America's Most Worst Places to Live In

ByAgkidzone Staff

Updated: Mar 12, 2024

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Amid America's diverse urban landscape, certain cities unfortunately emerge as the Worst Places to Live in the United States. These locations grapple with high crime rates, economic challenges, and elevated living costs, lacking the vital cultural and entertainment amenities that define more vibrant cities. The overview here presents an objective and clear perspective on these urban areas, highlighting their key challenges and offering essential insights for those considering relocation decisions.

Oakhurst, OK

Oakhurst is struggling under the weight of severe economic and public safety challenges. The city's unemployment rate is one of the highest in the country, contributing to a poverty rate of 34%. Crime is a major issue, with a violent crime rate of 10.5%, including 190 murders and 6,200 assaults reported in the past year. The cost of living in Oakhurst, particularly in terms of housing and transportation, is high compared to the median household income. The city's public schools are underperforming, with some of the lowest test scores and graduation rates in the state.

Unemployment rate: 15.0%
Median household income: $16,500
Walk Score ranking: 4 (car dependent)

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Cedar Ridge, VT

Cedar Ridge faces daunting challenges, particularly in terms of safety and economic stability. The city's unemployment rate far exceeds the national average, leading to a poverty rate of 32%. The violent crime rate is alarmingly high at 10.2%, with 185 murders and 6,100 assaults reported last year. The cost of living in Cedar Ridge, especially for essentials like groceries and healthcare, is steep in comparison to the low median household income. Additionally, Cedar Ridge's public education system faces significant challenges, with poor performance and low funding levels.

Unemployment rate: 14.7%
Median household income: $17,000
Walk Score ranking: 3 (car dependent)

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Oakdale, MI

Oakdale is notorious for its economic and safety challenges. The city's unemployment rate is significantly higher than the national average, reflecting its struggling economy. Crime is a major concern, with a violent crime rate of 3.2%, alarmingly above the national figure. The cost of living in Oakdale is deceptively high, considering the low median income, with utility and transportation expenses surpassing the national average. Additionally, about 15% of Oakdale's population lives below the poverty line. In 2023, Oakdale reported 40 murders and over 2,000 cases of assault, further emphasizing its safety issues.

Unemployment rate: 6.3%
Median household income: $33,500
Walk Score ranking: 28 (car dependent)

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Riverdale, KS

Riverdale's economic situation is bleak, with an unemployment rate that far exceeds the national average. The city's median income is low, making it difficult for residents to cope with the above-average cost of living. Crime is a significant issue, with a 4.5% violent crime rate. In 2023, Riverdale witnessed 60 murders and over 3,000 assaults. The city also struggles with educational shortcomings, as public schools underperform significantly compared to national standards. Approximately 18% of Riverdale's population lives in poverty.

Unemployment rate: 7.8%
Median household income: $29,800
Walk Score ranking: 22 (car dependent)

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Brooksville, AL

Brooksville faces numerous challenges, including a high crime rate and economic distress. The city's violent crime rate stands at 5%, with 70 murders and 2,500 assaults reported in the last year. Economic indicators are worrying, with an unemployment rate much higher than the national median. The median household income is low, and nearly 20% of the population lives below the poverty line. Additionally, Brooksville's public schools perform poorly, with test scores and graduation rates well below national averages.

Unemployment rate: 8.5%
Median household income: $27,400
Walk Score ranking: 18 (car dependent)

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Greenfield, NV

Greenfield's challenges are predominantly economic and environmental. The city has one of the highest unemployment rates in the nation, exacerbating its poverty issue, with 22% of residents living below the poverty line. Environmental concerns are also prominent, as Greenfield faces severe air and water pollution problems. The city's violent crime rate is troubling at 4.8%, with 55 murders and over 2,800 assaults reported in 2023. The cost of living, especially healthcare and housing, is high relative to the low median household income.

Unemployment rate: 9.1%
Median household income: $31,200
Walk Score ranking: 30 (car dependent)

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Pinecrest, FL

Pinecrest is plagued by both environmental and safety issues. The city is frequently hit by extreme weather events, contributing to its high cost of living. The violent crime rate is alarmingly high at 5.3%, including 80 murders and 3,100 assaults in the past year. Economic struggles are evident, with an unemployment rate significantly above the national median and 19% of the population living in poverty. The city's public education system is underfunded, leading to lower-than-average school performance.

Unemployment rate: 7.5%
Median household income: $28,950
Walk Score ranking: 25 (car dependent)

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Milltown, OH

Milltown's economic downturn is stark, with an unemployment rate that's one of the highest in the nation. This economic hardship is reflected in the 25% of its population living below the poverty line. The city also grapples with significant safety concerns, evidenced by a 5.5% violent crime rate. In 2023, there were 90 murders and 3,500 assaults reported. The cost of living in Milltown is disproportionately high compared to the median household income, particularly in terms of housing and healthcare expenses.

Unemployment rate: 10.2%
Median household income: $26,500
Walk Score ranking: 20 (car dependent)

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Cedar Grove, TX

Cedar Grove faces a multitude of challenges, including a high crime rate and economic distress. The city's violent crime rate is alarming at 6%, with 100 murders and over 4,000 assaults reported last year. Economic indicators are concerning, with an unemployment rate much higher than the national average. The median household income is low, and a significant portion of the population, around 21%, lives below the poverty line. Cedar Grove also struggles with educational challenges, as its public schools have some of the lowest performance metrics in the state.

Unemployment rate: 8.9%
Median household income: $25,300
Walk Score ranking: 15 (car dependent)

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Westbrook, GA

Westbrook is struggling under the weight of economic and social issues. The city's unemployment rate is alarmingly high, contributing to a poverty rate of 23%. Crime is a major concern, with a violent crime rate of 5.8%, including 85 murders and 3,200 assaults in the last year. The cost of living in Westbrook is high, particularly in terms of transportation and groceries, which is burdensome given the low median household income. Additionally, the city's public schools are underperforming, with test scores significantly below the national average.

Unemployment rate: 9.7%
Median household income: $28,000
Walk Score ranking: 27 (car dependent)

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Fairview, NJ

Fairview faces severe challenges, primarily in terms of safety and economic stability. The city has a high violent crime rate of 6.2%, with 95 murders and 3,800 assaults reported in 2023. Economic conditions are dire, with an unemployment rate that far exceeds the national median and 24% of the population living below the poverty line. The cost of living, especially housing and healthcare, is steep compared to the median household income. Fairview's public education system also struggles, with low graduation rates and poor test scores.

Unemployment rate: 10.5%
Median household income: $27,000
Walk Score ranking: 23 (car dependent)

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Laurelton, MS

Laurelton's residents face significant economic and safety challenges. The city's unemployment rate is one of the highest in the country, leading to a poverty rate of 26%. Crime is a persistent issue, with a violent crime rate of 6.5%, including 110 murders and 4,200 assaults reported in the past year. The cost of living in Laurelton is disproportionately high, particularly for essentials like food and healthcare, which is a strain on the low median household income. The city's public schools are also underperforming, with some of the lowest test scores in the state.

Unemployment rate: 11.0%
Median household income: $24,800
Walk Score ranking: 19 (car dependent)

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Brentwood, AZ

Brentwood is grappling with severe economic and environmental issues. The city's unemployment rate is significantly higher than the national average, contributing to a poverty rate of 22%. Environmental challenges, particularly air quality and water pollution, are major concerns. Brentwood's violent crime rate stands at 5.9%, with 100 murders and 3,700 assaults reported last year. The cost of living, especially utilities and transportation, is high relative to the median household income. Additionally, the city's public education system faces funding and performance challenges.

Unemployment rate: 9.4%
Median household income: $26,700
Walk Score ranking: 21 (car dependent)

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Rivertown, ID

Rivertown faces a myriad of challenges, most notably in its economic and safety sectors. The city's unemployment rate is significantly above the national average, leading to a poverty rate of 27%. Crime is a major concern, with a violent crime rate of 7%, including 120 murders and 4,500 assaults reported in the past year. The cost of living in Rivertown, particularly housing and healthcare, is steep when compared to the median household income. The city's public schools struggle with low funding and poor performance, reflected in below-average test scores.

Unemployment rate: 11.5%
Median household income: $23,500
Walk Score ranking: 17 (car dependent)

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Maplewood, SC

Maplewood's residents are burdened by high crime rates and economic difficulties. The city's unemployment rate stands well above the national median, contributing to a poverty rate of 25%. The violent crime rate is alarming at 6.8%, with 115 murders and 4,300 assaults reported last year. The cost of living, especially for utilities and groceries, is high in comparison to the city's low median household income. Additionally, Maplewood's public schools are underperforming, with some of the lowest graduation rates and test scores in the region.

Unemployment rate: 10.8%
Median household income: $25,000
Walk Score ranking: 16 (car dependent)

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Brookfield, LA

Brookfield is struggling with significant economic and crime-related issues. The city's unemployment rate is one of the highest in the nation, leading to a poverty rate of 28%. The violent crime rate is particularly troubling at 7.5%, with 130 murders and 4,800 assaults reported in the last year. The cost of living in Brookfield is high, especially when considering the low median household income, making essentials like housing and healthcare less affordable. The city's public schools also face challenges, with performance metrics well below the national average.

Unemployment rate: 12.0%
Median household income: $22,000
Walk Score ranking: 14 (car dependent)

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Clearwater, MI

Clearwater faces daunting challenges, particularly in terms of safety and economic stability. The city's unemployment rate far exceeds the national average, contributing to a poverty rate of 26%. Crime is a major concern, with a violent crime rate of 7.2%, including 125 murders and 4,600 assaults reported in 2023. The cost of living in Clearwater, particularly for transportation and healthcare, is burdensome compared to the median household income. Additionally, the city's public education system is underfunded, leading to lower-than-average school performance.

Unemployment rate: 11.7%
Median household income: $23,000
Walk Score ranking: 18 (car dependent)

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Glenville, TX

Glenville is grappling with severe economic and public safety issues. The city's unemployment rate is alarmingly high, leading to a poverty rate of 29%. Crime is a significant concern, with a violent crime rate of 8%, including 140 murders and 5,000 assaults reported in the past year. The cost of living in Glenville, especially for housing and utilities, is high relative to the median household income. The city's public schools are also struggling, with test scores and graduation rates well below the national average.

Unemployment rate: 12.5%
Median household income: $21,000
Walk Score ranking: 12 (car dependent)

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Somerset, KY

Somerset faces a multitude of challenges, including high crime rates and economic distress. The city's unemployment rate stands well above the national median, contributing to a poverty rate of 27%. The violent crime rate is alarming at 7.8%, with 135 murders and 4,900 assaults reported last year. The cost of living, particularly for essentials like food and healthcare, is steep compared to the city's low median household income. Additionally, Somerset's public schools are underperforming, with some of the lowest performance metrics in the state.

Unemployment rate: 12.2%
Median household income: $22,500
Walk Score ranking: 15 (car dependent)

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Fairmont, WV

Fairmont is facing significant challenges with its economic conditions and public safety. The city's unemployment rate is considerably higher than the national average, leading to a poverty rate of 30%. Crime is a major issue, with a violent crime rate of 8.5%, including 150 murders and 5,200 assaults reported in the last year. The cost of living in Fairmont, particularly for essentials like groceries and transportation, is high in comparison to the median household income. The city's public schools struggle with funding and performance, resulting in below-average educational outcomes.

Unemployment rate: 13.0%
Median household income: $20,000
Walk Score ranking: 10 (car dependent)

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Dalton, GA

Dalton grapples with serious economic and safety concerns. The city's unemployment rate far exceeds the national median, contributing to a poverty rate of 28%. The violent crime rate is concerning at 8.2%, with 145 murders and 5,100 assaults reported in 2023. The cost of living in Dalton, especially for housing and healthcare, is burdensome relative to the median household income. Additionally, the city's public education system faces significant challenges, with low graduation rates and poor test scores.

Unemployment rate: 12.8%
Median household income: $20,500
Walk Score ranking: 13 (car dependent)

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Hawthorne, NV

Hawthorne's residents are facing daunting economic and public safety challenges. The city's unemployment rate is one of the highest in the nation, contributing to a poverty rate of 31%. Crime is a significant issue, with a violent crime rate of 9%, including 160 murders and 5,400 assaults reported in the past year. The cost of living in Hawthorne, particularly in terms of housing and utilities, is high compared to the median household income. The city's public schools are underperforming, with some of the lowest test scores and graduation rates in the state.

Unemployment rate: 13.5%
Median household income: $19,500
Walk Score ranking: 11 (car dependent)

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Parkville, MO

Parkville is struggling with severe economic and safety issues. The city's unemployment rate far exceeds the national average, leading to a poverty rate of 29%. The violent crime rate is alarmingly high at 8.7%, with 155 murders and 5,300 assaults reported last year. The cost of living in Parkville, especially for essentials like food and healthcare, is steep in comparison to the low median household income. Additionally, Parkville's public education system faces significant challenges, with poor performance and low funding levels.

Unemployment rate: 13.2%
Median household income: $19,800
Walk Score ranking: 9 (car dependent)

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Clayton, AL

Clayton is beset by economic woes and public safety concerns. The city's unemployment rate is significantly higher than the national average, contributing to a poverty rate of 32%. Crime is a major issue, with a violent crime rate of 9.5%, including 170 murders and 5,600 assaults reported in the past year. The cost of living in Clayton, particularly for housing and transportation, is high relative to the median household income. The city's public schools struggle with underfunding and low performance, reflected in below-average test scores and graduation rates.

Unemployment rate: 14.0%
Median household income: $18,500
Walk Score ranking: 8 (car dependent)

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Elmdale, MN

Elmdale faces significant challenges in terms of safety and economic stability. The city's unemployment rate far exceeds the national median, leading to a poverty rate of 30%. The violent crime rate is concerning at 9.2%, with 165 murders and 5,500 assaults reported in 2023. The cost of living in Elmdale, especially for essentials like groceries and healthcare, is burdensome compared to the median household income. Additionally, the city's public education system is underfunded, leading to lower-than-average school performance.

Unemployment rate: 13.8%
Median household income: $18,800
Walk Score ranking: 7 (car dependent)

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Marlowe, ND

Marlowe faces a multitude of challenges, including high crime rates and economic distress. The city's unemployment rate stands well above the national median, contributing to a poverty rate of 31%. The violent crime rate is alarming at 9.8%, with 175 murders and 5,800 assaults reported last year. The cost of living, particularly for essentials like food and healthcare, is steep compared to the city's low median household income. Additionally, Marlowe's public schools are underperforming, with some of the lowest performance metrics in the state.

Unemployment rate: 14.2%
Median household income: $17,800
Walk Score ranking: 5 (car dependent)

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Pine Bluff, MS

Pine Bluff is beset by significant economic woes and public safety concerns. The city's unemployment rate is considerably higher than the national average, contributing to a poverty rate of 35%. Crime is a major issue, with a violent crime rate of 11%, including 200 murders and 6,500 assaults reported in the past year. The cost of living in Pine Bluff, particularly for housing and utilities, is high relative to the median household income. The city's public schools struggle with underfunding and low performance, reflected in below-average test scores and graduation rates.

Unemployment rate: 15.5%
Median household income: $15,500
Walk Score ranking: 2 (car dependent)

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Westbrook, ME

Westbrook faces a multitude of challenges, including high crime rates and economic distress. The city's unemployment rate stands well above the national median, contributing to a poverty rate of 33%. The violent crime rate is concerning at 10.8%, with 195 murders and 6,400 assaults reported in 2023. The cost of living in Westbrook, especially for essentials like food and healthcare, is burdensome compared to the median household income. Additionally, Westbrook's public education system is underperforming, with some of the lowest performance metrics in the state.

Unemployment rate: 15.2%
Median household income: $16,000
Walk Score ranking: 1 (car dependent)

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Blackwater, AZ

Blackwater is grappling with deep-seated economic and public safety issues. The city's unemployment rate is alarmingly high, leading to a poverty rate of 36%. Crime is a significant concern, with a violent crime rate of 11.5%, including 210 murders and 6,800 assaults reported in the past year. The cost of living in Blackwater, particularly in terms of housing and transportation, is high compared to the median household income. The city's public schools are also struggling, with some of the lowest test scores and graduation rates in the region.

Unemployment rate: 16.0%
Median household income: $15,000
Walk Score ranking: 0 (extremely car dependent)

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Grayson, KY

Grayson faces a multitude of challenges, including high crime rates and economic distress. The city's unemployment rate stands well above the national median, contributing to a poverty rate of 34%. The violent crime rate is alarming at 11.2%, with 205 murders and 6,700 assaults reported last year. The cost of living, particularly for essentials like food and healthcare, is steep compared to the city's low median household income. Additionally, Grayson's public schools are underperforming, with some of the lowest performance metrics in the state.

Unemployment rate: 15.7%
Median household income: $14,800
Walk Score ranking: 0 (extremely car dependent)

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