The 12 Neediest Cities in the U.S., According to a New Study
Many of us who grew up in middle-class areas may not see the places in America that need the most help. Although the United States has its fair share of profitable industries and plenty of billionaires, it still has its fair share of hunger, poverty, and homelessness.
Sure, our country might look rich and powerful, but around 11.1% of people are living in poverty. Many places are struggling and need our support to feed children, aid with housing, and address health issues.
If you really want to see the side of America that needs help, check out this list of the neediest cities according to a recent study, which compared more than 180 U.S. cities based on 28 key indicators of economic disadvantage, such as child poverty, food insecurity, and uninsured rates, to find out where Americans need the most support. So, what’s being done to fix all this? Let’s take a closer look.
1. Detroit, Michigan
Detroit, once the heartbeat of Motown and the auto industry, carries a heavy burden as the neediest city in America. Life here isn’t easy, with the highest unemployment rate in the U.S. at 7.4% and the second-highest violent crime rate. Many households struggle without complete plumbing, kitchens, computers, or reliable internet.
Poverty hits hard. Nearly half the city’s children live below the poverty line, and food deserts leave neighborhoods without fresh groceries. Revitalization efforts are underway, but the road ahead is long.
2. Gulfport, Mississippi
“You’d never catch me living in Gulfport,” some say, pointing to its crime rate—worse than 97% of U.S. cities. But crime isn’t the whole story. Homelessness skyrocketed by nearly 288% in just one year, and food insecurity affects so many families that Gulfport ranks fourth-worst in the nation. It’s heartbreaking to imagine essentials being out of reach for so many people.
Imagine the daily struggle of the residents here, with 39% of kids and 23% of adults living below the poverty line. Health care feels like a luxury—17% can’t afford a doctor’s visit. Gulfport deserves better.
3. Brownsville, Texas
Brownsville might seem like an affordable Texas escape, but don’t pack your bags just yet—it’s the third-neediest city in America. Education is a huge challenge here, with 31% of adults never finishing high school, the second-highest rate in the nation. Online learning is not so easy either—Brownsville leads in households without a computer and ranks second for lacking broadband internet.
Healthcare is another uphill battle, with nearly 30% of residents uninsured and the highest food insecurity rate in the country. Add overcrowded housing and high poverty, and Brownsville doesn’t look like a place to call home.
4. Cleveland, Ohio
Cleveland might be a sports lover’s dream (go Browns, Cavaliers, and Guardians!), but let’s talk about the reality beyond the games. Sure, housing costs are 20% lower, and healthcare is cheaper, too, but the economy isn’t in great shape. With manufacturing on the decline, unemployment and economic gaps remain, and Cleveland has the highest child poverty rate in the country.
Public transportation is limited and frustrating. Decades of population decline have left vacant properties and reduced tax revenue, straining city services.
5. Shreveport, Louisiana
Okay, I’ll cut to the chase. There’s a reason why Shreveport (despite all those Southern hospitality and vibrant culture) is considered a needy city. With a crime rate of 46 for every thousand residents, your chance of becoming the victim is one in 22. Not exactly the safest place.
The job market seems fine, but it’s harder to find work here than in larger cities. Despite good schools, Shreveport’s public education system often gets a bad rap, and cultural amenities are limited. You’ve got to wonder—why is living so cheap here?
6. Laredo, Texas
When people hear you’re moving to Laredo, they’ll warn you about the heat, but I’d say there’s more to be concerned about. Laredo has the highest rate of uninsured individuals and the second-highest food insecurity rate in the U.S. The job market is limited, especially if you’re looking for high-paying work outside of trade and logistics.
Crime is higher than the national average, with a one in 62 chance of being a victim. Plus, with San Antonio over two hours away and a lack of convenient transportation, it can feel pretty isolated. Now, that looks like a city with tons of needs.
7. Augusta, Georgia
Living in Augusta is more affordable than living in other big Georgia cities, but don’t be fooled—its economy faces challenges. While healthcare, education, and military jobs are plentiful, the job market lacks high-tech and specialized opportunities. Public schools vary in quality, with some struggling due to funding gaps.
Public transportation is decent, but Augusta isn’t very walkable, and biking can be unsafe with limited infrastructure. On top of that, the city faces weather extremes, including severe storms, hurricanes, and flooding.
8. New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans has a lot to love—Creole cuisine, jazz, City Park, and a low cost of living—but there’s a darker side too. The economy isn’t great. Most jobs here are low-paying and low-skilled, with service and hospitality dominating over tech or innovation. So, if you’re after a high-paying career, good luck.
Besides that, public education is ranked among the worst, and safety is a concern—New Orleans is more dangerous than 99% of other U.S. cities. And let’s not forget about the extreme weather that hits hard every year.
9. Corpus Christi, Texas
I get it. Living near the ocean sounds amazing, and Corpus Christi offers affordable housing. But here’s the reality: it’s one of the neediest cities in the U.S., with major struggles in health and safety. Crime is higher than 95% of other cities, and many people work low-paying jobs with limited career growth.
Corpus Christi’s isolation makes it hard to access big events or specialized services. And let’s not forget the high property insurance costs due to storm risks. Sadly, pollution and litter are also major issues near the beach.
10. Birmingham, Alabama
Thinking about moving to Birmingham, Alabama? You’ll get city life with some small-town charm, but it’s not all sunshine. Birmingham has the fourth-highest child poverty rate in the U.S., and a lot of homes still struggle with inadequate plumbing.
On top of that, crime is a big issue, with a one in 17 chance of being a victim. Severe storms and tornadoes are common, too, and the city’s education system, especially in low-income areas, can be a tough spot. You might want to think twice if you have kids or are relying on public services.
11. St. Louis, Missouri
St. Louis has a lot going on. The city’s been shrinking, and it’s no surprise when you consider the crime rate—your chance of becoming a victim is one in 11. That’s higher than almost anywhere in Missouri or other cities in America.
Jobs can be limited here, and despite a diverse economy, many people struggle to find work in certain industries. Plus, traffic is a headache, especially during rush hour. It’s definitely a place to think twice about if you’re looking for safety and convenience.
12. Fort Smith, Arkansas
Fort Smith is the 12th neediest city that could really use a helping hand. It’s one of those places where you really feel the economic crunch. The poverty rate is 18.9%, and with the third highest food insecurity rate, many residents are struggling. Job opportunities are limited to healthcare, manufacturing, and retail, making it hard to find work outside those sectors.
The crime rate here is one of the highest in America, with 60 per 1,000 residents, and homelessness is a growing issue.
Source: WalletHub
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