15 Most Challenging Places To Live In The U.S.

AaronAmat/Getty

Living in the United States presents diverse experiences, with some regions presenting more trouble than others. Be it high crime rates, economic hardship, environmental issues, or limited access to healthcare, the 15 places highlighted in this gallery represent the most challenging living conditions in the country.

Nevada

miroslav_1/Getty

Nevada ranks as the fifth worst state for older Americans, facing significant challenges. As a result of violent transgression rates of 4.54 and property misdemeanors of 23.80 per 1,000 residents, safety is a major concern in the community. Moreover, chronic diseases like stroke, cancer, respiratory disease, diabetes, and liver disease are significant causes of death in the state.

Source: 24/7 Wall St.

New Mexico

RedRumStudio/Getty

New Mexico has the worst education system in the country, with the lowest fourth-grade reading levels and a high school graduation rate of only 75%. This state is also the poorest in the nation, with a poverty rate of 17% and around 26% of its children living below the poverty line, the highest rate in the country.

Source: World Population Review

Kentucky

Comstock/Getty

This state presents tough living conditions for families, with no mandatory maternity leave and low public school rankings. Parents in Kentucky spend 31% of their annual income on childcare expenses, making it one of the most difficult places to raise children.

Source: WHAS11

Georgia

Milepost430Media/Getty

Living in Georgia presents numerous challenges. With summer temperatures often climbing into the high 90s and real-feel temperatures surpassing 100 degrees, the heat can be extreme. For those with severe allergies, the state can be particularly tough. Additionally, Georgia ranks poorly for workers, with a minimum wage of $7.25. 

Source: Serentravelty, AXIOS Atlanta

Oklahoma

Sean Pavone/Getty

The state grapples with one of the nation’s highest rates of drug abuse and the second-highest rate of people without health insurance. In addition, homelessness is a prevalent issue in the area, further illustrating the problems that residents face on a daily basis.

Source: KOKH

Arkansas

Brandon Olafsson/Getty

With a violent transgression rate of 645 per 100,000 people, including murder, robbery, and aggravated assault, the state ranks high in violence. Additionally, the property crime rate stands at 2,452 per 100,000 people, with stolen motor vehicles alone costing over $86 million in 2022, reflecting the widespread issues residents face.

Source: KARK

West Virginia

BackyardProduction/Getty

Enduring considerable hardships, West Virginia faces high child poverty rates, low median incomes, population decline, and many working-age adults out of the labor force. Economists agree that insufficient federal support has left the state struggling to overcome these challenges, making it one of America’s toughest zones.

Source: The New York Times

Texas

Sean Pavone/Getty

Among the states, Texas has the highest number of uninsured residents and the highest rate of violent misconduct. It also has the lowest number of primary care physicians per capita. Additionally, strict abortion bans and laws targeting LGBTQ+ individuals contribute to the state’s low livability score, according to CNBC.

Source: CNBC

Alabama

Kruck20/Getty

Living in Alabama presents several difficulties. The state struggles with a notably lower life expectancy compared to more affluent areas, alongside high rates of infant mortality. Gender discrimination persists in both political representation and income, creating significant barriers to equality.

Source: Frugal to Free

Arizona

EuToch/Getty

Arizona contends with severe air quality issues, averaging 39 high ozone days annually. The state’s healthcare system suffers from staffing and bed shortages. Compounded by one of the nation’s lowest public health spending rates with just $79 per person, the state faces ongoing struggles to meet the healthcare needs of its population.

Source: Deseret News

Louisiana

Susanne Neumann/Getty

Having a violent misdeed rate of 629 per 100,000 people, which is 65% higher than the national average, Louisiana grapples with safety concerns. The state also experiences a net migration loss of 0.6%, contrasting with the national trend of population growth. Healthcare challenges persist, with 40% of the population classified as obese.

Source: Shreveport Times

Mississippi

SeanPavonePhoto/Getty

Mississippi faces economic hardship, with a median household income of $48,610, well below the national average. Security concerns persist as the state has the highest homicide rate in the nation at 23.7 per 100,000 people, contributing to its low safety score.

Source: Eurasia Review

Alaska

Melissa Kopka/Getty

Due to its remote location, living in Alaska presents unusual challenges. Almost everything must be shipped in, significantly driving up costs, especially for groceries. Alaska’s cost of living is about 16.5% higher than the national average, primarily influenced by food, healthcare, and utilities expenses.

Source: Royal Alaskan Movers

South Carolina

Susanne Neumann/Getty

South Carolina struggles with high rates of occupational deaths, frequent physical and mental distress, limited legal protections for workers, and a significant violent crime rate. These issues make South Carolina a demanding place to live and work.

Source: The State

Tennessee

Ultima_Gaina/Getty

Health concerns are prominent, with high rates of diabetes, obesity, and smoking among adults. Fewer than half of Tennesseans frequently exercise. These factors contribute to Tennessee’s status as a challenging place to live, emphasizing the need for improved public health initiatives and safety measures.

Source: Crossville News First

Comments

Leave a Comment

Loading…

0