In this article, we list the 10 Unhappiest Cities in America. If you would like to see our detailed analysis of the topic, you can head over to 30 Unhappiest Cities in America.
10. Akron, OH
Population Density (people per square mile): 3,165
Average Income per Year: $20,245
Insider Monkey Average: 164.2
According to the World Health’s 2023 list of the unhealthiest cities, Akron is the 48th unhealthiest city in the United States. The residents of Akron also face an unhealthy industrial landscape, a cloudy and wet climate, and poor entertainment outlets. As of 2024, the city also has higher crime rates than the US average, with 35.5 out of every 1000 persons falling victim to a violent crime and 61.9 property crime incidents occurring per 1,000 people.
The economic conditions are also poor in Akron, with the unemployment rate being 6.9% and the average income of an Akron resident being only $20,245 a year — $8,310 less than the national average.
9. Mobile, AL
Population Density (people per square mile): 1,346.84
Average Income per Year: $23,509
Insider Monkey Average: 164.35
Mobile, a city in the state of Alabama, ranks #9 on our list of unhappiest cities in America for several reasons. The city is home to 187,445 people and has an overall depression rate of 21.60%. According to World Health’s report, Mobile is the 27th unhealthiest city in America. However, despite the health issues, the healthcare system doesn’t ease the residents — it is 6.7% more costly than the US national average.
Furthermore, Mobile has a wet climate, an unemployment rate of 6.2%, higher tax rates than the US average, and an average per-person income of only $23,509 a year. Crime rates in the city are also equally high.
8. Jackson, MS
Population Density (people per square mile): 1,421
Average Income per Year: $19,042
Insider Monkey Average: 165.95
Next on the list is Jackson, the poorest city in the whole of Mississippi and the eighth unhappiest city in the whole of America. Jackson has a poverty rate of 32.2%, a poor economy, and an unemployment rate of 7.7%. It ranked #3 in our list of the poorest US cities that are getting poorer. Aside from financial concerns, the residents also have to deal with the constant threat of crime, with the violent crime rate being 45.8 and the property crime rate being 71.8.
7. Gulfport, MS
Population Density (people per square mile): 1,284
Average Income per Year: $20,340
Insider Monkey Average: 167.3
Gulfport is another city in Mississippi with unhappy citizens. It is one of the top five cities in America with the lowest income growth, has an unemployment rate of 7.5%, and higher tax rates than the national average. It also has a higher population density than the national average, with the total population being 72,468 as of 2024. Furthermore, according to World Health’s report, Gulfport is also the second most unhealthiest city in the US. On top of all of this, healthcare is 8.6% more costly than the US national average in the city.
6. Birmingham, AL
Population Density (people per square mile): 1,416.8
Average Income per Year: $19,640
Insider Monkey Average: 168.9
With a population density of 1,416.80 people per square mile, some of the lowest sleep rates in the US, and the third-highest separation and divorce rates, Birmingham is the sixth unhappiest city in America. 21.70% of the population in this city suffers from depression, and 100% of the population is faced with the constant threat of crime (violent ones and property-targeted, both).
Also, Birmingham has an expensive healthcare system and high tax rates. Unfortunately, the income of residents does not make up for any of these; the average income of residents in Birmingham is significantly lower than the national average.
5. Toledo, OH
Population Density (people per square mile): 3,373
Average Income per Year: $19,113
Insider Monkey Average: 171.3
Located right at the western tip of Lake Erie, Toledo is a highly populated city in Ohio with a population density of 3,373 people per square mile and a depression rate of 24.40%. Toledo is also ranked as the 18th unhealthiest city according to WorldHealth’s 2023 report. Unfortunately, the crime rates in the city are also higher than the national average, alongside taxes and unemployment rates.
4. Cleveland, OH
Population Density (people per square mile): 4,872
Average Income per Year: $17,436
Insider Monkey Average: 171.85
With a population of 374,861 people, Cleveland is the second-most populous city in Ohio and the densest city on Lake Erie. While Cleveland is a vibrant and eclectic city with plenty of attractions to explore, it is not a safe city as violent crimes are more than three times the US average, and property thefts are more than double the national average. Plus, the cloudy and wet climate weighs down the overall mood of the city too.
3. Shreveport, LA
Population Density (people per square mile): 1,725
Average Income per Year: $24,202
Insider Monkey Average: 172.25
Shreveport in northwest Louisiana is the third unhealthiest city in the US, according to WorldHealth’s report. In terms of amenities, the city doesn’t offer many. The hot and high humidity, the risk of natural disasters, and a poor economy with a high unemployment rate are all contributing factors to unhappiness in the city. On top of that, it is also a highly unsafe city, with shooting, home burglary, and theft of personal property being a constant threat to civilians.
2. Montgomery, AL
Population Density (people per square mile): 1,227.87
Average Income per Year: $24,537
Insider Monkey Average: 175.5
Ranked #2 on the list of America’s unhappiest cities, Montgomery, the capital city of Alabama, has one of the lowest sleep rates in the whole of US. According to WorldHealth’s report, it is also the sixth unhealthiest city in the country. Montgomery has an unpleasant climate, with the heat and humidity being awfully high from May to October. While heat and humidity are still bearable, staggering high crime rates pose a constant threat to all citizens.
1. Detroit, MI
Population Density (people per square mile): 4,797
Average Income per Year: $14,984
Insider Monkey Average: 179.7
Topping the list, Detroit, the largest city in Michigan, is the most unhappy city in America. It is a highly populated city with a density of 4,797 people per square mile. Violent crimes are so common that business owners are afraid to open stores in the city. It was once a bustling city, back in the 70s — ranked 13th in our list of the most crime-ridden cities in the US.
As of writing this article, the city has a poor economy, low sleep rates, low sport-participation rates, high separation and divorce rates, and high unemployment rates. In the future, Detroit’s conditions are expected to get better, and the job market is expected to grow. But, as of now, it is the unhappiest city in the United States.
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