In this article, we will take a look at the 25 dumbest cities in America.
In the past 50 years, the United States has made a lot of progress in fighting poverty. For example, child mortality rates and deaths from heart disease have gone down by about 70%. But the number of poor Americans has stayed the same, going up during recessions and down during good times. Different ways to count the poor, like the Supplemental Poverty Measure in 2011, which found three million more poor people, may be to blame for the lack of growth. Access to cheap goods made in large quantities does not guarantee stable housing, inexpensive medical and dental care, or good care for children.
The American working class and working poor are being taken advantage of as consumers in the housing and financial markets. For example, rent is going up faster than renters’ wages. Poor families, especially black families, don’t have many options for where to live. This is because landlords in poor areas make twice as much money as landlords in wealthy neighborhoods. Banks don’t like to give out small mortgages and keep people out of public housing, so low-income families have to rent from private landlords and spend at least half of their income on rent and expenses.
A Pew Research Center analysis found that lower-income Americans are most harmed by COVID-19’s economic repercussions. In August 2020, 13,200 U.S. adults were surveyed, and one in four had trouble paying their bills since the outbreak, a third had to dip into savings or retirement accounts, and one in six had borrowed money or food from friends or family. Low-income folks, non-college graduates, and black and Hispanic Americans continue to have these experiences.
Americans, especially low-income, black, and Hispanic adults, have used more resources due to the coronavirus outbreak. Over 10% of low-income adults have borrowed money, obtained food from a food bank or charity, or received government aid. Since February, 15% of U.S. individuals have received unemployment benefits, a significant source of income.
People who are poor may miss payments, have bad credit, or have no credit score at all. This can make it hard for them to rent an apartment, buy insurance, or get a job. To stop the exploitation of workers, anti-poverty programs should focus on giving workers more power by renewing contracts with American workers, encouraging sectoral bargaining, giving low-income families more housing choices, and giving first-time homeowners more money. Fair access to capital is important, and banks should stop stealing billions of dollars from poor and near-poor people every year by charging them outrageous overdraft fees.
Meanwhile, taking the top spot on our list of the 25 Dumbest States in America is Mississippi. Mississippi’s status as one of the most economically challenged states can be attributed to a range of factors. It holds the unfortunate distinction of being identified as the state with the lowest socioeconomic status nationwide. The Delta region, in particular, is predominantly inhabited by influential cotton farmers who own large-scale mechanized plantations. These farmers are the main recipients of a substantial portion of the extensive federal subsidies directed toward the state. Nevertheless, it’s crucial to highlight that a lot of people in the region still face economic circumstances, living as rural laborers without land ownership. These things make Mississippi one of the worst big cities to live in USA.
Our Methodology
The average income, the poverty rate, and the unemployment rate are the three factors that are considered while ranking the 25 Dumbest Cities in America. These are the elements that render a city uninhabitable and uncomfortable, as well as those that contribute to the general deterioration of economic well-being. In addition, the population of the cities that applied had to be at least 250,000 in order for them to be considered. The figure assures that there are a sufficient number of people living in a city to determine whether or not it can be categorized as one of the stupidest cities in the United States. This list of the 25 Dumbest Cities in America was built using data from nine independent sources. You can take a look at our 25 Dumbest Cities in the US in 2018 article and see how the rankings have changed.
25 Dumbest Cities in America
25. San Jose
Population: 930,862
Percentage of People Living Below the Poverty Line: 7.4%
Unemployment Rate: 3.6%
Average Annual Income Per Family: $133,835
Even though San Jose is a prosperous city with a thriving culture and business, it is not without its drawbacks. Residents should budget for a high standard of living due to the median home value and anticipate additional costs. The city’s focus on pedestrians may make it difficult for motorists. There are some scorching days, but the city is often not as hot as nearby McKinney, Texas. With these reasons in mind, San Jose easily makes it one of the dumbest cities in America.
24. Seattle
Population: 725,487
Percentage of People Living Below the Poverty Line: 11%
Unemployment Rate: 3.6%
Average Annual Income Per Family: $115,409
Seattle has high housing costs, 40–50% of the take-home salary. The city has dreary skies most of the year due to its rainy climate. Traffic in Seattle is notorious, with rush hour lasting five hours a day and the city in utter standstill. Seattle’s housing market is also not diverse, with many residents renting rather than buying. Starter homes in Seattle cost $799,000 and rise annually. Moreover, the city contains 10 cities and the third-highest homeless population in the US. Drug usage is widespread. The city is trying to solve homelessness, a serious humanitarian issue. Wildfires are increasing, generating dense black smoke and bad air quality, which drives inhabitants out of Seattle. Lack of service, high traffic, and delayed buses and trains plague public transportation. While Seattle has possibilities, living car-free is not easy. All these things considered, Seattle easily makes it one of the dumbest cities in America.
23. San Francisco
Population: 715,717
Percentage of People Living Below the Poverty Line: 11.3%
Unemployment Rate: 3.7%
Average Annual Income Per Family: $136,692
Homelessness, drug abuse, rising crime, and the closing of businesses have all contributed to San Francisco’s downfall in recent years. The COVID-19 outbreak and the subsequent shift in employment practices caused a mass exodus that persisted into 2022. San Francisco and the Bay Area shrank even more slowly than before. As a result of the pandemic, many people outside of the city have decided not to relocate there, and the city’s pace and lifeline have changed. As a result, numerous structures are now either mostly or entirely empty, hurting retail and tearing the city apart from its previous cohesive state. As of 2022, it is predicted that 7,754 individuals will be homeless. Due in part to the loss of jobs, the city is also experiencing a rise in crime. Due to an increase in larceny and thefts in San Francisco, Target has decided to reduce nighttime hours at several of its shops in 2021. Walgreens said it was forced to shut down five outlets in the area because of a spike in “organized retail crime.” The city’s recent downfall demonstrates the importance of diversity and adaptability in the face of economic uncertainty. Considering these, San Francisco easily makes it one of the dumbest cities in America.
22. Charlotte
Population: 885,663
Percentage of People Living Below the Poverty Line: 11.3%
Unemployment Rate: 3.3%
Average Annual Income Per Family: $74,401
Charlotte is a city known for its laid-back atmosphere, low cost of living, and diverse population. However, its traffic, religion, seclusion, insect repellent, and hurricane management history make it difficult to travel. The city’s mild climate and red clay soil make planting difficult, and mosquitoes are a nuisance. The city’s infrastructure is straining due to population growth, reducing its appeal. Despite its attractions like museums, performing arts, and festivals, Charlotte faces challenges for non-finance and tech workers, and early relocation can make bill payments harder. Considering the adjustments a newcomer might experience in Charlotte, it easily makes it one of the dumbest cities in America.
21. Denver
Population: 699,288
Percentage of People Living Below the Poverty Line: 11.6%
Unemployment Rate: 3.4%
Average Annual Income Per Family: $88,213
Air quality and pollution in Denver are at record highs, making it one of the most polluted cities. Denver is among the 30 Most Polluted Cities in the US. This month, smoke from many intermountain West wildfires has covered the city’s skyline, causing poor air quality. Forest fires in the Pacific Northwest and southwest Canada are causing Denver’s increasing smoke. Considering that the biggest concern in Denver is pollution, leading to more economic problems, it easily makes it one of the dumbest cities in America.
20. San Diego
Population: 1,374,076
Percentage of People Living Below the Poverty Line: 11.7%
Unemployment Rate: 3.9%
Average Annual Income Per Family: $100,010
Housing is expensive in San Diego, with the typical home price at $765,000 and the average one-bedroom apartment rent at $2,400. Moving to San Diego makes it hard to purchase a starter house. The city has one of the biggest homeless populations in the country, demonstrating the wealth gap. Concerns against migrating to San Diego include California’s 13.3% state income tax, the highest in the nation. Moreover, San Diego is car-centric due to its poor public transportation, which can take an hour to commute. Some residents switch to scooters and motorcycles to avoid parking and expensive fees. Considering the poor condition of living in San Diego, it easily makes it one of the dumbest cities in America.
19. Austin
Population: 963,121
Percentage of People Living Below the Poverty Line: 12.7%
Unemployment Rate: 3.8%
Average Annual Income Per Family: $89,415
By the end of the year, the Austin metro area is expected to overtake the competitive real estate markets of Boston, Miami, and New York City to become the least affordable major metro region outside of California for homebuyers. Multiple bids, bidding wars, and block-long queues outside open houses are usual due to the extreme scarcity of available homes. Due to the city’s rapid growth, Austin is experiencing a housing crisis that is altering the city and forcing low-income black and Latino inhabitants to move further from the city’s cultural centers, transportation hubs, grocery stores, and other urban conveniences. The constant presence of homeless encampments in front of City Hall and under busy highways has brought attention to the crisis of inadequate housing. Considering the housing concerns in Austin, it easily makes it one of the dumbest cities in America.
18. Fort Worth
Population: 961,885
Percentage of People Living Below the Poverty Line: 14.4%
Unemployment Rate: 4.1%
Average Annual Income Per Family: $71,527
The population in the Fort Worth ZIP code, which includes the city’s central business district, has the lowest life expectancy in Texas, at 66.7 years. This is 12 years less than the national average. The majority of the population is either at or below the poverty line. Income, access to healthy foods, insurance, safe places to exercise, educational opportunities, racial segregation, unemployment, and safe housing are all examples of social determinants of health that have a major impact on an individual’s health and longevity. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the area, along with other common chronic conditions. Community leaders are currently being polled to gauge public opinion on the city’s initiatives to enhance residents’ health and longevity. Considering the poor condition of living in Fort Worth, it easily makes it one of the dumbest cities in America.
17. Las Vegas
Population: 653,843
Percentage of People Living Below the Poverty Line: 14.8%
Unemployment Rate: 6.1%
Average Annual Income Per Family: $68,905
When it comes to the quality of life for the working poor in the United States, the casino capital of Las Vegas ranks at the bottom. In terms of life expectancy, Las Vegas is towards the bottom for both men and women. People’s vices come out to play in this gambling center, and the health of the minimum-wage workers around them suffers as a result of secondhand smoke. Residents, especially the impoverished, drink more, exercise less, and deal with the stress of living in a community where the economy has taken a significant hit. Nevada’s social welfare services would suffer severely if the state did not collect taxes. Considering the quality of life and the lack of social support and services that are available in Las Vegas, it easily makes it one of the dumbest cities in America.
16. Phoenix
Population: 1,651,344
Percentage of People Living Below the Poverty Line: 14.9%
Unemployment Rate: 4.2%
Average Annual Income Per Family: $75,969
When compared to other states still recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, Arizona has one of the highest rates of people who are homeless. Home prices in the seller’s market have skyrocketed, making both homeownership and renting out of reach for many Californians. Arizona has been recognized for decades as an affordable area to call home, but due to rising housing costs caused by competition, that reputation has changed. It’s getting harder to rationalize living in a city that’s pricey, hot, and congested as the cost of living rises and the older millennial population starts having kids and moving out of Phoenix and other Arizona cities. Considering these developments, it easily makes Arizona one of the dumbest places to live in the USA.
15. Nashville-Davidson Metropolitan Government
Population: 1,315,000
Percentage of People Living Below the Poverty Line: 15.3%
Unemployment Rate: 2.9%
Average Annual Income Per Family: $71,767
The Nashville-Davidson-Davidsonitan Government poverty rate dropped for the fourth year in 2013, but high-need areas have grown since 2000, according to Metro Social Services. Although the overall poverty rate fell to 15.3%, the child poverty rate remained at 30.5%. One in five children in the state is living in poverty. Nashville-Davidson Metropolitan Government has one of the lowest high school graduation rates in the state and one of the highest rates of school suspensions. Considering these reasons and the challenges that plague the Nashville-Davidson Metropolitan Government, it easily makes it one of the dumbest cities in America.
14. Indianapolis
Population: 871,449
Percentage of People Living Below the Poverty Line: 15.4%
Unemployment Rate: 3.6%
Average Annual Income Per Family: $61,501
Despite the government’s efforts to improve blighted neighborhoods, the city’s poverty rate has risen by roughly 90% over the past decade. The Hispanic and disadvantaged kid populations in Indianapolis are growing at a disproportionately high rate. The health crisis, lack of education, unstable housing, unreliable employment, and hunger are among the factors that contribute to the poverty in Indianapolis. Due to growing social stratification along racial, ethnic, and other lines, it is increasingly difficult to draw conclusions about a city’s or region’s poor situation from a single set of statistics. Despite this, the government in Indianapolis is committed to equitable development or growth that benefits all sectors and communities in the region. Considering the extreme inequality that one may experience in Indianapolis, it easily becomes one of the dumbest cities in the USA.
13. Jacksonville
Population: 962,970 people
Percentage of People Living Below the Poverty Line: 15.4%
Unemployment Rate: 3.2%
Average Annual Income Per Family: $69,309
There are multiple reasons that contribute to making Jacksonville one of the dumbest cities in America. It is also one of the worst small cities to live in the USA. The reasons are mainly: traffic congestion, high crime rates, limited job opportunities, hurricane risk, and a lack of cultural attractions. Petty crime, which occurs at an alarming rate in some regions, is another cause for concern. Jacksonville’s diverse economy includes healthcare, banking, logistics, and the military, all of which may or may not offer sufficient employment possibilities. From June through November, Jacksonville is in the path of potentially dangerous hurricanes.
Moreover, high-quality education is just one of the many issues plaguing Jacksonville, along with infrastructural difficulties, poverty, income inequality, and environmental concerns. Jacksonville is home to some stunning natural features, but the city is also struggling with problems like water pollution and conservation. Despite these drawbacks, Jacksonville gives residents and visitors alike a well-rounded picture of life in Florida. All things considered, many negative reasons outweigh the positive reasons to stay in Florida, making the city one of the dumbest cities to live in America.
12. Oklahoma City
Population: 681,088
Percentage of People Living Below the Poverty Line: 15.8%
Unemployment Rate: 2.8%
Average Annual Income Per Family: $63,713
Oklahoma has had a substantial poverty problem ever since before it became a state, when early settlers encountered difficulties like drought, food insecurity, and a lack of infrastructure. The main problems that Oklahoma City, the biggest city in Oklahoma, faces are the difficulties in meeting basic human needs and the material implications of this trait, which keeps the people poor. Oklahoma City’s persistent poverty can be attributed to five features of the state’s social, economic, and political climate: low job rates, low levels of education, high incarceration rates, food insecurity, poor health, wide income gaps, and high rates of violence. Having a job is essential to lifting yourself out of poverty, yet opportunities vary greatly from county to county and race to race. Moreover, there is a close relationship between levels of education and economic success. The public school system in Oklahoma City has long suffered from inadequate funding and a lackluster investment in its physical facilities. Lastly, Oklahoma City’s persistent poverty is exacerbated by social inequalities. Taking these reasons in mind, Oklahoma City easily makes it one of the dumbest cities to live in America.
11. Washington, DC
Population: 631,693
Percentage of People Living Below the Poverty Line: 16.5%
Unemployment Rate: 2.4%
Average Annual Income Per Family: $101,027
Despite its original intent as a symbol of American principles, the nation’s capital, Washington, DC, has become a haven for the callous, insensitive, and dishonorable. The area has been plagued by poverty and violence for decades, and this is not likely to change anytime soon because of the rigidity of the local authority. The main concern for Washington currently is the inequality that impacts poor households through the housing market, making rental housing less affordable relative to their incomes. Monitoring the relationship between income and rental costs at different points in the distribution is crucial to ensuring an adequate response to affordability challenges and preserving housing opportunities for a wide range of workers and families. With these in mind, Wahington easily makes it to one of the dumbest cities to live in America.
10. Dallas
Population: 1,259,404 people
Percentage of People Living Below the Poverty Line: 16.5%
Unemployment Rate: 4.1%
Average Annual Income Per Family: $65,400
As income inequality and economic mobility rise, cities like Dallas, one of the most segregated in the country, see their land of opportunity shrink. For some, poverty is a trap set at birth from which there is no chance of escape, and the land of opportunity is increasingly restricted to largely white residents of the city’s northern census tracts. The poverty in Dallas is intertwined with two crises, and segregation is the greatest obstacle to economic advancement. In sum, the inequitable distribution of resources in Dallas greatly affects its rise to development, making it easily one of the dumbest cities to live in the USA.
9. San Antonio
Population: 1,479,493 people.
Percentage of People Living Below the Poverty Line: 17%
Unemployment Rate: 4.2%
Average Annual Income Per Family: $58,829
Due to San Antonio’s racial composition and the prevalence of chronic diseases like diabetes, the city has been dealing with generational poverty for quite some time. Because of the city’s demographics, notably its high poverty rates for black and Latino citizens, black and Latino neighborhoods in San Antonio have been disproportionately affected by the current COVID-19 situation. State-collected data from the epidemic suggests that disparities in survival rates due to race and socioeconomic position exist. A major factor contributing to the poor health of San Antonio’s black and Latinx groups is the city’s high poverty rate. Moreover, low-income people in San Antonio are more likely to be exposed to the coronavirus in the workplace, increasing their already elevated risk.
Healthcare, discrimination, pandemic, COVID-19, diabetes, inequality, racial discrimination, Medicaid, asthma, Metro Health, Community Health and Prevention, Metropolitan Health District, poverty, generational poverty, healthcare access, chronic illness, and more are all problems that San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas, must face. With all these factors, it can be said that San Antonio is one of the dumbest cities to live in the USA.
8. Chicago
Population: 2,608,425 people.
Percentage of People Living Below the Poverty Line: 17.1%
Unemployment Rate: 4.2%
Average Annual Income Per Family: $70,386
According to author Rachel Shteir, Chicago is the most depressing major city in America because it is stiflingly conformist, consistently elects crooks and the stupid, and stubbornly holds onto outdated stereotypes about itself. Long commute times, foreclosures, lower property values compared to the rest of the country, higher rates of uninsured residents, higher rates of high school dropouts, higher rates of unemployment, and a world-famous gun violence epidemic are all realities that the city must face head-on. With almost 550,000 people not having health coverage, the city is the fourth worst in the United States. Moreover, the city’s unemployment rate is almost three percentage points greater than the national average, and its home price index is now nearly 30 points below the national average. The biggest drop has been in public payrolls, which has hit minorities especially hard. South and West Side communities have been impacted hardest by government layoffs, contributing to Chicago’s already notorious gun violence epidemic.
7. Los Angeles
Population: 3,769,485 people.
Percentage of People Living Below the Poverty Line: 17.1%
Unemployment Rate: 5%
Average Annual Income Per Family: $76,135
The high cost of living, restrictions on specific groups, and the city’s long history of homelessness all contribute to Los Angeles’ high poverty rate. Since it was formerly the most segregated city in the South, the city’s property documents reflect that history of segregation. Since housing is expensive and there aren’t enough jobs to go around, the homeless population has increased. Because of the public and private resources available, several formerly homeless people have relocated here from other states. Moreover, the city of Los Angeles is home to the highest rates of both violent crime and poverty in the United States. Because of the city’s year-round warm climate, those without homes can easily obtain shelter as well as basic necessities like food and needles. However, the rising number of San Francisco’s homeless is a major worry as well, with the local government pointing the finger at rising rent prices. The high cost of living and high poverty rate in Los Angeles draw attention to the need for change and solutions to these problems. As a result of many reasons, including high living costs, historical restrictions, and governmental acceptance of poverty, Los Angeles has a high poverty rate. Considering these reasons, Los Angeles easily makes it to the dumbest cities to live in the United States.
6. Columbus
Population: 907,865 people.
Percentage of People Living Below the Poverty Line: 17.7%
Unemployment Rate: 3.1%
Average Annual Income Per Family: $61,727
A recent Ohio study indicated that urban poverty has increased more than gentrification in Columbus and Ohio city communities. The survey also indicated that black households are most affected by neighborhood poverty. Columbus is large, yet the number of high-poverty tracts increased from 26 in 1980 to 50 in 2018. Black residents are five times more likely than whites to live in high-poverty communities, according to the report. Transportation policies, local entrepreneurship, and small company development initiatives can aid urban communities. Considering these reasons, Columbus easily makes it one of the dumbest cities to live in America.
5. New York
Population: 19,496,810 people
Percentage of People Living Below the Poverty Line: 18%
Unemployment Rate: 4.6%
Average Annual Income Per Family: $74,694
Prior to the epidemic, nearly one in five adults and one in five children in New York City were living in poverty, and nearly half of the city’s population faced some type of disadvantage. The biggest concern for New York City is its unemployment rate. New York City has a high unemployment rate because of the city’s high job application rate and significant homeless population. The 2008 financial crisis triggered the Great Recession, which drove up the unemployment rate that year. Many of the unemployed, however, came from middle- and upper-class backgrounds and were likely to own at least one property. Considering the persistent problem of unemployment in New York, it easily makes it one of the dumbest cities in America.
