- Lowest income growth in the country
- Crime rate 16% higher than the national average
- Highest suicide rate in the country
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 16% higher than the national average. That means that if you move there, you'd have a one in 34 chance of becoming a victim of some kind of crime.
Wyoming, itself has the third-highest work hours per week and the highest suicide rate. Coincidence? We think not. But, if you are plannig a move to Wyoming, may we suggest Cheyenne? It is considered the happiest city in the state.
- Median household income is $47,000
- 24.4% live below poverty
- Higher cost of living and of housing
With a median income of approximately $47,000 per household and about 24.4% of the city living below 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.
- Crime rate is 142% higher than the national average
- 1 in 17 people will be a victim
- Highest average weekly work hours
291,538 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 142% higher than the national average, giving citizens a 1 in 17 chance of becoming a victim.
- 19.7% live below poverty level
- Crime rates are 33% lower 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 $48,900 which is below the national average and approximately 19.7% of the population lives below the poverty level. Although Grand Forks' crime rates are 33% lower than the national average, there is a one in 38 chance of becoming a crime victim.
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.
- Median household income lower than the national level
- Most drug arrests per capita
- Crime rate is 38% 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 $48,900. 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 38% higher than the national average, giving citizens a 1 in 29 chance that they'll become the victim of a crime at some point. We think Sioux Falls sounds like the much better choice since it is the happiest city in the state.
- Crime rate 151% higher than the national average
- Violent crime rate is 306% higher than the national average
- One in 16 are a victim of violent crime
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 151% higher than the national average. The violent crime rate, alone, is 306% higher than the national average. We suggest Dover if you're longing for a Delaware address.
- Median household income is $38,300
- 24.4% live in poverty
- Crime rate 55% higher than 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 $38,300 and about 24.4% of the city lives in poverty. In addition, the violent crime rate there is 55% higher than the national average, giving citizens a 1 in 37 chance of becoming a victim.
- 14.5% live below the poverty level
- Crime rate 42% higher than the national average
- Violent crime 25% higher than the national average
Great Falls may not actually be so bad considering the median household income is just $44,725 and just 14.5% 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 42% higher than the national average with violent crime leading at a rate 25% higher than the national average giving residents a 1 in 28 chance of becomig a crime victim.
- 18.3% of the population below poverty level
- Cost of living 15% higher than the national average
- Cost of housing 25% higher
In Portland, the cost of living is 15% higher than the national average and the median household income is just $51,430, putting 18.3% of the population below the poverty level. With the cost of goods 15% above the national average as well as the cost of housing being 25% 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.
- 18.3% live below poverty level
- School test scores are 33% below national average
- Crime rate is 23% higher
In Manchester, the population is around 112,525 with a median income of around $56,467 so statistically speaking, they are right on par with the national average. However, 18.3% 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 33% below the national average. The crime rate in Manchester is about 23% 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.
- Cost of living higher than the national average
- Cost of housing is 171% higher
- Crime rate is 25% higher
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 $80,078. Only 8.3% 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 81% 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 25% higher than the national average giving citizens a 1 in 32 chance of becoming a victim.
- Median household income below the national average
- Crime 25% higher than the national average
- 20.2% live below poverty
The state of Idaho can be considered the most miserable state if we just take into account the fact that they have the highest suicide rate in the entire country. However, Pocatello is considered the most miserable city due to income and poverty rates. The median household income is approximately $42,979—that's more than $10,000 below the national average.
As of right now, approximately 20.2% of Pocatello residents live below the poverty line. The crime rates in Pocatello are a little high as well with overall crime sitting at 25% higher than the national average, giving residents a 1 in 32 chance of becoming victim.
- Population has decreased 6.4% since 2010
- Median household income around just $30K
- 32.5% 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 drug 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 46,048 residents with a median household income of approximately $30,359 and about 32.5% of the population living below the poverty line.
- Crime rate 56% higher than average
- Violent crimes 47% higher
- 15.1% 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 468,262 residents, the median household income is around $53,789 which isn't too much lower than the national average. Also, only about 15.1% 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 56% higher than the national average. There were 560 violent crimes reported in Omaha in 2018 per capita. That is 47% higher than the national average, giving residents a 1 in 25 chance of becoming a victim.
- 21% live below poverty level
- Household income is 35% below national average
- Crime rate 95% 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, 21% of residents live below the poverty line, the household income is 35% below national average.
But that's not the worst part of living in Roswell. The worst part is having a 1 in 20 chance of becoming a victim of crime since the crime rate is 95% 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 22% below the national average
- Crime 318% higher than national average
- 1 in 17 will be a victim
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 22% below the national average. The violent crime rate in KC is nothing to sneer at either, at 318% 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.
- People leaving the city in masses
- 28.9% live below poverty level
- Crime rate 110% 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 $35,308 and 28.9% of the population living below the poverty level, it's not hard to see why. Also, the crime rate in Jackson is about 110% higher than the national average, leaving it's citizens a 1 in 19 chance of becoming a victim.
- Population reduced by 12.8% since 2010
- 30.4% live below poverty level
- Unemployment rate 41% 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 30.4% of the city's residents live below the poverty line. Compared to the state's overall poverty rate of 18.1%, that is 115% higher than the national average.
The median household income in Pine Bluff is approximately $32,498 and only about 52% of residents are in the labor force. Unemployment rates there are 41% higher than the national average, schools are 73% below the national test rates, and the home value there is 34% lower than the rest of the state. We highly suggest Fort Smith, if your heart is set on the Natural State.
- 14.1% live below poverty
- High unemployment rate
- Crime rate 32% higher than the national average
In Carson City, with a population of 55,414 people, the median household income is $49,341 with about 14.1% of the population living below the poverty line. The cost of living in Carson City is about 5% higher than the national average and the unemployment rate is higher than the national average at 5.6%.
The real trouble comes in with the crime rate which is 32% 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.
- Unemployment rate is 18% higher than national average
- 17% live below poverty level
- Unemployment 18% higher
Waterloo is a small city of about 67,798 residents with a median household income of approximately $44,429 and where 17% of the population lives below the poverty line. Here, the income per capita is about 19% below the national average and the unemployment rate is 18% higher.
Luckily, the crime rates in Waterloo are just a bit 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.
- 21.4% live below the poverty level
- Crime rates are 61% higher
- Violent crime is 25% higher
When it comes to happiest states, Utah is right up there at the top. The state itself has the lowest divorce rate, they work 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 $43,361 and 21.4% of the population lives below the poverty level.
The crime rates in Ogden are some of the highest in the state at 61% higher than the national average crime rate. Violent crime, alone, is up 25% higher than the national average giving residents a 1 in 25 chance of becoming a victim. The income per capita is around 32% lower than the national average and the poverty rate is 42% higher. We suggest the happiest city in Utah—Salt Lake City.
- 30.5% live below poverty level
- Median household income is $33,841
- Crime rate 81% 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 $33,841 and 30.5% of residents live below the poverty level. The income per capita here is about 38% lower than the national average and the unemployment rate is at 10.8% as compared to the national rate of 4.7% in 2018.
The crime rate in Hartford is about 81% higher than the national average. The violent crime rate is up 180% 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.
- 19.2% live below poverty level
- Median home value is 42% lower than the national average
- Income per capita is 27% lower than national average
The population in Lawton is currently at 92,859—down 4.1% since 2010. In the city, approximately 19.2% of residents live below the poverty line. The median home value in Lawton is actually 42% lower than the national average at $106,800 and the income per capita is approximately 27% 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 16% higher than national average
- 20% of residents live below poverty level
- Highest rate of adult depression in the state
In Gresham, the population stands at 110,158 residents with a median household income of approximately $50,675. The cost of living, here, is about 16% higher than the national average and about 20% 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.
- 24.7% live below poverty rate
- median household income $20,000 less than the national average
- Income per capita 26% lower
A relatively small city in Kentucky, Covington has a population of about 40,366 residents—with about 24.7% of the population living below the poverty rate. The median household income here is almost $20,000 less than the national average income at $37,391. The income per capita is $22,151—26% lower than the national average.
The unemployment rate is 37% higher than the national average, average school test scores are 30% 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.
- Median household income is $37,390
- Unemployment 30% higher than national average
- Second-lowest income growth in the country
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 $37,390 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.
- Violent crime is 402% higher than the national average
- 1 in 13 have a chance of becoming a victim
- Highest rate of separation and divorce
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 402% 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 rate double the national average
- More than 20% live below poverty level
- Median household income is 30% lower than the national average
In Sumter, the unemployment rate is more than double the national average at 7.3% and the income per capita is already 25% lower than the national average. More than 20% of the city's population lives below the poverty rate and the median household income is 30% 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.
- Income per capita lower than national average
- Crime rate is 80% higher than national average
- Violent crime 6% higher
As far as miserable cities go, you could do worse than Duluth, which scored number 506 out of 1,000 of the most miserable cities in the country. Unemployment is even lower than the national average in Duluth, at 3.7%. However, the income per capita in Duluth is $27,323 which is lower than Minnesota's average of $33,225.
The crime rate isn't too bad at 80% higher than the national average, and violent crime is only 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.
- 155% higher crime rate
- 28% higher unemployment
- 25% higher poverty level than the national average
Pueblo, Colorado wins the most miserable city in Colorado for this year. The income per capita is $20,427, which is lower than the national average while unemployment is up 28% higher, and the poverty level is 25% higher than the national average as well. The crime rate in Pueblo is also 155% higher than the average with violent crime rising 161% 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.
- Violent crime 271% higher than national average
- 27.4% live below poverty level
- Unemployment 40% higher than national average
Milwaukee is Wisconsin's biggest city with 592,025 residents with a median household income of $38,289. 27.4% 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 $20,630 which is lower than the national average.
The violent crime rate in Milwaukee is 271% 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.
- 22.4% live below poverty level
- Highest long-term unemployment rate
- Crime is 145% 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 7%, which is almost double the national unemployment rate. In addition, the median household income in Baltimore is approximately $46,641 and at least 22.4% 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 145% higher than the national average, the violent crime rate is 382% 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% live below poverty level
- High unemployment rate
- Crime rate 199% 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 $38,664 and approximately 25% 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 7%.
Nor can the amenities or attractions overcome St Louis's crime rate, which is 199% higher than the national average with violent crime rising 373% higher than the national average. This gives residents a 1 in 16 chance of becoming a victim of a crime.
- Decreasing population
- Median household income below $30K
- Income per capita 43% below the national average
The population of Gary has decreased by 6.3% since 2010. It could have something to do with the fact that the median household income there is just $29,300 and approximately 35.8% of the city lives below the poverty level. As a matter of fact, the income per capita is just around $16,907 which is 43% 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. When the national unemployment rate stood at 4.7%, Gary's unemployment rate was 8.7%—a whopping 86% higher than the national average. The housing market has completely fallen and the median home value in Gary is just at around $65,000 which is 65% lower than the national values. Trust us and try Fort Wayne, Indiana, instead.
- Crime rate is 224% higher than the national average
- Property crimes are 191% higher
- Violent crime is 400% 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 224% higher than the national average and property crimes rose to 191% higher than national rates.
The violent crime rate, however, is what has us the most worried. That number rose to more than 400% 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.
- 28.7% live below poverty level
- Violent crime rate 160% higher
- Median household income is $37,118
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 155,032 residents is the clear winner for the state. The median household income here is $37,118 with about 28.7% living below the poverty line.
The crime rate in Springfield is 40% higher than the national average and the violent crime rate is up 160% 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 $38,983
- 19% live below poverty level
- Only 74% graduate high school
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 $38,983 and about 19% 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.
- 19.3% live below poverty level
- High unemployment rate
- Crime rate 105% higher than national average
In Lakewood, Washington, approximately 19.3% of the 60,538 residents live below the poverty line. The income per capita there is about $26,000 which is 13% below the national average. The unemployment rate is at 6.1%—31% higher. And the schools there aren't the best, scoring 20% the national average on test scores.
The crime rate in Lakewood leaves something to be desired at 105% higher than the national average. In 2018, nine people were reported murdered, giving the city a 14.8% murder rate. 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.
- Falling population
- 21.5% live in poverty
- Only 74% will graduate from high school
In Danville, Virginia the population has fallen by 5.5% since 2010 to the now 40,693 residents who live there. The median household income is $34,951 and about 21.5% of the city's citizens live below the poverty level. Only 74% of all residents have a high school degree, and less than 19% of residents has a bachelor's degree or higher, which could account for the low income rates.
The income per capita in Danville is at $21,742, which is 27% lower than the national rate and unemployment is 42% higher than the national average at 6.6%. 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.
- Cost of living 23% higher than national average
- Income per capita 50% lower than national rate
- Violent crime is 51% higher than national average
Passaic, New Jersey, Where the median household income is $34,920 and 33.1% of the population lives below the poverty level. The cost of living is 23% higher than the national average and housing costs 51% higher than the national average. The income per capita is almost 50% lower than the national rate.
The total crime rate in Passaic is actually lower than the national average but violent crime is 51% 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.
- Declining population
- 37.9% live below poverty rate
- Median household income below $28K
The population in Detroit has fallen about 5.8% since 2010 to 672,662 residents, of which, 37.9% live below the poverty rate—more than double the national average. Detroit has the highest poverty rate of any city in the United States. The median household income in Detroit is just $27,838.
The crime rate in Detroit is 145% higher than the national average with violent crime rising 428% above the national average. In 2018, 261 murders were reported in Detroit, giving the city a 38.9% murder rate. The citizens have a 1 in 16 chance of becoming a victim. The happier—and safer option would be Grand Rapids.
- 22.4% live below the poverty level
- Test scores 46% lower
- High unemployment rate
Rocky Mount's population has also been declining since 2010—by 6%. Of a population of 54,242 residents, 22.4% live below the poverty level. The income per capita is $20,053 and the unemployment rate is at 7.7% which is 65% higher than the national average. Average test scores from the schools in the city are 46% below the national average, suggesting that these schools may not be the best for your family.
In Rocky Mount, the crime rate is 43% higher than the national average with a murder rate of 24% per capita. 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.
- Median household income around $31K
- 33.2% live below poverty level
- Unemployment rate 127% higher than the national average
The current population of Albany, Georgia is 75,249 and has gradually been shrinking by 2.8% since 2010. Their median household income is $31,843 and approximately 33.2% of the city's residents live below the poverty line. The income per capita is about $18,887 which is 37% below the national average. The unemployment rate is at 10.6%—127% higher than the national unemployment rate.
The average test scores of the schools in Albany are 59% below the national average and only approximately 18% of all residents have a bachelor's degree or higher. The crime rate here is 141% higher than the national crime rate and the violent crime rate has risen 193% above the national average. With just 15 murders reported in 2018, the murder rate in Albany is 20.7% per capita. All this together means that you would have a 1 in 17 chance of becoming a victim.
- Population has shrunk 7.7% since 2010
- 34.6% live below poverty level
- 49.1% in the workforce
The population of Warren has shrunk by 7.7% since 2010. The current count is now 38,382 with approximately 34.6% of the population living below the poverty rate. The median household income is $29,241 with approximately just 49.1% of residents in the workforce. Even so, the unemployment rate is just at 5%, 9% higher than the national rate.
The crime rate in Warren is roughly 72% higher than the national average with violent crime rising 64% 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%.
- Income per capita 48% below national average
- Unemployment is 41% above national rate
- Only 65.9% of the population in the workforce
Since 2010, the population of Cicero has decreased by 3.1% to 81,597 residents. The median income here is around $44,110 with about 65.9% of the population in the workforce. The income per capita, however, is about 48% below the national average and the unemployment rate is 41% above the national rate.
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 sunshinier place, we suggest the happiest city in Illinois, Aurora.
- 26.6% live below poverty level
- Income per capita is 55% lower than the national average
- Only 60% of adults graduate from high school
The median household income in Reading is around $28,755 with 36.6% of the city's 88,495 citizens living below the poverty rate. The income per capita is 55% lower than the national average at just $13,282 and the unemployment rate is the highest in the country at 11.6%
There are 27 schools in Reading, and the school test scores there are 45% 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.
- Below average test scores
- Median household income around $31K
- Unemployment rate 29% higher than national average
The population of Binghamton has been in decline since the last census was taken in 2010. As of now, the population has shrunk 5.5% to 44,785 citizens. The median household income is $31,103 and approximately 33.3% of the residents live below the poverty line. The income per capita is just $20,729 and the unemployment rate is up 29% higher than the national average.
In Binghamton, there are 23 public schools that scored 24% 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.
- About 56.4% are in the labor force
- Income per capita is below $15K
- High unemployment rate
There are several unhappy cities in Florida, but in this case, Hialeah takes the prize. With a population of 238,942, just 56.4% are in the labor force and the median household income comes out to about $31,012. The income per capita is $14,599—51% below the national average. Still, the unemployment rate is just at 5.2%, which is 11% higher 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.
- Crime rate 28% higher than national average
- 30.7% live below poverty level
- Violent crime is 84% 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 28% above the national average and violent crime is 84% higher.
With a population of 55,018, the city has approximately 30.7% 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.
- 28% living below poverty level
- 63% of population in the labor force
- Median household income is $38K
28% of the 58,173 souls living in Huntington Park, California are living there below poverty level. The median household income is approximately $38,106 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.
