Memphis, TN
population: 651,088
poverty rate: 25.1%
median household income: $43,794
Average Property Value: $115,900
Crime rate: 150% above state average
The blues nightclubs of Beale Street may be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Memphis, but the reality of the city is less romantic. High poverty and crime rates both take away from the quality of life of its residents.
Memphis has a poverty rate of 25.1%, compared to the national poverty rate of 11.4%. This is also 10% higher than the statewide average. Additionally, the city’s crime rate is 150% higher than the Tennessee average.
Hartford, CT
population: 123,088
poverty rate: 28.1%
median household income: $36,278
Average Property Value: $165,300
Crime rate: 135% above state average
Hartford is also struggling with poor economic conditions. While the statewide poverty rate is less than 10%, Hartford’s is closer to 30%. Similarly, Hartford’s median household income is less than half the statewide median household income of $78,833.
Perhaps this at least partially explains why Hartford’s population is declining. According to USA TodayThe population decreased by 1.3% between 2013 and 2018. During the same time, the national population increased by 3.7%.
ShutterstockGary, IN
population: 76,010
poverty rate: 30.6%
median household income: $31,936
Average Property Value: $66,100
Crime rate: 92% above state average
who are familiar the music man Little Ron Howard’s voice can be heard singing “My Home Sweet Home” when Gary, Indiana is mentioned. However, the city’s financial situation is less pleasant.
The poverty rate in Gary is more than double the statewide rate of 13.4%. And USA Today says the city’s “low income is reflected in the area’s dismal real estate values.” For example, its median property value is about $90,000 less than the statewide median value of $156,000.
Shutterstock
