- Poverty Rate: 11.0%
- Median Household Income: $88,740
- Crime Rate: 44.1 per 1,000 residents
- Unemployment Rate: 6.3%
283,424 people live in Anchorage, Alaska, and they can't decide whether they're the happiest or the most miserable city in the state. The median household income there is approximately $88k, with just 11% of the population living below the 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 44 crimes per 1,000 residents.
- Poverty Rate: 24%
- Median Household Income: $72,174
- Crime Rate: 38.2 per 1,000 residents
- Unemployment Rate: 4.0%
According to Wallet Hub, Hawaii is the happiest state in the country. As a matter of fact, Makaha is doing pretty well for itself seeing as how most of the residents there have an annual household average income of $72,174. Hawaii also has some of the lowest levels of adult depression. So why is Makaha so miserable? Well, the cost of living in Hawaii overall is 70% higher than the national average. The cost of housing alone is astronomical. The crime rates are a bit high there, as well, with citizens having a 1 in 26 chance of becoming a victim.
- Poverty Rate: 10.2%
- Median Household Income: $67,820
- Crime Rate: 38.1 per 1,000 residents
- Unemployment Rate: 4.2%
In a city with a population of approximately 57,000, the median household income is about $67,820, which is above the national average. However, Casper has the lowest income growth in the country, and the crime rate is over 60% higher than the state average. That means that if you move there, you'd have a 4% chance of becoming a victim of some kind of crime. But, if you are planning a move to Wyoming, may we suggest Cheyenne? It is considered the happiest city in the state.
- Poverty Rate: 14.1%
- Median Household Income: $62,150
- Crime Rate: 48.0 per 1,000 residents
- Unemployment Rate: 2.9%
The national median household income is approximately $74,580. In contrast, the median household income in Rapid City is just $62,150. On top of that, Rapid City has some of the most drug arrests per capita in the United States., which puts the city's crime rate at over 50% 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's a far happier city.
- Poverty Rate: 18.2%
- Median Household Income: $67,140
- Crime Rate: 22.1 per 1,000 residents
- Unemployment Rate: 2.9%
In Portland, the cost of living is 15 % higher than the national average, and the median household income is just $67,140, putting 18.2% of the population below the poverty level. With the cost of goods, 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 a smidge higher than the national rate with violent crime falling 25% below the national average for the 2018 year. In Portland, you would have a 2% chance of becoming a victim of crime.
- Poverty Rate: 17.3%
- Median Household Income: $72,410
- Crime Rate: 37.8 per 1,000 residents
- Unemployment Rate: 2.5%
In Manchester, the population is around 115,141, with a median income of around $72,410, so statistically speaking, they are right on par with the national average. However, 17% of the city's residents live below the poverty level. Another factor that makes this city the most miserable is that their school test scores are about 20% below the national average. If your heart is set on this New England state, we suggest you try the Nashua area, as it's been declared the happiest city in New Hampshire.
- Poverty Rate: 12.7%
- Median Household Income: $58,240
- Crime Rate: 31.9 per 1,000 residents
- Unemployment Rate: 3.2%
Pocatello is considered the most miserable city in Idaho due to income and poverty rates. The median household income is approximately $58,240—that's over $10,000 below the national average. As of right now, approximately 12.7% 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.
- Poverty Rate: 18.9%
- Median Household Income: $50,870
- Crime Rate: 32.1 per 1,000 residents
- Unemployment Rate: 4.9%
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New Mexico Maternal Mortality Rate: 79.5 deaths per 100,000 live births
Since miserable cities are on athe mind we give you Roswell. In Roswell, 18.9% of residents live below the poverty line, the household income is $20,000 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 higher there than the national average. White Rock, New Mexico, made the happiest cities list, so we suggest you start there if you're planning on a move out west.
- Poverty Rate: 17.2%
- Median Household Income: $55,720
- Crime Rate: 43.8 per 1,000 residents
- Unemployment Rate: 4.2%
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 25% below the national average. The violent crime rate in KC is nothing to sneer at either. 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 best sleep!
- Poverty Rate: 19.5%
- Median Household Income: $57,420
- Crime Rate: 33.1 per 1,000 residents
- Unemployment Rate: 5.1%
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 below the national average and about 20% of the city lives in poverty. In addition, the violent crime rate there is higher than the national average, giving citizens a 3% chance of becoming a victim.
- Poverty Rate: 15.2%
- Median Household Income: $73,910
- Crime Rate: 32.4 per 1,000 residents
- Unemployment Rate: 4.3%
In Reno with a population of 264,165 people, the median household income is $73,910 with about 15% of the population living below the poverty line. The cost of living in Reno is a bit lower than the national average, but the real price tag is slapped on real estate. The median home price is about $550k, a 4.4% increase in the past year. Even worse, the rent averages $1,632 per month! Weirdly enough, people think Reno is one of the happiest states in the country... We bet to differ.
- Poverty Rate: 13.2%
- Median Household Income: $60,390
- Crime Rate: 41.2 per 1,000 residents
- Unemployment Rate: 3.4%
Great Falls may not actually be so bad considering the median household income is $60k and just 13% live below the poverty level. The national average poverty rate is about 11% so the city isn't doing too badly. However, the crime rate in Great Falls is way higher than the national average giving residents a 4% chance of becomig a crime victim.
- Poverty Rate: 17.8%
- Median Household Income: $53,270
- Crime Rate: 40.7 per 1,000 residents
- Unemployment Rate: 4.1%
Waterloo is a small city of about 67,314 residents with a median household income of approximately $53,000 and where 17.8% of the population lives below the poverty line. Unfortunately, the crime rates in Waterloo are above the national average, giving residents a 5% chance of becoming a victim of crime. A 2022 study by CreditDonkey ranked Clive, Iowa as the happiest city in the state. They considered factors like commute time, median income, divorce rate, and restaurants per capita.
- Poverty Rate: 13.8%
- Median Household Income: $63,790
- Crime Rate: 40.1 per 1,000 residents
- Unemployment Rate: 2.8%
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 486,000 residents, the median household income is around $63,000 which is higher than the national average. Also, only about 14% 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 the crime rate. There were 631 violent crimes reported in Omaha in 2021 per capita. That is 63% higher than the national average!
- Poverty Rate: 22.7%
- Median Household Income: $50,190
- Crime Rate: 39.2 per 1,000 residents
- Unemployment Rate: 5.4%
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 $50,190 and 23% of residents live below the poverty level. The income per capita here is about $20,000 lower than the national average, and the unemployment rate is 5.4%. 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.
- Poverty Rate: 18.4%
- Median Household Income: $52,710
- Crime Rate: 42.9 per 1,000 residents
- Unemployment Rate: 4.7%
The population in Lawton is currently at 92,000. 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.
- Poverty Rate: 16.1%
- Median Household Income: $55,420
- Crime Rate: 34.2 per 1,000 residents for Josephine County
- Unemployment Rate: 4.2%
In Grants Pass, the population stands at 39,194 residents, with a median household income of approximately $55,000. About 16% of residents live below the poverty level. Portland, Oregon, is considered one of the happiest city in the state. The median income is higher than the national average at $80k.
- Poverty Rate: 22.1%
- Median Household Income: $48,290
- Crime Rate: 41.5 per 1,000 residents
- Unemployment Rate: 4.0%
A relatively small city in Kentucky, Covington has a population of about 41,000 residents—with about 22% of the population living below the poverty rate. The median household income here is almost $20,000 less than the national average income! For a happier experience in Kentucky, we now direct you to Lexington-Fayette where the unemployment rate is lower than the national average and the income per capita is higher.
- Poverty Rate: 25.9%
- Median Household Income: $44,210 (2024, Esri)
- Crime Rate: 43.7 per 1,000 residents
- Unemployment Rate: 6.2%
In Sumter, the unemployment rate is 40% higher than the average, and the income per capita is already lower than the national average. More than 26% of the city's population lives below the poverty rate, and the median household income is over $10k 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.
- Poverty Rate: 32.2%
- Median Household Income: $39,787
- Crime Rate: 38.2 per 1,000 residents
- Unemployment Rate: Data not available for Roxboro specifically.
Roxboro's population is pretty tiny, with only 8,134 residents according to U.S. census data. 32.2% live below the poverty level, which is a pretty egregious statistic.. The income per capita is $39,787 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.
- Poverty Rate: 12.5%
- Median Household Income: $70,140
- Crime Rate: 31.2 per 1,000 residents
- Unemployment Rate: 2.9%
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, Ogden is the state's worst offender. Despite a good median household income of 70k, 12% of the population lives below the poverty level. The crime rates in Ogden are some of the highest in the state with 31.2 crimes per 1,000 residents. Instead, we suggest the happiest city in Utah—Salt Lake City.
- Poverty Rate: 9.3% (2023, World Population Review)
- Median Household Income: $64,280 (2024, Esri)
- Crime Rate: 32.4 per 1,000 residents
- Unemployment Rate: 2.7% (May 2024, Bureau of Labor Statistics)
Grand Forks ain't so grand after all, it turns out. The median household income there is about $64,280 which is below the national average, but only 9.3% of the population lives below the poverty level. 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 Bismarck—the happiest city in the state.
- Poverty Rate: 19.2%
- Median Household Income: $62,890
- Crime Rate: 38.4 per 1,000 residents
- Unemployment Rate: 3.3%
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 $62k. The crime rate is higher than the national average, and violent crime isn't uncommon. This gives residents a 4% chance of becoming a victim. Despite these numbers, Minnesota is regarded as one of the safest states in the country. Just avoid Duluth!
- Poverty Rate: 25.1%
- Median Household Income: $52,190
- Crime Rate: 41.2 per 1,000 residents
- Unemployment Rate: 5.4%
TAh! Home of Elvis, the Blues, and many other touristy, fun things to do and see. But wait. Fun fact about Memphis—it has one of athe highest violent crime ratse in the entire country. 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.
- Poverty Rate: 27.0%
- Median Household Income: $52,930
- Crime Rate: 43.1 per 1,000 residents
- Unemployment Rate: 4.2%
Milwaukee is Wisconsin's biggest city with 577,222 residents with a median household income of $52,930. 27% of the population of this city live below the poverty line and unemployment is roughly 40% higher there than the national average. We suggest that if you're looking to move somewhere cold, Madison, Wisconsin is a much happier city, where both the median household income and the income per capita are above the national average and unemployment is low.
- Poverty Rate: 14.2%
- Median Household Income: $57,410
- Crime Rate: 28.4 per 1,000 residents
- Unemployment Rate: 6.1%
Bullhead City, a small city in Arizona with a population of approximately 44,348 residents is considered the most miserable city in the state. The median household income is $57,410 and about 14% of the population lives below the poverty level, there. Only 80% 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, Gilbert, or Phoenix. They have some of the highest job security and lowest poverty rates in the nation.
- Poverty Rate: 14.5%
- Median Household Income: $63,210
- Crime Rate: 17.8 per 1,000 residents
- Unemployment Rate: 3.0%
With a median income of approximately $63,210 per household and 15% 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 state's 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 worryingly high rates of both teen and adult drug users in the entire country.
- Poverty Rate: 18.7%
- Median Household Income: $53,140
- Crime Rate: 42.1 per 1,000 residents
- Unemployment Rate: 4.4%
Pueblo, Colorado, wins the most miserable city in Colorado for this year. The income per capita is $53,140, which is lower than the national average, while the poverty level is 19%, which is higher than average. 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 low, and the poverty level is 4% lower than Pueblo.
- Poverty Rate: 10.2%
- Median Household Income: $92,170
- Crime Rate: 22.5 per 1,000 residents
- Unemployment Rate: 3.7%
In Lakewood, Washington, approximately 10% of the 63,612 residents live below the poverty line., which is klower than the national average. The income per capita there is about $92,170 which higher than average, but oddly enough the schools there aren't the best. The crime rate in Lakewood also leaves something to be desired at 22.5 crimes per 1,000 residents. Better off moving to Seattle, which at least has more things to do.
- Poverty Rate: 20.3%
- Median Household Income: $45,290
- Crime Rate: 32.1 per 1,000 residents
- Unemployment Rate: 4.8%
The median household income is $45,290, and about 20% of the city's citizens live below the poverty level. High school graduations are lower than the national average, which could account for the low-income rates. On the other end of spectrum, Virginia Beach is one of the happiest cities in the state—possibly because they have a low percentage of their population living in poverty.
- Poverty Rate: 25.8%
- Median Household Income: $42,870
- Crime Rate: 46.5 per 1,000 residents
- Unemployment Rate: 5.0%
St Louis' population of 301,578 has decreased slowly since 2010, which was taken into account while determining the most miserable cities. The median income there is $42,870 and a quarter 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 5%. Nor can the amenities or attractions overcome St Louis's crime rate!
- Poverty Rate: 23.8%
- Median Household Income: $62,140
- Crime Rate: 39.1 per 1,000 residents
- Unemployment Rate: 5.3%
The state of Maryland has the highest long-term unemployment rate in the country, and the city of Baltimore sits at 5.3%. In addition, the median household income in Baltimore is approximately $62,140, and at least 20% of the city's residents live below the poverty line. The crime rate in Baltimore can be a scary figure. We suggest you check out Maryland's happiest city, Columbia, instead!
- Poverty Rate: 23.6%
- Median Household Income: $51,320
- Crime Rate: 38.1 per 1,000 residents
- Unemployment Rate: 5.9%
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 152,721 residents is the clear winner for the state. The median household income there is $51,320 with about 24% living below the poverty line. The crime rate in Springfield is higher than the national average and the violent crime rate is horrible. When it comes to crime rates, the happiest city in Massachusetts—Boston—is actually the safer city...
- Poverty Rate: 28.3%
- Median Household Income: $41,730
- Crime Rate: 48.2 per 1,000 residents
- Unemployment Rate: 5.9%
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Louisiana Maternal Mortality Rate: 60.9 deaths per 100,000 live births
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 $41,730, and the city has the distinction of having some of the 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.
- Poverty Rate: 23.9%
- Median Household Income: $49,370
- Crime Rate: 33.2 per 1,000 residents
- Unemployment Rate: 4.2%
The median household income in Reading is around $49,370 with 23.9% of the city's 95,000 citizens living below the poverty rate. The income per capita is lower than the national average at just, and the unemployment rate is a tiny big high at 4.2% There are 19 schools in Reading, and the school test scores there are below the national average. In addition, just 64% 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.
- Poverty Rate: 24.8%
- Median Household Income: $40,320
- Crime Rate: 44.5 per 1,000 residents
- Unemployment Rate: 6.1%
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Mississippi Maternal Mortality Rate: 82.5 deaths per 100,000 live births
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 $40,320 and 25% of the population living below the poverty level, it's not hard to see why.
- Poverty Rate: 23.4%
- Median Household Income: $42,110
- Crime Rate: 45.2 per 1,000 residents
- Unemployment Rate: 5.3%
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West Virginia Maternal Mortality Rate: 55.4 deaths per 100,000 live births
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 47,000 residents with a median household income of approximately $44,739 and about 23.4% of the population living below the poverty line.
- Poverty Rate: 27.9%
- Median Household Income: $43,210
- Crime Rate: 42.7 per 1,000 residents
- Unemployment Rate: 5.3%
The current population of Albany, Georgia is 65,282and has gradually been shrinking since 2010. Their median household income is around $43,210 and approximately 28% of the city's residents live below the poverty line. The unemployment rate is higher than the national unemployment rate. The average test scores of the schools in Albany are below the national average and only approximately 24% of all residents have a bachelor's degree or higher.
- Poverty Rate: 22.3%
- Median Household Income: $61,930
- Crime Rate: 38.4 per 1,000 residents
- Unemployment Rate: 4.8%
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 38.4 per 1,000 residents. We suggest Dover if you're longing for a Delaware address.
- Poverty Rate: 27.0%
- Median Household Income: $41,290
- Crime Rate: 37.1 per 1,000 residents
- Unemployment Rate: 4.8%
The population of Binghamton has been in decline in recent decades. As of now, the population is 47,969 citizens. The median household income is $41,290, and approximately 27% of the residents live below the poverty line. 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 one of the lowest suicide rates in the country, the happiest city in the state is considered to be Saratoga Springs.
- Poverty Rate: 18.3%
- Median Household Income: $62,430
- Crime Rate: 38.9 per 1,000 residents
- Unemployment Rate: 4.1%
Since the 2010s, Cicero's population has declined to 85,268 residents. The median income here is around $62,430. 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.
- Poverty Rate: 19.1%
- Median Household Income: $60,170
- Crime Rate: 38.1 per 1,000 residents
- Unemployment Rate: 4.9%
There are several unhappy cities in Florida, but in this case, Miami Gardens takes the prize. With a population of 112,000, the median household income comes out to about $60,170. Plus, the unemployment rate is at 4.9%, sitting higher than average. However, the happiest, and even safer city in Florida is Cape Coral, which scores high in amenities, crime rates, schools, and housing.
- Poverty Rate: 23.9%
- Median Household Income: $52,410
- Crime Rate: 40.1 per 1,000 residents
- Unemployment Rate: 5.1%
24% of people living in Compton, California, are living there below the poverty level. The median household income is approximately $52,410, and a 5.1% unemployment rate. 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.
- Poverty Rate: 29.1%
- Median Household Income: $44,820
- Crime Rate: 40.4 per 1,000 residents
- Unemployment Rate: 4.8%
The population of Cleveland is 351,397 with approximately 29% of the population living below the poverty rate. The median household income is $44,820, which is nearly $30k below the national median. Also, the unemployment rate is higher than the national average at 4.8%. If you're holding out for alternatice places to live, consider Columbus or Cincinnati. Cleveland just isn't worth the risk!
- Poverty Rate: 27.9%
- Median Household Income: $42,380
- Crime Rate: 52.1 per 1,000 residents
- Unemployment Rate: 7.4%
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Arkansas Maternal Mortality Rate: 43.5 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births
When it comes to the list of the happiest states in the country, Arkansas falls in the bottom 10, 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 30% of the city's residents live below the poverty line. The median household income in Pine Bluff is approximately $42,380 and only about 52% of residents are in the labor force. Unemployment rates there are terribly high at 7.4%. We highly suggest Fort Smith if your heart is set on the Natural State.
- Poverty Rate: 26.9%
- Median Household Income: $44,870
- Crime Rate: 38.2 per 1,000 residents
- Unemployment Rate: 6.7%
Union City, New Jersey, where the median household income is $44,000 and 27% of the population lives below the poverty level. If moving to New Jersey is in your immediate future, we suggest you check into Jersey City. At least there isn't a crime rate of 38.2 per 1,000 residents!
- Poverty Rate: 28.7%
- Median Household Income: $40,120
- Crime Rate: 42.8 per 1,000 residents
- Unemployment Rate: 5.6%
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Alabama Maternal Mortality Rate: 41.4 deaths per 100,000 live births
In Bessemer, the crime rate is abosultely vile, with 42.8 victims per 1,000 residents. The poverty rate is nearly 30%, and residents only make $40,120 per year on average. 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.
- Poverty Rate: 41.5%
- Median Household Income: $36,290
- Crime Rate: 48.1 per 1,000 residents
- Unemployment Rate: 6.0%
We all know Flint is notorious for not having the cleanest water (whiuch is a huge understatement), but it's also one of the worst cities in the entire country for countless other reasons. The population in Flint has fallen to about 81,252 residents, of which a staggering 44% live below the poverty rate. We also wouldn't suggest Detroit, which has one of the highest poverty rate of any city in the United States. The happier—and safer option would be Grand Rapids.
- Poverty Rate: 15.4%
- Median Household Income: $64,210
- Crime Rate: 27.4 per 1,000 residents
- Unemployment Rate: 3.5%
Pasadena 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 high, and violent cirme is even higher. With a population of 151,359, the city has approximately 16% of its citizens living below the poverty level. Plano, Texas is the best alternative.
- Poverty Rate: 32.3%
- Median Household Income: $40,290
- Crime Rate: 48.7 per 1,000 residents
- Unemployment Rate: 8.2%
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 40% below the national average, and approximately 32% of the city lives below the poverty level. If that wasn't enough to scare you away, the unemployment rate surely will (8.2%). 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.
