Forbes – America’s Most Miserable Cities
“We looked at only the 150 largest metropolitan areas, which meant a minimum population of 371,000.”
1. Detroit, MI – Ranked number 1 in violent crime with an annual rate of 1,251 crimes per 100,000 residents. Ranked number 2 in unemployment at 8.5%.
2. Stockton, CA – It’s population increased 28% from 1997 to 2007, which caused home prices to increase 158% between 2000 and 2005. Now, it has one of the highest home foreclosure rates in the country.
3. Flint, MI – More and more people have been leaving Flint since 1990 due to unemployment. On the bright side, home prices have decreased to an average of $104,000.
4. New York, NY – Ranked number 1 in highest income tax rate (10.5%, which is more than twice the U.S. average). Ranked number 1 in worst commuting time at an average of 36 minutes each way.
5. Philadelphia, PA – Ranked in the top 20 in worst commuting time, violent crime, and number of toxic waste sites.
6. Chicago, IL – Long commuting time (an average of 31 minutes each way), a high violent crime rate (619 crimes per 100,000 residents), and freezing-cold winters.
7. Los Angeles, CA – Constant traffic, high income tax rates, and severe air pollution. Beautiful weather, though.
8. Modesto, CA – Ranked number 1 in unemployment at 8.7%.
9. Charlotte, NC – Very high violent crime rate (838 crimes per 100,000 residents).
10. Providence, RI – Ranked number 2 in highest income tax rate (9.9%). Roughly 20,000 residents have left Providence each year for the past four years.
