismark—the happiest city in the state.
- Household average income lower than national average
- Crime rate is 80% higher than national average
- Poverty rate of 17.7%
As far as miserable cities go, you could do worse than Duluth. Unemployment is even lower than the national average in Duluth, at 3.3%. However, the income per capita in Duluth is just $31,945.
The crime rate is pretty bad at 80% higher than the national average, and violent crime is about 6% higher than the national average. This gives residents a 1 in 22 chance of becoming a victim. As a matter of fact, Minnesota is regarded as the safest state in the country.
- Crime rate is 229% higher than the national average
- Property crimes are 170% higher
- Violent crime is 527% higher
Ah! Home of Elvis, the Blues, and many other touristy, fun things to do and see. But wait. Fun fact about Memphis—it has the highest crime rate in the entire country. For the entirety of 2018, a total of 54,453 crimes were reported just in Memphis! The total crime rate there is approximately 229% higher than the national average, and property crimes rose to 170% higher than national rates.
The violent crime rate, however, is what has us the most worried. That number rose to more than 500% higher than the national average, meaning that there is a 1 in 12 chance of becoming a victim of crime there. In our research, we discovered that not only is Nashville the happiest city in Tennessee, but it's most definitely the safer choice.
- Violent crime 309% higher than national average
- 24.6% live below poverty level
- Household income 24% lower than national average
Milwaukee is Wisconsin's biggest city with 592,025 residents with a median household income of $43,125. 24% of the population of this city live below the poverty line and unemployment is roughly 40% higher there than the national average. The income per capita, alone, is just $24,167 which is lower than the national average.
The violent crime rate in Milwaukee is 309% higher than anywhere else in the U.S. We suggest that if you're looking to move somewhere cold, Madison, Wisconsin is the happiest city, where both the median household income and the income per capita are above the national average and unemployment is below it.
- Median household income 21% lower than national average
- 17.3% live below poverty level
- Graduation rate 11% lower than national average
Bullhead City, a small city in Arizona with a population of approximately 40,421 residents is considered the most miserable city in the state. The median household income is $43,442, and about 17% of the population lives below the poverty level, there. Only 74% of Bullhead City residents have graduated high school which could explain the low incomes and higher poverty rates.
There are several other cities in Arizona that might take your fancy, such as Scottsdale, the happiest city in the state. Or Phenix might pique your interest as they have the highest job security in the country or Gilbert might suit your purposes since they have the lowest poverty rate in the country.
- Median household income is $55,461
- 25% live below poverty
- Higher cost of living and of housing
With a median income of approximately $55,000 per household and a quarter of the city living below the poverty level, it is easy to see why Burlington might be the most miserable city in the state of Vermont. Oh, and did we forget to mention? The cost of living and the cost of housing are both higher than the national average by 16 and 34%, respectively.
And if all of that wasn't enough to make anyone miserable, the state of Vermont has the highest rate of both teen and adult drug users in the entire country. But strangely enough, South Burlington made it to the top of the list when it came to Vermont's happiest cities.
- 196% higher crime rate
- Household income 22% lower than national average
- 21.8% poverty rate
Pueblo, Colorado, wins the most miserable city in Colorado for this year. The income per capita is $24,242, which is lower than the national average, while the poverty level is 25% higher than the national average as well. The crime rate in Pueblo is also 196% higher than the average, with violent crime rising 223% higher.
Aurora, Colorado is the clear winner, here. It is considered the happiest city in the state due to the proximity to many amenities and attractions to ensure there is always something to do or a grocery store nearby, the income per household is equal to the national average, unemployment is just 4.9%, and the poverty level is only at 14.7 which is lower than the national average.
- 14.7% live below poverty level
- Crime rate 138% higher than national average
- Violent crime rate 94% higher than national average
In Lakewood, Washington, approximately 14.7% of the 60,538 residents live below the poverty line. The income per capita there is about $30,00 which is below the national average. And the schools there aren't the best, scoring 9% lower than the national average on test scores.
The crime rate in Lakewood leaves something to be desired at 138% higher than the national average. Residents in Lakewood have a 1 in 19 chance of becoming a victim of a crime. Better off moving to Seattle, which is the happiest city in the state.
- Crime rate 52% higher than national average
- 23% live in poverty
- Income per capita 23% lower than national average
The median household income is $37,147, and about 23% of the city's citizens live below the poverty level. High school graduations are 11% lower than the national average, which could account for the low-income rates.
The income per capita in Danville is at $22,876, which is 23% lower than the national rate. Virginia Beach is the happiest city in the state—possibly because they have the third lowest percentage of population living below poverty level in the nation.
- 20.4% live below poverty level
- High unemployment rate
- Crime rate 196% higher than national average
St Louis' population of 302,838 has decreased by 5.1% since 2010, which was taken into account while determining the most miserable cities. The median income there is $45,782 and approximately 20% of the population lives below the poverty level. While the city has many amenities and attractions to give it a happier score, it cannot overcome the city's unemployment rate of 3.9%.
Nor can the amenities or attractions overcome St Louis's crime rate, which is 196% higher than the national average with violent crime rising 283% higher than the national average. This gives residents a 1 in 16 chance of becoming a victim of a crime.
- 20% live below poverty level
- High long-term unemployment rate
- Crime is 163% higher than national average
The state of Maryland has the highest long-term unemployment rate in the country, and the city of Baltimore sits at 4.7%. In addition, the median household income in Baltimore is approximately $52,164, and at least 20% of the city's residents live below the poverty line.
The crime rate in Baltimore can be a scary figure. Although as a whole, crime is only 163% higher than the national average, the violent crime rate is 379% higher than the national violent crime rate. This gives residents a 1 in 16 chance of becoming a victim of crime. We suggest you check out Maryland's happiest city, Columbia.
- 25.5% live below poverty level
- Violent crime rate 142% higher
- Median household income is $41,571
With a huge capital city such as Boston, one would automatically assume that the most misery would be found in the big city. However, it turns out that Springfield, with a population of 153,000 residents is the clear winner for the state. The median household income here is $41,571 with about 25.5% living below the poverty line.
The crime rate in Springfield is 40% higher than the national average and the violent crime rate is up 142% higher. That's a 1 in 28 chance that a resident will become a victim. When it comes to crime rates, the happiest city in Massachusetts—Boston—is actually the safer city at just 2% higher than the national crime rate, giving citizens a 1 in 38 chance of becoming a victim.
- Median household income is $40,809
- 24.9% poverty rate
- Crime rate 144% higher than national average
Despite being a popular tourist destination for its rich nightlife and casinos, Shreveport is considered the most miserable city in the state of Louisiana. The median household income in Shreveport is $40,809, and the city has the distinction of having the second-lowest income growth rate in the country.
You'd be surprised to learn that despite the unemployment rate being 30% higher there than the national average, New Orleans made the #1 happiest city in Louisiana. However, with many amenities available from all over the world, a vibrant nightlife, and active tourism economy, it's easy to see why.
- 30.9% live below poverty level
- Income per capita is 43% lower than the national average
- Graduation rate 28% lower than national average
The median household income in Reading is around $35,745 with 30.9% of the city's 88,000 citizens living below the poverty rate. The income per capita is 43% lower than the national average at just $17,150, and the unemployment rate is higher than average at 6.9%
There are 27 schools in Reading, and the school test scores there are 36% below the national average. In addition, only approximately 63% of residents have completed the 8th grade, just 60% of adults have completed high school, and only 9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or above. The correlation between education and income could explain the poverty level here.
- Unemployment 57% higher than national average
- 24.5% live below poverty level
- Crime rate 126% higher than national average
We've all heard that country song about going to Jackson, but you may want to wait before you throw on those cowboy boots and head on out. Apparently, Jackson is the most miserable city in the state when you take the median household income and the rate at which people are leaving.
Since 2010, the population has reduced by 5.3% and with a median income of $40,000 and 24.5% of the population living below the poverty level, it's not hard to see why. Also, the crime rate in Jackson is about 126% higher than the national average, leaving its citizens a 1 in 19 chance of becoming a victim.
- Crime rate 74% higher than national average
- Median household income around just $30K
- 32.1% are living below poverty level
When it comes to the list of the happiest states in the country, West Virginia takes the very last spot out of all 50 states. This could be because the state has the most overdose deaths per capita and is number four on the list for the state with the highest depression rate. Or, it could also be because West Virginia has the highest percentage of its population living at or below the poverty level.
Huntington, however, can be considered the state's most miserable city. The population has decreased by 6.4% since 2010, leaving the city at about 46,000 residents with a median household income of approximately $33,000 and about 32.1% of the population living below the poverty line.
- Median household income around $38K
- 29.7% live below poverty level
- Unemployment rate 34% higher than the national average
The current population of Albany, Georgia is 72,000 and has gradually been shrinking since 2010. Their median household income is around $38,000 and approximately 29.7% of the city's residents live below the poverty line. The income per capita is about $20,000 which is 32% below the national average. The unemployment rate is 34% higher than the national unemployment rate.
The average test scores of the schools in Albany are 45% below the national average and only approximately 18% of all residents have a bachelor's degree or higher. The crime rate here is 148% higher than the national crime rate and the violent crime rate has risen 309% above the national average.
- Crime rate 116% higher than the national average
- Violent crime rate is 268% higher than the national average
- Unemployment 33% higher than national average
Dela-where? Most people forget that Delaware was actually the first state in the union. However, that is the only instance where this state ranks number one. Wilmington as a city, though, does rank as one of the top cities in the country when it comes to the divorce and separation rates.
In Wilmington, the chances of becoming a victim of crime are one in 16 with a crime rate that is 116% higher than the national average. The violent crime rate, alone, is 268% higher than the national average. We suggest Dover if you're longing for a Delaware address.
- Below average test scores
- Median household income around $35K
- Unemployment rate 44% higher than national average
The population of Binghamton has been in decline in recent decades. As of now, the population has shrunk to 44,819 citizens. The median household income is $35,000, and approximately 32.7% of the residents live below the poverty line. The income per capita is just $26,000, and the unemployment rate is up 44% higher than the national average.
In Binghamton, there are 23 public schools that scored 11% below the national average test scores. If your heart was set on New York City, instead, we gotta warn you that they have the least affordable housing in the country. Although the state of New York has the lowest suicide rate in the country, the happiest city in the state is considered to be Yonkers.
- Income per capita 33% below national average
- Violent crime 9% higher than national average
- Test scores 58% below national average
Since the 2010s, Cicero's population has declined to 81,471 residents. The median income here is around $53,000, with about 65.9% of the population in the workforce. The income per capita, however, is about 33% below the national average.
The plus side for Cicero is that it is a safe city. Both property and overall crime are below the national average while violent crime is equal to the national average. If you're looking for a sunnier place, we suggest the happiest city in Illinois, Aurora.
- 19.6% poverty rate
- Income per capita is below $20K
- Household income 30% below national average
There are several unhappy cities in Florida, but in this case, Hialeah takes the prize. With a population of 233,000, just 56.4% are in the labor force, and the median household income comes out to about $38,000. The income per capita is $19,000—35% below the national average. Still, the unemployment rate is just at 2.4%, which is 45% lower than the national rate.
Crime really isn't an issue in the city of Hialeah. Their crime rates are below the national average, and citizens only have a one in 42 chance of becoming a victim of a crime. However, the happiest, and even safer city in Florida is Cape Coral, which scores high in amenities, crime rates, schools, and housing.
- 21.6% living below poverty level
- Unemployment 45% higher than national average
- Median household income is $46K
21% of people living in Huntington Park, California, are living there below the poverty level. The median household income is approximately $46,000 with 63% of the population in the labor force.
If you just so happen to be looking for a friendlier, happier town to move to try Freemont, California. It has been dubbed the happiest city in California when it comes to emotional and physical well-being, income and employment, and community and environment.
- Population has shrunk 7.7% since 2010
- 34.4% live below poverty level
- Crime rate 32% higher than national average
The population of Warren has shrunk by 7.7% since 2010. The current count is now 38,986 with approximately 34.4% of the population living below the poverty rate. The median household income is $27,108. However, the unemployment rate is slightly better than the national average.
The crime rate in Warren is roughly 32% higher than the national average with violent crime rising 15% above the average, giving the average citizen a 1 in 23 chance of becoming a victim. However, year over year, the crime rate has been decreasing. Since 2010, the crime rate has decreased by 4%.
- Crime rate is 238% higher than national average
- 25.4% live below poverty level
- Unemployment rate 21% higher than national average
When it comes to the list of the happiest states in the country, Arkansas falls in spot #49, right before West Virginia, so it was a little tougher to find the most miserable city in the state. Since 2010, the population has reduced by 12.8%, and it's no wonder since approximately 25% of the city's residents live below the poverty line.
The median household income in Pine Bluff is approximately $34,410 and only about 52% of residents are in the labor force. Unemployment rates there are 21% higher than the national average, schools are 65% below the national test rates. We highly suggest Fort Smith, if your heart is set on the Natural State.
- Cost of living 22% higher than national average
- Income per capita 36% lower than national rate
- Violent crime is 3% higher than national average
Passaic, New Jersey, where the median household income is $44,000 and 27% of the population lives below the poverty level. The cost of living is 22% higher than the national average and housing costs 88% higher than the national average. The income per capita is almost 40% lower than the national rate.
The total crime rate in Passaic is actually lower than the national average but violent crime is 3% higher. But that just means that citizens have a 1 in 42 chance of becoming a victim. If moving to New Jersey is in your immediate future, we suggest you check into Jersey City.
- Violent crime is 393% higher than the national average
- Income per capita 14% lower than national average
- 24% poverty rate
There are many reasons why Birmingham made this list, not the least of which is the fact that Birmingham is the top city in the country with the highest rate of separations and divorce. Not to mention that this city has the 2nd highest crime rate in the country. Violent crime, alone, is up 393% higher than the national average. In Birmingham, you have a 1 in 13 chance of becoming a victim of a crime.
Huntsville, Alabama would be a better choice for a move if you're thinking about heading down south. The high school graduation rate is 8% higher than the national average, the income per capita is 9% higher than the national average, and the home value in Huntsville is 31% higher than the rest of the state.
- Unemployment 75% higher than national average
- 33.2% live below poverty rate
- Median household income below $35K
The population in Detroit has fallen to about 672,000 residents, of which 33% live below the poverty rate. Detroit has one of the highest poverty rate of any city in the United States. The median household income in Detroit is just $32,000.
The crime rate in Detroit is 135% higher than the national average with violent crime rising 455% above the national average. The citizens have a 1 in 16 chance of becoming a victim. The happier—and safer option would be Grand Rapids.
- Crime rate 6% higher than national average
- 26.7% live below poverty level
- Violent crime is 97% higher than national average
Port Arthur takes the prize in Texas for most miserable city—a feat hard to accomplish in a state known to be the least safe in terms of violent crimes per capita. On the bright side, Texas also has the fewest overdose deaths per capita in the country... In Port Arthur, the crime rate is 6% above the national average, and violent crime is 97% higher.
With a population of 54,750, the city has approximately 26.7% of its citizens living below the poverty level. Plano, Texas is the best choice since it has been dubbed the happiest cities in Texas. Plano is even known to have one of the lowest rates of separation and divorce in the country.
- Crime rate 75% above national average
- Median household income 43% below national average
- Income per capita 36% below the national average
The population of Gary has decreased in the past decades. It could have something to do with the fact that the median household income there is 43% below the national average, and approximately 33% of the city lives below the poverty level. As a matter of fact, the income per capita is just around $19,000 which is 36% below the national average.
If the income per capita or the poverty rate wasn't enough to scare you away, the unemployment rate surely will. The housing market has completely fallen, and the median home value in Gary is 63% lower than the national value. Trust us and try Fort Wayne, Indiana, instead.
