The surprising link between political strategy and health policies
Considering where your next move might be within the US? Be sure to check out this list to know which 30 locations to avoid at all costs. From high crime rates to low average annual incomes and even to awful weather, the gallery will list the top 30 unhappiest US cities as well as a bit about why. There are many factors when it comes to what makes a city an unhappy one, and today, we'll explore some of them. This list is according to an Insider Monkey article and will break down unhappy cities.
Curious about which cities to avoid? Click through now.
Amarillo has an average population density of 94 people per square mile. It also has a lot of violence and property-related crimes. The city has limited green spaces, contributing to a struggle to find nutritious food sources and options.
In Buffalo, NY the population density, or people per square mile, is 6,302, and the average annual income is US$20,726. Here you'll find a daunting 22% depression rate, which exceeds the national average.
In Cincinnati, OH the average annual income is only US$25,256 and the crime rate exceeds the national average.
New Orleans is often associated with parties and carnivals but has a high violent crime rate and is 1.6% higher in terms of cost of living than the US average. Additionally, there is an 11% unemployment rate and high taxes found in New Orleans.
Las Vegas has a cost of living that is a whopping 10.6% higher than the national US average. Additionally, unemployment, home prices, the costs of renting an apartment, and sales tax are higher in Vegas.
Corpus Christi, TX has 2,049 people per square mile and an average income of US$25,203. In 2023, Corpus Christi was listed as the tenth unhealthiest city in America. Today the city has a 23.30% depression rate.
In Casper, despite being a beautiful city, unhappiness and suicide rates are extremely high. It's said that the cold and wind plus low ethnic diversity are contributing factors to the city's unhappiness.
North Las Vegas has a population density of 2,654 people per square mile and a low average annual income of only US$21,003. While salaries are low, the cost of living is 10.6% higher than the national average, which leaves many people very unhappy.
Tulsa is one of the most dangerous cities in Oklahoma. It has 2,041 people per square mile and an average yearly income of US$27,313. Despite there being some green spaces in the city, there is still a 24% depression rate.
As of 2023, World Health listed For Smith as the twelfth unhealthiest city. They also have a crime rate that is 19% higher than the national average. The average annual income is US$23,452, and there are 1387 people per square mile.
Lubbock is a place with a 32% higher than the national average crime rate! There technically is a low cost of living here, but at what cost? The city lacks recreational facilities and has high isolation rates.
Baltimore's population density is 7,241 people per square mile. Violent crimes negatively affect Baltimore residents and it is known as a poor city that is only getting poorer.
For the 11,759 people per square mile in Philadelphia, depression and high levels of crime are an unfortunate reality. Additionally, the cost of living here is 4.3% higher than the US average, while the average annual income is only US$22,542.
Number seventeen, St. Lous, MO has 4,821 people per square mile and is known for being home to serious, violent crimes. Additionally, high taxes, employment concerns, and depression are all prominent in this city.
San Antonio is one of the top five worst states for mental health in the US. It also has high crime rates and a high population density, with 3,234 people per square mile.
This capital city is extremely hot and humid and despite a low cost of living, the median income is so small that the city is still wildly expensive for residents. Also, the violent crime rate is more than double the US average!
Unhappiness amongst residents is prevalent in Columbus, GA. Between a low average annual income, violent crimes, and threatened safety, the people of Columbus have a depression rate of 21.90%.
In Memphis, TN, you'll find a population of 634,139 people and a violent crime rate that is almost four times the US average. It has the highest population in the state and is also extremely unhappy.
Fayetteville isn't at all a walkable city. In fact, 87% of residents use vehicles to commute to work. Calculations show that to live comfortably, a resident would need about US$37,200 a year in income. However, the actual average annual income is only US$23,843.
Augusta is a top-five city when it comes to low sleep rates. It is also extremely unhealthy, according to the WorldHealth 2023 report. Its population density is 653 people per square mile and a low US$20,553 average income per year
In Akron, as of 2024, 35.5 out of every 1000 persons falls victim to a violent crime. It is also densely populated, with 3,165 people per square mile. The average annual income is a daunting US$8,310 less than the national average.
Mobile, AL, has an overall depression rate of 21.60% and is the 27th most unhealthy city in America, according to a World Health report. Here, there is also a wet climate and a 6.2% unemployment rate.
Known as the poorest city in Mississippi, Jackson has a 32.2% poverty rate and a 7.7% unemployment rate. There is also an everpresent crime threat here alongside financial concerns.
With a higher-than-average tax rate as well as a 7.5% unemployment rate and being one of the lowest-income growth cities in America, Gulfport is very unhappy.
Birmingham comes in at number six on the unhappiest cities list. It has some of the lowest sleep rates in the US and ranks as the third-highest in separation and divorce. There is also a lot of crime in Birmingham.
With a staggering depression rate of 24.40%, Toledo has a population density of 3,373 people per square mile. It is ranked as a very unhealthy city with higher-than-average crime rates.
Cleveland is definitely not a safe city. It has a violent crime rate that is more than three times the US average. It's also very cloudy and wet in Cleveland, which doesn't help the residents be any happier.
In Shreveport, you'll find hot and humid weather alongside a huge risk of natural disasters and a poor economy. In this unsafe city, crimes like shooting, home burglary, and theft are prominent. People here are the third most unhappy in the US.
Coming in second of the unhappiest US cities is Montgomery, AL. In this capital city, there is one of the lowest US sleep rates alongside a horrible climate and grossly high crime rates.
The most unhappy city in America is Detroit, MI. It has a population density of 4,797 people per square mile and a very low average income per year of only US$14,984. It is now a crime-ridden city with high divorce and separation rates.
Sources: (Insider Monkey)
See also:
The most dangerous cities in America
The top 30 unhappiest cities in the US
Which city topped the charts?
LIFESTYLE Geography
Considering where your next move might be within the US? Be sure to check out this list to know which 30 locations to avoid at all costs. From high crime rates to low average annual incomes and even to awful weather, the gallery will list the top 30 unhappiest US cities as well as a bit about why. There are many factors when it comes to what makes a city an unhappy one, and today, we'll explore some of them. This list is according to an Insider Monkey article and will break down unhappy cities.
Curious about which cities to avoid? Click through now.