Ranked: 12 Worst Places For Families in the USA
Ranked: 12 Worst Places For Families in the USA
Choosing the right place to live is crucial, especially for families looking to find a balance between affordability and quality of life. Some cities, however, might pose more challenges than others when it comes to factors like education, safety, and economic stability. Here’s a list of the 12 cities that, based on a comprehensive study by WalletHub, might be the toughest places in the USA to raise a family.
12. New Orleans, LA
New Orleans scores a total of 41.73, placing it as the least challenging city on this list, but still tough enough. The city offers a vibrant cultural scene which ranks fairly high for family fun. However, its lower rankings in health & safety and education & child care reflect significant challenges. The socio-economic stability here also presents hurdles for families seeking a secure environment.
11. Augusta, GA
Augusta, Georgia, scores slightly better overall at 41.33 but struggles with education and child care, ranking 153rd in that category. Health and safety are also concerns here, as well as socio-economic factors which can impact long-term family stability. While the city has moderate affordability, these other challenges can complicate family life.
10. Wilmington, DE
Wilmington scores an overall 41.29, with particular challenges in socio-economics where it ranks 179th. Although it fares somewhat better in education and child care, the city’s overall environment and limited opportunities for family fun contribute to its position on this list.
9. Hialeah, FL
Hialeah ranks 174th with a total score of 41.02. Its lowest ranks are in affordability and socio-economics, making it a challenging place for many families to thrive. Despite scoring well in health & safety and education & child care, the cost of living and economic conditions weigh heavily against its favorability for families.
8. Baltimore, MD
Baltimore, Maryland, records a score of 40.86, facing significant challenges in education & child care and socio-economics, ranking 176th in the latter. Though better in family fun and health & safety, these are overshadowed by the economic difficulties and concerns over child care and educational quality.
7. Shreveport, LA
Shreveport scores 40.61 overall, with its worst performance in health & safety and education & child care. This city struggles with providing a nurturing environment for families, compounded by less favorable socio-economic conditions which rank 161st.
6. San Bernardino, CA
San Bernardino, California, ranks 177th overall with a score of 39.96. Significant challenges in education & child care and health & safety are major concerns, despite a relatively high rank in family fun. Economic and living conditions here make it difficult for families to find stability.
5. Newark, NJ
Newark has an overall score of 38.12, facing its toughest challenges in affordability and socio-economics. While it ranks better in education & child care, the cost of living and socio-economic barriers significantly affect the quality of life for families in Newark.
4. Birmingham, AL
Birmingham, Alabama, scores 37.22, with low rankings in health & safety and socio-economics. These factors make it a less desirable place for families, despite somewhat moderate scores in other areas such as family fun and education.
3. Detroit, MI
Detroit’s total score comes in at 36.32, struggling significantly across multiple categories including education, child care, and especially socio-economics where it ranks the worst nationally. These challenges make it a particularly hard place for families to settle and thrive.
2. Memphis, TN
Memphis, Tennessee, scores 34.80, with the lowest rank in health & safety and troubling scores in socio-economics and education. These issues combined make Memphis a challenging environment for families looking for a stable, safe, and nurturing community.
1. Cleveland, OH
Cleveland ranks as the toughest city on this list for raising a family, with an overall score of 34.65. It ranks particularly low in education & child care, affordability, and socio-economics. Families in Cleveland face numerous obstacles, from economic instability to limited educational resources, making it the most challenging among the cities evaluated.
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We are Mary and Eric, the founders of Be Right Back, a blog dedicated to romance around the globe and at home.
We are Mary and Eric, the founders of Be Right Back, a blog dedicated to romance around the globe and at home. With over 10 years of experience in dating and traveling to romantic places, we share our favorite date ideas and romantic destinations to help couples level up their relationships. Having lived in and traveled through the USA, we also share our favourite things to do in the States.
With 70,000 monthly readers and 16,000 followers on social media, Be Right Back is your go-to resource for romantic trip ideas and couple activities at home and abroad.