America, the City of Dreams, is known for its bustling cities and cultural diversity. While many cities offer growth and opportunities, people face major challenges ranging from high cost of living and economic instability to high crime rates in some cities. A recent study by Rocket Moving analyzed cities in all 50 U.S. states to find places where people should probably consider moving out. This study was done based on seven important factors: cost of living, crime rates, unemployment, and even how often people search “moving out” on Google.
Take a look at 13 cities that Americans should leave, but they can’t.
Camden, New Jersey
Crime rate: 87.50
Air quality index: 52
Unemployment rates (as of July in %): 4.7
Searches for “Moving out of city”: 140,000
Population change (2020 to 2024): 53
Cost of living index: 114.1
Camden tops the list of cities Americans should consider leaving due to its high crime rate of 87.50. It also has the third-highest unemployment rate in the country. Surprisingly, despite all these, the population increased between 2020 and 2024.
Cleveland
Crime rate: 73.77
Air quality index: 75
Unemployment rates (as of July in %): 4.5
Searches for “Moving out of city”: 152,600
Population change (2020 to 2024): -10,199
Cost of living index: 94.0
Although over 10,000 residents have left Cleveland in the past few years, many still chose to live there despite the high crime rate of 74% and unemployment rate of 4.5%.
Rockford, Illinois
Crime rate: 82.09
Air quality index: 55
Unemployment rates (as of July in %): 5.2
Searches for “Moving out of city”: 200,200
Population change (2020 to 2024): -1,019
Cost of living index: 90.8
Rockford, which was known as the Forest City, is now known as the City of Gardens. However, can you believe that people in this city want to move out? Yes, you read it right. As per the study, it has over 200,000 Google searches for “moving out,” and has the highest unemployment rate of 5.2%. The crime rate too is high at 82.09.
Stockton, California
Crime rate: 84.91
Air quality index: 46
Unemployment rates (as of July in %): 4.9
Searches for “Moving out of city”: 487,200
Population change (2020 to 2024): -172
Cost of living index: 134.5
California is popular for its iconic landmarks and attracts numerous travelers. However, while Stockton is part of California, life there is far from glamorous. Almost 500,000 people searched for “moving out!” The crime rate stands at a high of 84.91 and the unemployment rate is nearly 5%. Even though people make decent incomes, the statistics show that residents face tough challenges.
St. Louis
Crime rate: 84.32
Air quality index: 59
Unemployment rates (as of July in %): 3.8
Searches for “Moving out of city”: 96,600
Population change (2020 to 2024): -7,186
Cost of living index: 88.4
Since 2020, over 7,000 residents have left this place, and with a crime rate of 84.32, it is easy to see why! Although the unemployment rate is lower than some cities on the list, St. Louis struggles with social and economic problems, that make it a difficult place to live.
Pueblo, Colorado
Crime rate: 75.09
Air quality index: 17
Unemployment rates (as of July in %): 3.9
Searches for “Moving out of city”: 175,000
Population change (2020 to 2024): -23
Cost of living index: 105.5
Pueblo is often referred to as Steel City and boasts beautiful natural landscapes. However, living in this city raises major concerns due to the high cost of living and a crime rate of 75.09.
Honolulu
Crime rate: 51.63
Air quality index: 42
Unemployment rates (as of July in %): 2.9
Searches for “Moving out of city”: 37,800
Population change (2020 to 2024): -9,017
Cost of living index: 179.0
Paradise comes at a price! Well, this place proves it, as the cost of living is high with 179.0. Although the crime and unemployment rates are low, over 9,000 residents have left since 2020.
Macon, Georgia
Crime rate: 86.23
Air quality index: 42
Unemployment rates (as of July in %): 3.4
Searches for “Moving out of city”: 217,000
Population change (2020 to 2024): -3,364
Cost of living index: 91.0
Macon is referred to as the heart of Georgia. The city is known for rich history and vast musical heritage. However, living or traveling to this place might be a significant concern because of high crime rate of 86.23, which is the highest on the list.
Baltimore
Crime rate: 86.84
Air quality index: 56
Unemployment rates (as of July in %): 2.8
Searches for “Moving out of city”: 96,600
Population change (2020 to 2024): -6,659
Cost of living index: 119.5
Baltimore is called Charm City, and is known for its historic landmarks. However, safety is a big concern in this vibrant city, with a high crime rate of 86.84 and over 6,000 people already having left.
Springfield, Massachusetts
Crime rate: 85.82
Air quality index: 48
Unemployment rates (as of July in %): 3.5
Searches for “Moving out of city”: 96,600
Population change (2020 to 2024): 649
Cost of living index: 148.4
It is the third largest city in Massachusetts and is known as the City of Firsts. However, the cost of living and crime rate are high, at 148.4 and 85.82, respectively. Surprisingly, despite this, the city had gained 649 new residences. But it is uncertain if this trend will continue, given the cost of living is really high.
San Francisco, California
San Francisco is known as the City by the Bay and the Paris of the West. The cost of living and housing is high here. However, people are not leaving this place because of job opportunities in tech and the city’s cultural significance.
Chicago, Illinois
Chicago is known for its beautiful architecture and vibrant music scene. However, crime rates and the high cost of living (including taxes and rent) make it hard for people to manage. Even the cold winters add to the challenges.
Miami, Florida
Miami is called the Magic City, famous for its golden beaches and vibrant Latin vibe. However, the high cost of living, frequent hurricanes and rising sea levels make it tough for people to manage.
Although the above-mentioned cities have some tough situations that make it hard for people to live there, many are not moving out. For some, the cost of relocating and finding new jobs is too high. Others say back because of strong family ties or community connections and few may still have hope that their city might eventually improve or change for the better.
