Let’s address the city’s peculiar name humorously before delving into the reasons for its inclusion on our list. West New York, despite its amusing name, has earned its spot due to its high poverty rate and overall lack of cleanliness.

Additionally, the residents of West New York endure a median commute time of 37 minutes, which is approximately 10 minutes longer than the average American’s commute.

These factors contribute to its ranking among the most miserable cities in America.

No list of the most miserable cities in America would be complete without mentioning Florida, and here we have Miami Gardens in the spotlight.

In 2014, Miami Gardens earned the dubious distinction of being labeled the “stop and frisk capital of America.”

Adding to its troubles, the cost of water in the city comes with a 25% surcharge, making it higher than the normal rates.

These challenging factors contribute to Miami Gardens’ inclusion on this list of the most miserable cities in the country.

Cleveland, unfortunately known as “Mistake by the Lake,” lives up to its nickname for several reasons.

A staggering 35% of its population resides in poverty, and shockingly, half of those struggling with poverty are employed, making it clear that even having a job does not guarantee financial stability.

Moreover, the city faces significant challenges with gun violence, further contributing to its reputation as one of the most miserable cities in America.

Youngstown, once the third-largest steel producer in the United States, faced a decline starting in 1977 when downsizing began. Since then, the city has experienced a steady downhill trajectory.

Between 2010 and 2018, Youngstown lost 3% of its population, likely influenced, at least in part, by its high poverty rate and severe air pollution issues.

These challenging circumstances have contributed to Youngstown’s inclusion on our list of the most miserable cities in America.

North Miami Beach faces a significant issue with flooding, even during dry periods.

The rising sea levels pose a potential threat to the proper functioning of septic tanks in the area, which could lead to the unpleasant situation of wastewater accumulating in people’s backyards.

It’s undoubtedly an unpleasant and concerning situation, making North Miami Beach one of the cities with substantial challenges on our list of the most miserable places in America.

West Virginia, while not widely celebrated as the most wonderful state in the country, has one city that stands out for its challenges: Huntington.

This city has earned the unfortunate distinction of being labeled the unhealthiest city in America. Additionally, the city grapples with a severe opioid crisis, compounding its difficulties further.

It comes as no surprise that between 2010 and 2018, Huntington lost more than 6% of its population, given the overwhelming issues it faces.

These unfortunate circumstances make Huntington one of the cities on our list of the most miserable places in America.

Although the median income for residents of Charleston, West Virginia, stands at $47,000 per year, job satisfaction remains a major concern among its populace.

Furthermore, the city grapples with a significant mental health issue, as it holds the unfortunate distinction of having the second-highest rate of depression in the country, with 27% of its residents reporting a diagnosis from a medical professional.

Adding to its woes, Charleston ranks poorly in terms of physical health, with a substantial number of its residents suffering from conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure.

These challenging factors contribute to Charleston’s inclusion on our list of the most miserable cities in America.

Hammond is another city that experienced a decline in population, losing more than 6% of its residents between 2010 and 2018.

Once a prominent industrial town, the price of progress brought about environmental issues, including air and water pollution, as well as lead contamination.

These unfortunate circumstances have contributed to Hammond’s struggles and its inclusion on our list of the most miserable cities in America.

El Monte, with a history of a thriving automobile industry, has faced significant challenges as some of the auto dealerships were forced to close.

Consequently, the closure of these businesses has led to a rise in unemployment, leaving an unfortunate 22% of the population living in poverty.

Additionally, the town faces the burden of a longer-than-average commute time of 30 minutes, which adds to the difficulties faced by its residents.

These factors contribute to El Monte’s inclusion on our list of the most miserable cities in America.

It’s indeed intriguing how Lynwood’s motto was once “the best place to live best,” but the construction of Interstate 105 drastically altered the city’s landscape and prospects.

When the highway was built right through the heart of the city, approximately 1,000 homes and businesses were demolished, leading to significant disruption and displacement for the residents.

This major development likely caused many people to leave Lynwood, and the aftermath of such destruction could have contributed to its decline, leading to its inclusion on the list of the most miserable cities in America.

Huntsville, Texas, presents a significant deterrent for potential residents due to its association with the Huntsville penitentiary, where all of the state’s executions are conducted.

The Department of Criminal Justice, operating the penitentiary, stands as the city’s largest employer. Such a connection alone might discourage many from considering Huntsville as a place to live.

However, in addition to this association, the city faces other pressing challenges. The unemployment rate remains alarmingly high, and a staggering 35% of the residents live in poverty.

The city of Paterson has certainly faced its share of unfortunate events over the years.

In the 1800s, it flourished as a bustling silk town, but since then, it has experienced a steady decline. One significant setback occurred in 2011 when the city was flooded after Hurricane Irene, resulting in the abandonment of 1,250 homes.

Today, Paterson continues to grapple with socioeconomic challenges. Out of its 145,000 residents, only 57% are employed, while nearly 30% live in poverty.

Albany faces a substantial challenge with joblessness, with its unemployment rate surpassing double the national average. As a result, it comes as no surprise that the city ranks in the top 10% of worst poverty rates in America.

Alongside economic difficulties, Albany also struggles with high rates of violent crimes, landing it in the top 10% in this unfortunate category as well.

Certainly, the challenges continue with another New Jersey town – Trenton. Although it once thrived as an industrial town, the city has since faced significant issues with gangs, gun violence, and a distressing poverty rate of 27%.

These factors paint a picture of a city struggling with crime and economic hardships, making Trenton one of the cities on our list of the most miserable places in America.

The community’s well-being and safety have been significantly impacted by these unfortunate circumstances.

Cicero’s history as Al Capone’s “private playground” in the 1920s has left a lasting impact on the city’s reputation.

Even today, Cicero grapples with its association with gang-related crime, which continues to be a significant issue.

In addition to the crime problem, residents of Cicero face the burden of a long average commute time, adding to their daily challenges.

Moreover, the city struggles with a high poverty rate, compounding the difficulties faced by its inhabitants.

Shreveport-Bossier City faces multiple challenges that contribute to its inclusion on the list of the most miserable cities in America.

Apart from having a notably weak economy, the city also grapples with being one of the least healthy cities in the country.

Physical inactivity is prevalent, with less than 50% of residents reporting regular exercise for at least 30 minutes. Additionally, the median household income of just over $36,000 per year and a significant poverty rate of 14.8% further add to the city’s difficulties.

These socioeconomic factors, combined with health concerns, paint a picture of a city facing serious hardships, impacting the well-being of its residents.

Indeed, Union City faces a unique challenge as one of the most densely populated areas in the United States.

With a population of nearly 70,000 residents packed into just 1.28 square miles, the lack of personal space can be quite overwhelming for its inhabitants.

The scarcity of breathing room and privacy in such a crowded environment understandably contributes to the city’s reputation as one of the most miserable places to live in America.

The residents of Columbus face significant mental health challenges, as nearly one-quarter of the population has been diagnosed with depression by medical professionals.

The prevalence of depression contributes to the overall sense of unhappiness and discontent among the city’s inhabitants.

Various factors play a role in this perception, such as 23% of people not liking the city, likely affected by issues related to access to basic needs.

The lack of access to essential resources like medication and food further compounds the hardships experienced by the residents, making Columbus one of the cities with a place on the list of the most miserable places in America

Bell Gardens, California, faces significant challenges related to overpopulation, which has strained resources and infrastructure within the city.

Additionally, the city’s heavy reliance on a single casino for a substantial portion of its tax revenue makes it vulnerable to fluctuations in the gambling industry.

In the past, this casino has accounted for over half of the city’s tax revenue, highlighting its dependence on this industry.

Despite the casino’s contributions, Bell Gardens still struggles with a high poverty rate, with 30% of its population living in poverty.

Hialeah, Florida, faces a series of challenges that contribute to its ranking among the most miserable cities in America. The city’s lack of diversity is evident, with the vast majority of its population being Latino.

Additionally, Hialeah has been rated as the worst place in the country for individuals with an active lifestyle, potentially due to limited recreational opportunities or facilities.

The city’s socioeconomic conditions also present significant hurdles, with 56% of people employed, 26% living in poverty, and over 30% lacking health insurance.

Reading, Pennsylvania, has faced significant economic challenges due to the closure or downsizing of factories, leading to widespread layoffs.

The city’s struggles are evident, with a substantial 36% of its residents living in poverty and 44% relying on food stamps for assistance.

Despite a majority of its residents being employed (62%), the economic hardships persist.

In fact, the city earned the unfortunate distinction of being named the poorest city in America in 2011 by The New York Times, underscoring the severity of its economic struggles.

Palmdale, California has a population of a little over 150,000 people, with a significant percentage of its residents working (59%). However, a concerning 19% still live in poverty, reflecting the difficulties experienced by a considerable portion of the community.

One of the standout issues in Palmdale is the notoriously long commute times, with an average of 42.7 minutes, making it one of the longest in the nation.

This extended travel time adds to the stresses experienced by its residents and can impact their overall quality of life.

Moreover, the city’s unfortunate nickname, “The Foreclosure Capital of California,” points to the housing crisis and its effects on the community.

The prevalence of foreclosures highlights the housing challenges faced by Palmdale’s residents.

Makaha, Hawaii, serves as an example that not every place in the state is the paradise depicted in pictures. Despite its idyllic location, the town faces considerable challenges.

With just over 8,800 residents, Makaha has a poverty rate of 30.1%, which significantly impacts the well-being of a significant portion of its population.

Ironically, despite its economic struggles, Makaha has a high cost of living, with the median home value ranking in the top 25% in the country at $407,200.

This combination of high living costs and a relatively high poverty rate adds to the difficulties experienced by its residents.

Additionally, around 10% of the town’s population has been out of work for the past five years, further exacerbating the economic challenges faced by the community.

Saginaw, while sometimes endearingly called “Sag-nasty” by its residents, has faced significant challenges related to crime, although the crime rate has seen a decrease in recent years.

The city’s history was closely tied to General Motors, which once provided 25,000 manufacturing jobs, but like many other places, those opportunities dwindled over time.

Currently, 55% of people in Saginaw are employed, reflecting the economic struggles experienced by a significant portion of the population.

The high poverty rate, at nearly 34%, further underscores the difficulties faced by many of its residents.

Bessemer, Alabama, faces a combination of challenges that make it one of the cities with significant struggles in America. The city has gained notoriety for its high poverty rate, standing at 29.7%, impacting a considerable portion of its residents.

Moreover, Bessemer ranks in the top 10% for violent crimes nationwide, highlighting the safety concerns and impact on the community’s well-being.

Adding to its difficulties, the city faces a lack of access to basic necessities, with 30% of its residents living in poverty and over one-third having limited access to a grocery store or supermarket.

Mobile, Alabama, presents several concerning issues that contribute to its inclusion on the list of the most miserable cities in America. The health statistics are alarming, with almost a quarter of its residents being smokers, leading to one of the highest rates in the country for cancer diagnoses.

Additionally, Mobile has a high number of people suffering from high blood pressure, which is another serious health concern for the city’s residents.

Beyond health, the city faces significant challenges in the job satisfaction and well-being of its residents. Many Mobile residents report hating their jobs, and the city has one of the highest percentages of people expressing recent anger within the past 24 hours.

Brownsville, located on the border of Mexico and the United States, faces a unique set of challenges that contribute to its inclusion on the list of the most miserable cities in America.

The city’s proximity to the border results in issues with immigration, and it also experiences violent crimes against tourists on either side of the border, creating a sense of insecurity and difficulties for residents and homeowners.

The constant presence of patrols and security measures in the area adds to the overall tension and challenges faced by the community.

Moreover, Brownsville struggles economically, with one-third of its population living in poverty, impacting a significant portion of its residents.

The city also has a substantial percentage of people without health insurance, amounting to 35%.

Redding, with a population of around 90,000 people, faces a concerning set of challenges that impact its residents’ well-being.

The fact that 6.8% of the population, the highest among metropolitan areas, describe themselves as “suffering” speaks to the hardships experienced by a significant portion of its inhabitants.

The city’s high unemployment and violent crime rates add to the difficulties faced by the community, impacting job opportunities and overall safety.

Furthermore, the low percentage (87%) of survey respondents reporting being treated with respect in the prior 24 hours suggests that social interactions and community dynamics may also contribute to the overall sense of unhappiness.

New Brunswick faces significant challenges related to crime, with a particularly high crime rate, especially concerning gun-related crimes.

The increase of 64% in gun-related crimes in 2017 indicates a troubling trend that has impacted the safety and security of the community.

Moreover, the city also struggles economically, with only about 54% of people employed, reflecting the difficulty faced by a considerable portion of the population in finding work.

Additionally, the high poverty rate of 35% further compounds the economic hardships experienced by its residents.

Huntington Park, despite having ample affordable housing options, still faces significant challenges related to its high poverty rate. This condition makes it difficult for residents to buy or sell homes, even with the affordable housing available.

Additionally, the city has a relatively long median commute time of 31 minutes, which adds to the daily struggles and time spent on transportation for its residents.

Moreover, the city contends with a substantial portion of its population living there illegally, which brings additional complexities and challenges to the community.

The city of Warren has faced significant hardships since 2010 when one of its major plants shut down, resulting in a staggering 7.7% population decline.

The loss of jobs due to the closure had a profound impact on the community, affecting its economic stability and overall well-being.

Additionally, Warren ranks second in the country for struggling to find enough food to eat, highlighting the severity of food insecurity faced by its residents.

This issue further compounds the challenges experienced by the community.

Camden, New Jersey, is indeed known for its significant challenges related to safety and crime. With a violent crime rate well over twice the national average, the city has earned a reputation as one of the most dangerous cities in America.

This unsettling environment may not suit everyone’s preferences or sense of security.

Moreover, Camden faces serious economic difficulties, with the lowest average household income on this list. The combination of high crime rates and low household income significantly impacts the well-being and quality of life for its residents.

Flint, Michigan, has faced a devastating water crisis in recent years due to its lead-contaminated water supply, which remains unresolved. This issue has gained national attention, highlighting the significant challenges and health risks faced by its residents.

The city’s struggles are evident in its declining population, with a loss of more than 5% of its residents in just five years. The water crisis and its aftermath have severely depressed real estate values, further impacting the community’s economic stability.

Flint’s economic hardships are particularly concerning, with half of its households earning less than $26,000 per year, and more than 40% of the population living below the poverty line.

Pine Bluff, Arkansas, has faced a series of significant challenges that have impacted its population and economy. The staggering 14% population decrease since 2010 indicates the scale of difficulties experienced by the community.

The loss of 3,000 manufacturing jobs in 2016 has had a profound impact on the city’s economic stability, affecting the livelihoods of many of its residents.

Additionally, the city faced a devastating flood in 2019 when the entire area was inundated by the Arkansas River. Such a natural disaster adds further strain on the community’s resources and recovery efforts.

Newark, New Jersey, faces a range of significant challenges that have impacted the well-being of its residents. The city’s long average commute time, violence, and poverty contribute to its inclusion on the list of the most miserable cities in America.

The issue of lead poisoning in its water supply adds another layer of concern, with potential health risks for its residents. This has raised significant health and safety concerns for the community.

With a population of 282,000, Newark struggles with economic disparities, as 28% of its residents live in poverty. Although 62% of the population is working, the challenges related to poverty and access to opportunities remain pressing issues.

Passaic, New Jersey, faces significant challenges that have contributed to its inclusion on the list of the most miserable cities in America. The city’s reputation for substance abuse and violence highlights serious public health and safety concerns.

Passaic also struggles economically, with only 58% of its residents employed, indicating the difficulties faced by many in finding stable work. Additionally, the high poverty rate, with a third of the population living in poverty, adds to the hardships experienced by the community.

Danville, Virginia, has faced significant population decline, losing 5.5% of its residents between 2010 and 2018. The economic challenges are evident, with 55% of residents currently working, indicating the difficulties faced by many in finding employment.

The poverty rate of 21% adds to the economic hardships experienced by the community.

Danville’s history as one of the wealthiest cities in the Piedmont area took a downturn when its tobacco and textile mills shut down, leading to struggles for the city.

However, the community appears to be on the rebound, with efforts to revitalize the downtown area for new industries to come in.

Hemet, California, has experienced some population growth despite its struggles since the 2008 recession. With a population of 85,000 people, the city’s population grew by an impressive 8.5 percent between 2010 and 2018.

However, Hemet still faces significant challenges, particularly related to poverty and crime rates. The high poverty rate of 23% indicates the economic difficulties experienced by a considerable portion of its residents.

Moreover, crime rates are a major concern for the community. In 2016, Hemet recorded 398 aggravated assaults, a record for the century. The city also faced a substantial number of car thefts, with more than 600 cars stolen, and 170 reported robberies in the same year.

San Bernardino, with a population of 222,000, faces significant economic challenges, with 30% of its residents living in poverty.

The city’s past closures of an Air Force base and a steel plant have had a notable impact on employment opportunities, reflecting the struggles experienced by the community.

Despite these unfortunate attributes, San Bernardino also boasts several attractions and opportunities. The city is home to the McDonald’s Museum and the site of the world’s first McDonald’s location, adding historical significance.

Additionally, California State University, San Bernardino, provides educational opportunities for residents, and the largest outdoor amphitheater in the country offers cultural and entertainment events.

Compton, with a population of 96,000 people, faces significant economic challenges, with 40% of its residents not working and 23% living in poverty. These statistics indicate the hardships experienced by a considerable portion of its community.

Despite the struggles with poverty and crime rates, Compton has seen improvements in safety compared to previous decades. This positive trend reflects efforts made to address crime and enhance public safety.

The city’s cultural influence and talent are notable, with a rich history of producing successful individuals, including professional athletes and prominent figures in the music industry like Coolio and Dr. Dre.

Harlingen, with a population of 65,000, has experienced some growth with a 12.5 percent increase since the 2000 census. However, the city still faces economic challenges, with 30 percent of its residents living in poverty.

The reliance on transient “Winter Texans” to support the economy adds to the complexities of the city’s financial stability.

The fact that 56 percent of residents are working reflects the difficulties faced by many in finding employment opportunities.

The median household income of just over $30,000 indicates the economic constraints experienced by a significant portion of the community.

Adding to the city’s challenges, Harlingen has been dealing with flooding, which impacts infrastructure and the safety of its residents.

Hallandale Beach, Florida, with a population of 37,000 people, faces significant economic challenges, with 20 percent of its residents living in poverty.

The lack of health insurance coverage for nearly 30 percent of its population adds to the community’s vulnerability.

Interestingly, despite these challenges, Hallandale Beach is experiencing fast population growth within the Miami metropolitan area, driven by the number of retirees who choose to settle there.

The influx of retirees contributes to the city’s unique demographic makeup.

The presence of a fairly large financial district and numerous restaurants adds to the city’s appeal and amenities, despite the economic difficulties faced by some of its residents.

Anderson, Indiana, has faced significant economic challenges over the years, leading to a decline in population since 1970. The decrease in population from 70,000 in 1970 to just over 56,000 in 2010 reflects the impact of economic changes on the community.

The presence of General Motors, with 24 factories in the city, once served as a major source of employment. However, the closure of these factories resulted in a staggering 23,000 job losses, significantly impacting the city’s economy and workforce.

Currently, 56 percent of residents are employed, indicating the ongoing struggles to find stable employment opportunities. The poverty rate of one-quarter of the population adds to the economic hardships experienced by many in Anderson.

Additionally, the city has been dealing with blight, a disease that affects plants. This issue may further compound the challenges faced by the community.

Jackson, with a current population of about 165,000 people, has experienced a significant decline, losing over five percent of its residents between 2010 and 2018.

This population decline reflects the challenges faced by the city and its residents.

The economic struggles are evident, with 62 percent of people currently employed, indicating the difficulty in finding stable work opportunities. The poverty rate of nearly 29 percent adds to the economic hardships experienced by a considerable portion of its population.

The city’s water infrastructure has been under strain since the severe winter weather of 2014 and 2015, impacting the safety and accessibility of water for its residents.

The threat of cutting off water for 20,000 households due to unpaid bills further reflects the financial difficulties faced by both the city and its inhabitants.

As of the 2010 census, Sumter, South Carolina, is home to around 40,000 people. The city faces significant economic challenges, with 17.8 percent of its residents living in poverty, and the median household income at $31,590.

While 56 percent of Sumter’s residents are employed, the poverty rate reflects the difficulties faced by many in finding stable work opportunities.

One concerning aspect of Sumter is its crime rates. The city has experienced a considerable number of reported violent crimes, with 426 incidents in 2018, and 1,740 property crimes were also reported in the same year.

However, it’s worth noting that the rate of homicide specifically was relatively low, with just three reported cases in that year.

Farmington, New Mexico, with a current population of 44,372, has experienced a population decrease of about 3.3 percent since 2019, indicating challenges in sustaining or attracting residents.

The city’s economic situation reveals that 60 percent of its residents are in the workforce, which is relatively positive. However, the poverty rate of 17.4 percent highlights the economic struggles faced by a significant portion of the community.

Additionally, 13.2 percent of people under the age of 65 not having health insurance adds to the healthcare disparities experienced by some residents.

Farmington’s semi-arid climate presents challenges for agriculture and vegetation growth, which could impact the local economy and access to certain resources.

Detroit, Michigan, has faced significant challenges since the decline of its once-thriving manufacturing industry. The economic downturn and loss of jobs have contributed to a decline in population, with 6% of its residents leaving between 2010 and 2018.

The city’s reputation for having a large number of abandoned homes, currently at 43,000, reflects the impact of economic struggles on the housing market and urban decay.

Additionally, Detroit has gained notoriety as one of America’s most dangerous cities, with high crime rates posing safety concerns for its residents.

Port Arthur, Texas, has faced a series of unfortunate circumstances that have significantly impacted the city and its residents. The presence of oil refineries surrounding the city has likely affected the overall aesthetics and environmental quality of the area.

The issue of poverty in Port Arthur adds to the economic challenges faced by many of its inhabitants, creating disparities and barriers to opportunities.

One of the most significant challenges for Port Arthur has been its vulnerability to hurricanes. The city has been hit by several hurricanes over the years, including Hurricane Harvey in 2017, causing extensive damage and disruption to the community.

The aftermath of such natural disasters can be devastating, leading to economic setbacks and difficulties in recovery.

Gary, Indiana, has faced significant challenges, earning its position as the number one city on the list of the most miserable cities in America.

The decline in population, with 6% of its residents leaving between 2010 and 2018, reflects the struggles and difficulties experienced by the community.

Gary’s reputation as the former murder capital of America highlights the serious crime issues faced by the city, impacting the safety and well-being of its residents.

The economic situation is also troubling, with just over half of the population employed, indicating the challenges in finding stable work opportunities.

The high poverty rate of 36% adds to the economic hardships experienced by a significant portion of the community.