Helena-West Helena, AR
population: 10,749
poverty rate: 45.2% (State: 17.0%)
5 year. Average Unemployment: 11.8% (State: 5.1%)
Average Home Value: $73,400 (State: $127,800)
US News State Ranking: 44
According to Data USA, the median household income in Helena-West Helena is $22,177. This is well below the national median annual income of $65,712. Similarly, the poverty rate of 45.2% is much higher than the state and national poverty rates. As a result of such harsh economic conditions, many Helena-West Helena residents rely on government assistance programs to meet basic living needs.
According to 24/7 Wall St., 36.8% of the city’s households receive SNAP benefits. In contrast, 12.1% of Arkansas households statewide receive SNAP benefits. On the positive side, the city is rich in history. Not only was it a controversial location during the Civil War, but it also has a long history with blues music.
ShutterstockFairbanks, AK
Joseph Sohm/Shutterstockpopulation: 31,551
poverty rate: 11.0% (State: 10.7%)
5 year. Average Unemployment: 7.7% (State: 6.8%)
Average Home Value: $211,500 (State: $270,400)
US News state rankings: 45
While the poverty rate in Fairbanks is similar to the national average, the home ownership rate in the city is lower than average. Nationally, the home ownership rate is 64.1%. In contrast, the home ownership rate in Fairbanks is only 35.8%. Since owning a home has historically been a way to create wealth, such low home ownership rates are worrying.
Crime is also an issue in Fairbanks. In fact, its “overall crime rate is 34% higher than the overall crime rate in Alaska,” according to 24/7 Wall St., However, there are rivers, lakes, and parks in and around the city. So, Fairbanks has the scenery for it.
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