These Two Carolina Cities Rank As Most Miserable In Their States
If you’ve ever wanted to experience the ‘South’, than there are two states that are likely sure to give you that ‘down-home’ feel. North and South Carolina both fit the bill. However, not every city in those states can boast of offering that warm and fuzzy happy feel.
In fact, according to an article in Travel.Alot.Com two cities rank as Most Miserable City — one in North Carolina and the second in South Carolina.
Rocky Mount, NC
- 22.4% live below the poverty level
- Test scores 46% lower
- High unemployment rate
I’ve never been to this small town in the eastern part of the Tar Heel State. But, it’s quite a ride from the Queen City — a little over three hours. But based on some basic statistics from the latest U.S. Census, Rocky Mount is not the next up and coming city. In fact, it’s population has been declining since 2010—by 6%.
Despite the fact Rocky Mount is known as the “City of Medicine” because of its five hospitals, it has a high unemployment rate. It stands at 7.7% which is 65% higher than the national average. Over 54,000 residents live in the city, but more than 22% of them live below the poverty level.
And as if that isn’t enough, residents there have to deal with a high crime rate. How high? U.S. Census data shows those who choose to live in Rocky Mount have a 1 in 28 chance of becoming a victim of a crime. It’s crime rate is 43% higher than the national average.
If I didn’t mention education, there’s a reason. The test scores are not that stellar. The average test scores from the schools in the city are 46% below the national average. That is another indicator that Rocky Mount may not be the best place to raise a family.
Sumter, SC
- Unemployment rate double the national average
- More than 20% live below poverty level
- Median household income is 30% lower than the national average
In Sumter, the car and bike culture is big. Folks, organizations and groups come from neighboring towns to check out the city’s car, motorcross or racing events. And it helps that the Darlington Motor Speedway is only 30 miles away.
While many visit Sumter for the fast cars, many aren’t flocking there to live. And why would they? The U.S. Census data shows more than 20% of the city’s population lives below the poverty rate. And they aren’t gainfully employed either. The unemployment rate is more than double the national average at 7.3%.
If you’re looking to get ahead economically in Sumter, you will be challenged. More than 20% of the city’s population lives below the poverty rate. So, between the high crime rate, few jobs, and low pay, this is why Sumter is the most miserable city in South Carolina.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau Quick Facts
These South Carolina Cities Are The Most Dangerous Of All The Carolinas
19. Spartanburg, SC
The most dangerous city in either Carolina? Spartanburg. This South Carolina city has a violent crime rate of 15.2 and a 1 in 65 chance of being a victim.
36. Florence, SC
Coming in at number 36 on this list is Florence. This town, which you drive through to get to the next city on our list, gives you a 1 in 75 chance of being a victim and a 13.1 rate of violent crime.
44. Myrtle Beach, SC
If you’ve been to downtown Myrtle Beach, are you surprised? There are great areas of this vacation destination, but also some not so great. The “Dirty Myrtle” boasts a 12.1 violent crime rate and a 1 in 82 chance of being a victim.
73. North Charleston, SC
It’s North Charleston which is our last SC city on this list. Not to be confused with Charleston proper, North Charleston has a 1 in 95 chance of being a victim and a violent crime rate of 10.4.
