The United States of America has been the dreamland for many of you. You must have heard that its people have the audacity to talk about literally anything and they love freedom.
But have you ever heard about the saying “With freedom comes responsibility?” or were you thinking that you don’t necessarily have to be responsible while living in American cities?
Do you think the government forces are too strong that there won’t be any need to worry there?
We know that an array of images must be passing through your mind while talking about living in America. But the truth is simply different.
While there can be many reasons why you would love to visit America, you should know there are also several other reasons which will make you terrified to live there.
You must have travel goals and destinations all set in your list, but before giving it a green signal, make sure these cities are excluded from it. So, which are the top 20 worst cities in America, and why are they the worst? Let’s see.
List Of Top 20 Worst Cities in America 2023
- Detroit, Michigan
- Oakland, California
- Mendota, California
- Florida City, Florida
- Makaha, Hawaii
- Cleveland, Ohio
- St. Louis, Missouri
- Little Rock, Arkansas
- Baltimore, Maryland
- Rockford, Illinois
- Birmingham, Alabama
- Newark, New Jersey
- Buffalo, New York
- Flint, Michigan
- Prichard, Alabama
- Bridgeton, New Jersey
- Firebaugh, California
- Maila, Hawaii
- Rubstown, Texas
- College Park, Georgia
Learn why these 20 cities are not recommended to visit.
1. Detroit, Michigan
Detroit is the largest city in Michigan and one of the most dangerous cities in America to live in. Although we cannot say Detroit is the worst city in America, it becomes the worst when compared to the remaining cities.
It ranks 27th while considering the population of the city. However, a high violent crime rate and most unsolved murders are reported in Detroit which makes it mendacious to live.
Bankruptcy is another common case that is charged almost once in every white.
By now, you must have received an idea about why Detroit is believed to be the worst city in America. If you have plans to visit there, then make sure to always keep a secret weapon with you in case of emergency. It might be useful for self-defense.
2. Oakland, California
Oakland is the eighth most populated city in California and is the largest city in the East Bay region of San Francisco. If you know Oakland then you must have also heard about the Port of Oakland which is the busiest port in North California.
Wouldn’t that be shocking if we say Oakland is one of the worst American cities? Maybe you must have not heard about the imperfect sides of Oakland and that is why your eyebrows are raised. But was it so wrong with Oakland?
It is a city where living is relatively safe but nobody can assure you that your valuables will also be safe in Oakland as the city is well known for robbery. Next time, be aware.
3.Mendota, California
Firstly, this is not Mendota, Illinois, so don’t get confused. Mendota is a California city where more than 10,000 people reside. The place is famed for the production of cantaloupes. But the region is heavily stricken by poverty, and nearly half of the population suffers from a lack of nutrition.
The second red flag about Mendota is that only 1.8% of the total population has acquired a bachelor’s degree, a degree that is usually taken by the residents of other American cities. Maybe the town turned out to be the worst city in the US because the people living there are mostly uneducated.
4. Florida City, Florida
Do you know that Florida City is one of the worst cities in Florida? In reality, it is an agricultural area filled with trees and greenery, which is quite rare in America.
When you first research Florida, you will only get the colorful side of it, whereas its people are counting the days, expecting a theft or a burglary at any time.
That is how crazy the place is. Actually, we cannot blame the place, it is beautiful. It must be the people who are the worst. They’re both selfish and heartless at the time, so you can expect literally anything to happen to you.
5. Makaha, Hawaii
Hawaii is the most frequently seen travel destination for many. But, Makaha City will never be recommended. It is not because its people are weird or it is unsafe to live, but the reason is something else.
Makaha is a city where living is highly expensive. Therefore, the affordability percentage is frightfully low. Imagine living in an expensive city that is also facing high unemployment. There cannot be a better punishment than this.
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6. Cleveland, Ohio
Like Makaha, Cleveland is also facing inflation and unemployment. But along with that, the Cleveland inmates are also suffering from drug abuse as well as gang attacks.
Since the attackers were crossing the limits, the government updated the existing law and made new policies that strictly react against such violence.
With the implementation of a new array of laws, the city is slowly developing. Hopefully, Cleveland will be a far better place in the next 5 years.
7. St. Louis, Missouri
Have you ever been to St. Louis? If yes, you must have experienced the negative energy in the wind, haven’t you? It is the fear of people that are spreading negativity in the air. But why are they afraid?
You should know that St. Louis is the place where the violent crime rate, murders, and assaults are higher than the majority of the other dangerous cities in America.
The only hope is the emergence of new laws and policies, which will frighten the attackers. So currently, people are waiting for the updated policies.
8. Little Rock, Arkansas
Since 2000, Little Rock City has witnessed a number of property crimes including burglary. But in the past decade, the number of such crimes has continuously declined.
Yet we can’t say the city is safe because whenever a crime happens, it will be too violent and terrifying. So, it is still not time to remove Little Rock City from our list of the top 20 worst cities in America.
9. Baltimore, Maryland
Baltimore is the third-most populous county in Maryland, and it is famous for horse racing, jousting, and hunting.
However, there would not be a single individual who would be unaware of the danger the county possesses. Comparatively, the violent crime rate in Baltimore has been increasing every year.
One of the precautions implemented by the authorities was youth curfews since they were at high risk. Children were no exception.
10. Rockford, Illinois
When you consider the area outside the Chicago metropolitan area, then you can say Rockford is the largest city in Illinois. The city is located on the banks of the Rock River, which has greatly benefited its industrial development.
It is included in the “top 10 dangerous cities in America” list for some reasons that are known to many and unknown to many others. But you might wonder why Rockford is one of the worst cities in America when both the murder and robbery, and violent crime rates are relatively lower when compared to the other cities that we have mentioned so far.
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Well, you might be right in that case, because dangers are actually less, but not zero. The city can turn monstrous when you are out alone in the streets.
11. Birmingham, Alabama
Birmingham is the third most populated city in Alabama. Surprisingly, the population has been declining year after year. The census shows that the population rate has declined to 1% in 2022 when compared to 2020.
The city has more than a bunch of graduates, as many of the American residents choose to gain their graduation degree from the University of Birmingham.
Therefore, the literacy rate is also higher. But you must have already understood that we would not mention a city on the list of worst American cities without a proper reason, haven’t you?
Well, the problem in Birmingham is that the aggravated assaults are higher here. However, Birmingham is not that dangerous compared to other dangerous cities in US.
12. Newark, New Jersey
Newark is a better place to reside as the city is travel-friendly. It is famous for having both the biggest airport and the biggest port in New York City. Newark is also the second largest city in the New York metropolitan area.
But, what is shocking about Newark is that the city has the second highest violent crime rate and murder in America. Imagine how threatening it would be.
In the past few years, the number of murders and carjackings has skyrocketed. It is said that even after being one of the economy-supporting cities in America, Newark is still the worst city in the United States.
13. Buffalo, New York
Buffalo is New York’s second-largest city, and it is located on the border of the United States and Canada. Long ago, Buffalo was one of the best cities in terms of its geography as well as its unmatched transportation network.
As part of development, numerous other channels of transportation were opened, which reduced the importance and attention garnered by the city.
In the past too, there were crimes sometimes, but now the situation has changed and the Buffalo residents have been living in fear of sex offenders. So, how can this American city not be the worst city in America?
14. Flint, Michigan
Located along the Flint River, Flint is the largest city in Michigan and is somewhat close to Detroit.
According to the 2020 census report, Flint is the twelfth most populated Michigan city, but woefully, around 40% of inhabitants are still struggling below the poverty line, which is why Flint is dubbed the poorest city in America.
It is expensive to maintain a living in Flint, and therefore not many can afford it. Due to this, many have flown from Flint to other cities.
15. Prichard, Alabama
Prichard is a city in the Mobile metropolitan area of Alabama. Over the past few years, the government has been working to improve the job market. When they did, the number of jobs in Prichard went down.
So basically, each family has been suffering from a lower annual income, which has been affecting their standard of living.
We are not perplexed by the fact that its residents have been shifting to other cities in hopes of finding a better life. What else could those helpless individuals do?
16. Bridgeton, New Jersey
You must have been flabbergasted to learn that all those cities that you have heard about or seen in American movies are not exactly like what they show you, haven’t you? The realities are always bitter.
So, what is wrong with Bridgeton? It is one of the worst American cities, where living is hard. Not all Americans can afford a lavish lifestyle, some have to struggle to meet both ends, like the Bridgeton residents.
They are literally brawling to keep a balance between their low income and high expenses.
17. Firebaugh, California
Like Prichard, Firebaugh is another city that is affected by both poverty and low literacy. Can you think of a city where people are uneducated and have no idea how to manage their money wisely, and where commodities are also sold at a higher price?
It is a universal truth that cities with a higher unemployment rate and illiteracy rate are more prone to crimes. So, it’s no wonder why Firebaugh is involved in the list of the top 20 worst cities in America.
18. Malia, Hawaii
Maila is another American city where an individual’s income must match the region’s expense criteria.
They sell items for a higher price, making it hard for the commoners to handle. It is one of the reasons why living in Malia is so hard. Another task they have is to pay for the property.
19. Robstown, Texas
Although Robstown is the smallest city with a relatively lower population, the residents have been facing unemployment, which is astounding at the same time. The past five years have been especially challenging for many.
Texas is definitely a better state, but Robstown has never been a better city as of now.
20. College Park, Georgia
Georgia might be a travel destination for thousands, but make sure your plans are never around College Park, which is the poorest city in the entire state.
But poverty isn’t the only issue they have been facing. Violent crimes are another major problem there. While the poverty rate is 35%, the violent crime rate is four times that of the national average.
In addition to it. College Park is located near the busiest Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. So, the residents have been prey to traffic and pollution.
Conclusion
Were you also planning a vacation to the United States of America? If you are reading this article, you either fall into one of the categories listed above or are a native American.
Despite the group you belong to, it is equally important for you to know where dangers are hidden. Neither our lives nor these places are fairytales. If it is beautiful, that doesn’t mean it is safe.
So before booking your tickets, consider what we mentioned in this guide which included the list of the top 20 worst cities in America.
