Population: 5,133Average Home Price: $219,967Median Income: $34,474Unemployment Rate: 9.2%Crime Per Capita: 0.0325More on Fort Meade: Data | Cost Of Living | Real Estate
Located in Polk County, Florida, Fort Meade has unfortunately earned its reputation as one of the worst places to live in the state. One of the main factors contributing to this designation is the high crime rate in the area. With a violent crime rate of 0.006137951990276512 per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 0.026314190215739896 per 1,000 residents, safety is a significant concern for those residing here.
Fort Meade struggles with poverty and low median income levels. The median income in this city is only $34,474, which is below the state erage. As a result, many residents face financial hardships and struggle to afford basic necessities. Additionally, the unemployment rate stands at 9.2%, making it difficult for individuals to find stable employment opportunities.
Despite these challenges, it is important to note that with concerted efforts, Fort Meade has the potential to improve. By focusing on community development initiatives and implementing comprehensive crime prevention strategies, the city can work towards creating a safer and more prosperous environment for its residents.
2. Opa-locka
Population: 16,230Average Home Price: $356,499Median Income: $30,101Unemployment Rate: 5.2%Crime Per Capita: 0.1906More on Opa-Locka: Data | Cost Of Living | Real Estate
Look, we didn’t name Opa Locka one of Miami’s worst suburbs without good cause. Home to fast food joints, Kmart, Big Lots, and plenty of gas stations, Opa Locka is not anyone’s definition of an aesthetically-pleasing place to live.
The city had the 2nd highest overall crime rate in Florida over 2022, which makes sense in a place with a poverty rate over 40%. In fact, the median household income of $30,101 ranks as the 2nd lowest in Florida.
If Opa Locka has one sing grace, it’s that it offers easy access to Miami, so you’ve got things like Dolphin Mall and Zoo Miami is just down the road.
3. Pahokee
Population: 5,548Average Home Price: $205,750Median Income: $36,289Unemployment Rate: 23.0%Crime Per Capita: 0.0296More on Pahokee: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Real Estate
You he to work pretty hard to get 1/10 on our SnackAbility score, but Pahokee, the 3rd worst place in Florida, found a way. Situated about an hour west of West Palm Beach on the banks of Lake Okeechobee, Pahokee has too many problems to count.
The poverty rate sits at 31.8%, the unemployment rate is a woeful 23.0% (the worst in Florida), and those that do he jobs aren’t exactly swimming in cash. The median household income in Pahokee is $36,289.
Violent crime is high, and the high school dropout rate is the 3rd worst statewide.
It’s a real shame, too, because Pahokee has some truly magnificent spots, like Pahokee State Park, an excellent spot for fishing, boating, camping, and hiking around Lake Okeechobee.
4. Sebring
Population: 11,006Average Home Price: $237,729Median Income: $38,024Unemployment Rate: 12.7%Crime Per Capita: 0.0425More on Sebring: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Real Estate
Sebring, a city in Highlands County, Florida, unfortunately ranks as the sixth worst place to live in the state. One of the main factors contributing to this ranking is the high crime rate, making it a dangerous place to reside. With a violent crime rate of 0.007177902962020716 per capita and a property crime rate of 0.035344357623114664 per capita, residents face safety concerns on a daily basis. The city also struggles with poverty and unemployment, with an unemployment rate of 12.7% and a median income of just $38,024. These factors contribute to the overall poor living conditions in Sebring.
Despite its challenges, there is hope for improvement in Sebring. By addressing the underlying issues such as poverty and unemployment, the city can work towards creating a safer and more prosperous community for its residents. Additionally, Sebring’s location in south-central Florida offers potential for economic growth and development. With the right investments and initiatives, Sebring has the opportunity to transform itself into a better place to live.
5. Belle Glade
Population: 16,896Average Home Price: $256,880Median Income: $42,314Unemployment Rate: 12.5%Crime Per Capita: 0.0366More on Belle Glade: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Real Estate
A PBS documentary entitled “Murder of a Small Town” covered Belle Glade back in 2015. It delt with the city’s decline into high unemployment, crime rates, and drug use over the past few years, all of which contributed to Belle Glade ending up as Florida’s 5th worst place.
With all that going on, it’s no shock that the population, employees, median household income, and median property values are all going down in Belle Glade. And those drops are compounding already horrible issues; Belle Glade has the 16th lowest median household income in Florida at $42,314.
Belle Glade’s unemployment rate of 12.5% is the 5th worst in Florida as well, and with the 4th highest high school dropout rate statewide, the city isn’t exactly setting itself up for success in the future.
6. Pembroke Park
Population: 6,266Average Home Price: $256,411Median Income: $41,875Unemployment Rate: 6.8%Crime Per Capita: 0.0367More on Pembroke Park: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Real Estate
7. Arcadia
Population: 7,480Average Home Price: $249,838Median Income: $34,598Unemployment Rate: 8.3%Crime Per Capita: 0.0548More on Arcadia: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Real Estate
8. Quincy
Population: 7,811Average Home Price: $155,529Median Income: $33,786Unemployment Rate: 3.6%Crime Per Capita: 0.0434More on Quincy: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Real Estate
Quincy, known as one of the worst places to live in Florida, unfortunately also ranks as one of the most dangerous. With a crime rate that surpasses the state erage by 0.007041351939572398 for violent crimes and 0.036358980924337474 for property crimes per capita, safety becomes a significant concern for residents. The high poverty level in Quincy further exacerbates the issue, with many struggling to make ends meet on a median income of just $33,786. This economic disparity contributes to the crime problem, making it difficult for the community to thrive.
Location-wise, Quincy is situated in Gadsden County, about 25 miles northwest of Tallahassee. While its proximity to the state capital may offer some advantages, it does little to mitigate the challenges faced by Quincy residents. However, there is hope for improvement through concerted efforts and investment in community development. By addressing the root causes of crime and poverty, Quincy has the potential to transform into a safer and more prosperous place to live in Florida.
9. Leesburg
Population: 27,226Average Home Price: $289,686Median Income: $43,733Unemployment Rate: 10.4%Crime Per Capita: 0.0407More on Leesburg: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Real Estate
Situated between Lake Griffin and Lake Harris in central Florida, Leesburg does offer nature lovers quite a bit to do.
But with the 26th highest crime rate in Florida, through-the-roof unemployment and poverty rates, and a declining median household income, that’s about all Leesburg has going for it.
GreatSchools also ge Leesburg an erage score below 3/10, so it’s not exactly the best place to raise a family either. On top of that, the cost of living in Leesburg is higher than most places listed here, so it’s not even like you’re trading a lower quality of life for some extra sings.
10. Avon Park
Population: 9,789Average Home Price: $206,581Median Income: $35,340Unemployment Rate: 11.7%Crime Per Capita: 0.0425More on Avon Park: Data | Cost Of Living | Real Estate
There’s a reason Avon Park has the 7th lowest median home price in Florida — that’s what you’d expect from the 10th worst place to live in the state, after all. This central Florida city of 9,789 isn’t the kind of place most people want to reside.
The crime rate is the 20th highest in Florida, the crazy high unemployment rate of 11.7% ranks as the 6th worst statewide.
About a third of residents live below the poverty line, so making ends meet in Avon Park is a daily cause for concern.
Avon Park does he some pretty lakeside parks near the downtown area, but beyond that, there isn’t much going on here.