18 Small Towns in the U.S. That Are Surprisingly Unsafe

The allure of small-town living is undeniable. Peaceful streets, friendly neighbors, and a slower pace of life all paint a picture of idyllic bliss. But beneath the quaint exteriors of some seemingly picture-perfect towns lurks a very different reality. Here’s a look at 18 small towns in the U.S. that face surprising challenges when it comes to safety.

1. Gary, Indiana

Crime Rate: An alarming 6,446 violent crimes per 100,000 residents.
Safety Status: Ranked 4th worst in the U.S., according to NeighborhoodScout.

Gary’s decline began with the steel industry’s collapse, but its struggles are compounded by high unemployment rates and a significant number of abandoned homes, creating hotspots for criminal activity. The town is actively seeking regeneration strategies to revitalize its economy and community spaces.

2. Camden, New Jersey

Crime Rate: 4,487 violent crimes per 100,000 residents.
Safety Status: 12th worst in the U.S., per NeighborhoodScout.

Camden’s efforts to turn around its image include investing in community policing and new educational facilities. However, despite these efforts, the city still faces challenges with drug-related crime and a lingering reputation that deters economic development.

3. Flint, Michigan

Crime Rate: 4,176 violent crimes per 100,000 residents.
Safety Status: 21st worst in the U.S., according to NeighborhoodScout.

Flint’s issues extend to massive infrastructural deficits and a dwindling population, which strains local resources and complicates efforts to combat crime. The community is engaged in initiatives aimed at rebuilding trust and ensuring cleaner water resources.

4. Stockton, California

Crime Rate: 4,080 violent crimes per 100,000 residents.
Safety Status: 27th worst in the U.S., as per NeighborhoodScout.

The economic recovery in Stockton is hampered by high rates of homelessness and poverty. Innovative programs like Advance Peace are being tested here to reduce gun violence through community engagement and support.

5. East St. Louis, Illinois

Crime Rate: 4,063 violent crimes per 100,000 residents.
Safety Status: Ranked 29th worst in the U.S. by NeighborhoodScout.

East St. Louis suffers from one of the highest poverty rates in the nation, which directly impacts its crime rate. Efforts to improve the situation include boosting local education and youth programs.

6. Birmingham, Alabama

Crime Rate: 4,022 violent crimes per 100,000 residents.
Safety Status: 32nd worst in the U.S., according to NeighborhoodScout.

The remnants of historical inequities are visible in the economic and social fabric of Birmingham, affecting everything from housing quality to job opportunities. Community leaders are focusing on inclusivity and economic diversity to bridge gaps.

7. Memphis, Tennessee

Crime Rate: 4,012 violent crimes per 100,000 residents.
Safety Status: 33rd worst in the U.S. by NeighborhoodScout.

Memphis is employing multifaceted approaches to tackle crime, including youth engagement programs and economic incentives to revitalize poorer neighborhoods, aiming to reduce the incentives for gang recruitment.

8. Compton, California

Crime Rate: 3,881 violent crimes per 100,000 residents.
Safety Status: Ranked 42nd worst in the U.S. by NeighborhoodScout.

Despite a reputation marred by decades of depicted violence, Compton is experiencing a cultural resurgence with new arts programs and community-led urban renewal projects aimed at providing safe and creative outlets for its youth.

9. Savannah, Georgia

Crime Rate: 3,829 violent crimes per 100,000 residents.
Safety Status: Ranked 47th worst in the U.S. by NeighborhoodScout.

Savannah’s bustling tourism sector contrasts sharply with areas experiencing systemic neglect. Community efforts focus on bridging this divide with improved policing and neighborhood revitalization projects.

10. New Orleans, Louisiana

Crime Rate: 3,798 violent crimes per 100,000 residents.
Safety Status: Ranked 50th worst in the U.S. by NeighborhoodScout.

Efforts to balance tourism with local needs include bolstering the police force and enhancing flood defenses to mitigate the impacts of frequent natural disasters, which often exacerbate social and economic instability.

11. Youngstown, Ohio

Crime Rate: 3,782 violent crimes per 100,000 residents.
Safety Status: Ranked 52nd worst in the U.S. by NeighborhoodScout.

Youngstown’s strategy to combat crime involves re-purposing abandoned industrial spaces for new businesses and community centers, aiming to create job opportunities and reduce crime-prone areas.

12. Shreveport, Louisiana

Crime Rate: 3,739 violent crimes per 100,000 residents.
Safety Status: Ranked 55th worst in the U.S. by NeighborhoodScout.

Shreveport’s unique position makes it vulnerable to transitory criminal elements. Local law enforcement is enhancing cross-state collaboration to tackle this issue more effectively.

13. Peoria, Illinois

Crime Rate: 3,723 violent crimes per 100,000 residents.
Safety Status: Ranked 57th worst in the U.S. by NeighborhoodScout.

Peoria is focusing on community policing and providing better social services to address its rising gang violence, with an emphasis on engaging at-risk youth.

14. Atlantic City, New Jersey

Crime Rate: 3,698 violent crimes per 100,000 residents.
Safety Status: Ranked 59th worst in the U.S. by NeighborhoodScout.

With the decline of its casino industry, Atlantic City is diversifying its economy by promoting new sectors like technology and green energy, alongside improving public safety.

15. Wichita Falls, Texas

Crime Rate: 3,682 violent crimes per 100,000 residents.
Safety Status: Ranked 61st worst in the U.S. by NeighborhoodScout.

The dual nature of Wichita Falls, with its urban and rural dynamics, presents unique challenges. Local authorities are focusing on bridging service gaps between these areas to enhance safety.

16. Vallejo, California

Crime Rate: 3,643 violent crimes per 100,000 residents.
Safety Status: Ranked 64th worst in the U.S. by NeighborhoodScout.

Vallejo is actively working to combat gang activity through community outreach programs that offer alternatives to gang involvement, aiming to break the cycle of violence.

17. Lake Charles, Louisiana

Crime Rate: 3,598 violent crimes per 100,000 residents.
Safety Status: Ranked 67th worst in the U.S. by NeighborhoodScout.

Post-Hurricane Laura, Lake Charles is focused on rebuilding and strengthening community resilience to withstand future disasters better and reduce crime spikes during recovery periods.

18. Wilmington, Delaware

Crime Rate: 3,582 violent crimes per 100,000 residents.
Safety Status: Ranked 69th worst in the U.S. by NeighborhoodScout.

Efforts in Wilmington to address crime include improving access to quality education and healthcare, particularly in underserved communities, to foster a safer, more equitable city.

16 Places in America That Used to Be Rich But Are Now Poor

Many of America’s poorest towns weren’t always facing hard times. In fact, some of them are former boomtowns that used to boast prosperous economies and flourishing industries. Using figures from the US Census Bureau’s American Community Survey and Data USA, we examine how prosperity turned to poverty in towns and cities nationwide.

Whigham, Georgia: From Agricultural Hub to Economic Downturn

Whigham, Georgia, took a severe hit during the Great Depression, drastically reducing its population from its late 19th-century beginnings as a thriving agricultural town. Despite a small peak in 2000, its population declined to 552 by 2020. This southern town, originally flourishing with farms and agricultural businesses, now struggles with a 13.7% poverty rate.

West Blocton, Alabama: The Rise and Fall of a Coal Town

Around 3,600 residents thrived in West Blocton, Alabama, at the height of the coal industry. However, a devastating fire in 1927, followed by the 1929 stock market crash, led to its decline. Today, it houses around 1,200 people, facing a poverty rate of 18.5%, with a median household income of $33,625.

Bogalusa, Louisiana: Timber’s Decline

Once a booming timber town, Bogalusa, Louisiana, now struggles with a 31.5% poverty rate. The timber industry’s decline in the 1960s left the city with diminished prosperity. Today, with a median income of $31,976 and only 9.7% of its adults holding a bachelor’s degree, the place reflects the hardships faced post-industry.

Camden, Arkansas: From Cotton Fields to Economic Hardships

In the late 1800s, Camden, Arkansas, was a vibrant hub due to its thriving cotton trade. However, post-WWII changes in agricultural practices and foreign competition decimated local production. Now, Camden struggles with a poverty rate of 31.8% and a median household income significantly below the national average.

Brunswick, Georgia: The Ebb and Flow of Fortunes

Brunswick, Georgia, experienced fluctuating fortunes, originally thriving through naval stores and timber production. Despite the ongoing strength of the timber industry nationally, Brunswick hasn’t benefitted, resulting in a poverty rate of 34.7% and a stark drop in median household income.

Laurinburg, North Carolina: Textile Boom to Bust

Laurinburg, North Carolina, once prospered through its textile industry. Despite a rich history of economic prosperity around textile manufacturing, the industry’s shift away from smaller towns has left Laurinburg with a poverty rate of 36.6% and a reduced median household income.

Braddock, Pennsylvania: Steel’s Legacy Lost

Braddock thrived with a strong steel industry until its decline in the 1970s. Once a bustling economic locale, the borough situated in the eastern suburbs of Pittsburgh now endures a high poverty rate of 36.7%. The significant decrease in population and economic output starkly contrasts its industrious past.

East Cleveland, Ohio: Industrial Decline and Economic Struggles

In its industrial prime, East Cleveland, Ohio, was a magnet for manufacturing jobs and economic growth. Today, it suffers from a 37.5% poverty rate, with incomes and employment opportunities far below their historical peak. The closure of major factories like General Electric has had a lasting impact.

Ville Platte, Louisiana: From Oil Boom to Economic Gloom

Ville Platte, Louisiana, experienced economic highs with the discovery of oil and the establishment of a carbon black plant. However, with a current poverty rate of 41.4% and minimal local employment, the town’s past prosperity is just a memory.

Brownsville, Florida: Social Shifts and Economic Downturns

In the early 1900s, Brownsville, Florida, was a flourishing area for Black professionals. However, demographic and social changes post-WWII led to the decline of locally owned businesses. Despite its historical significance today, it grapples with a poverty rate exceeding 40%.

Springhill, Louisiana: Timber and Paper Industry’s Decline

Springhill, Louisiana, sustained its economy through timber and paper industries until the International Paper Company’s mill was closed in 1979. Since then, the town has faced a poverty rate of 45.6%, reflecting the broader struggles of small industry towns.

Hamtramck, Michigan: Auto Industry Impact

Once known for its thriving automobile manufacturing, Hamtramck, Michigan, has since struggled as industries have moved or closed, including the significant loss marked by General Motors’ plant closure. The town now suffers from a poverty rate of 46.5% and declining economic opportunities.

Cairo, Illinois: Historical Highs to Economic Lows

Cairo, Illinois, was poised for prosperity post-Civil War with booming rail and ferry industries. However, a series of challenges over the century led to economic decline, and today, it faces a poverty rate of 46.5% with a significantly reduced population.

Wichita, Kansas: Aviation’s Decline

Once celebrated as “The Air Capital of the World,” Wichita, Kansas, has seen its aerospace sector struggle, mainly after key companies like Boeing left. This historical manufacturing hub now ranks lower in wealth than its mid-20th-century status. Then again, you can always visit its museums and award-winning food and drink establishments.

Stockton-Lodi, California: Housing Boom and Bust

The financial crisis hit Stockton, California, hard, culminating in a bankruptcy declaration following a housing market collapse. This metropolitan area, once fueled by economic growth, now struggles with a high unemployment rate and significant economic challenges. One good thing, though, is its quality educational institutions, like the University of the Pacific.

Johnstown, Pennsylvania: Steel’s Disappearing Act

Johnstown, Pennsylvania, was a leading steel producer, but it is now grappling with economic stagnation and a high poverty rate. The town’s decline from industrial powerhouse to economic hardship is reflected in its 33.7% poverty rate. Communities faced challenges related to manufacturing industries that no longer sustained their economies.

14 U.S. Cities Where Drinking Water Quality Is Falling Below Standards

As U.S. citizens, we often take our expectations for clean, safe drinking water for granted. However, the safety and quality of drinking water are diminishing across the nation. A staggering number of American cities are now dealing with water systems that deliver water failing to meet federal health standards, with some areas grappling with issues that could seem unthinkable in the 21st century. In our list, the safety and quality of drinking water have come under scrutiny, not just by regulatory bodies but by the very people who live in these fifteen cities. What are their challenges, how are residents responding, and what steps are local governments taking to mitigate these alarming situations?

Flint, Michigan

The Flint water crisis highlighted severe lead contamination from a decision to switch the city’s water source without proper corrosion control treatments. Residents have endured long-term health risks and remain wary despite ongoing recovery efforts. As per the Michigan State Government, over 9,000 lead-tainted pipes have been replaced since 2016, and water quality has returned to an acceptable level. Yet many locals continue to rely on bottled water for drinking.

Newark, New Jersey

In Newark, lead contamination affecting thousands prompted widespread protests and urgent actions. The city launched an aggressive $120 million program to replace lead service lines within 24 to 30 months, as the city’s Department of Water and Sewer Utilities reported. As of early 2023, over 20,000 lead pipes have been replaced, drastically reducing lead levels in the drinking water.

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Pittsburgh has faced significant challenges with lead in its water. According to the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority, lead levels exceeded the EPA’s action threshold in 2016. The city has since committed to replacing at least 7,000 lead lines by 2026, and recent data suggests that lead levels are now below the EPA’s action limit, signaling progress in their remediation efforts.

Baltimore, Maryland

Baltimore’s water issues, including E. coli contamination, have led to multiple boil water advisories. The city’s Department of Public Works has initiated a comprehensive $1.6 billion water system overhaul, focusing on updating aging infrastructure and implementing advanced water treatment technologies to prevent future contamination.

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Milwaukee’s lead pipe crisis affects an estimated 70,000 residences, primarily in older homes. The city has responded with a plan to replace about 1,000 lead service lines per year, focusing on high-risk areas such as schools and daycare centers, as stated by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. Despite these efforts, challenges still remain in funding and logistics.

Fresno, California

Fresno deals with arsenic and other agricultural runoff contaminants. The California State Water Resources Control Board reports that some areas of Fresno have arsenic levels that exceed the EPA’s standard by up to three times. Ongoing initiatives include enhancing water filtration systems and securing state funds to improve water infrastructure.

Detroit, Michigan

Detroit’s extensive water system serves nearly 4 million people but needs help with aging infrastructure that risks lead contamination. The Detroit Water and Sewerage Department is undergoing a city-wide effort to replace old lead service lines and improve water treatment facilities, aiming to safeguard against potential health risks.

Washington, D.C.

In Washington, D.C., historical issues with lead contamination have led to significant public health concerns. The District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority has been actively working on a comprehensive lead replacement program. It has implemented rigorous water quality testing protocols to ensure the water meets national safety standards.

New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans faces unique challenges due to its low elevation and frequent water pressure issues, which can lead to contamination. The Sewerage & Water Board of New Orleans has invested in significant infrastructure upgrades to improve resilience and reliability, including emergency power and water system enhancements.

Las Vegas, Nevada

Given its desert location, it should come as no surprise that Las Vegas faces significant challenges in maintaining water quality. The Southern Nevada Water Authority has implemented cutting-edge technology for water treatment and reuse to manage the presence of trace contaminants, striving to sustain water quality in a region marked by scarcity.

Phoenix, Arizona

Phoenix contends with hard water and high levels of calcium and magnesium, besides periodic breaches in contaminant levels. Efforts by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality include upgrading water treatment plants and enhancing groundwater management strategies to cope with the city’s expanding population and environmental challenges.

Los Angeles, California

The residents of Los Angeles grapple with several industrial pollutants in their water, including chromium-6. The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power is investing in state-of-the-art water treatment facilities and pollution control to reduce the impact of industrial contaminants on the city’s water supply.

St. Joseph, Louisiana

St. Joseph’s water system has suffered from discolored water and high iron content, leading to state intervention. The Louisiana Department of Health has spearheaded a complete overhaul of the water system, investing millions to replace the entire water infrastructure to ensure compliance with federal standards.

Bakersfield, California

Bakersfield’s water is twice as deadly: it contains both naturally occurring elements like arsenic and human-made contaminants like pesticides. The California Water Boards monitor these levels closely, with ongoing initiatives to improve water filtration and reduce dependency on contaminated groundwater sources.

Cleveland, Ohio

For years, Cleveland has been tackling pollution in Lake Erie, its primary water source, through enhanced treatment processes and strict monitoring. The Cleveland Water Department has focused on protecting the lake from industrial pollutants and runoff for its nearly 1.4 million consumers. However, the ongoing challenge of lake pollution, thanks to industrial waste, necessitates continuous monitoring and treatment improvements.