A recent Business Insider report has named nine cities in New Jersey among the 50 most miserable in America, based on a range of factors including population change, employment rates, household incomes, healthcare access, commute times, and poverty levels.
Here’s a closer look at the nine New Jersey cities on the list:
1. Passaic (#4)
- Population: 70,000
- Employment: 58%
- Poverty: 33%
- Issues: Struggles with drug problems, violence, and inadequate sex education.
2. Newark (#5)
- Population: 282,000
- Employment: 62%
- Poverty: 28%
- Commute: Average over 35 minutes
- Issues: Challenges with race relations and violence.
3. Camden (#8)
- Population: 74,000
- Employment: 57%
- Poverty: 37%
- Issues: High crime rate, known as one of the most dangerous cities in the country.
4. New Brunswick (#11)
- Population: 56,000
- Employment: 54%
- Poverty: 35%
- Issues: Crime, including a significant increase in gun assaults in 2017.
5. Union City (#15)
- Population: 68,000
- Employment: 70%
- Poverty: 23%
- Area: Only 1.28 square miles, making it one of the most densely populated areas in the U.S.
6. Trenton (#17)
- Population: 84,000
- Employment: 60%
- Poverty: 27%
- Issues: Gang violence and gun violence.
7. Paterson (#19)
- Population: 145,000
- Employment: 57.5%
- Poverty: 29%
8. West New York (#29)
- Population: 53,000
- Employment: 70%
- Poverty: 22%
- Commute: Average 37 minutes
- Issues: Cleanliness and parking problems.
9. Plainfield (#30)
- Population: 50,693
- Employment: 70%
- Poverty: 20%
- Health Insurance: Nearly one-third of residents lack coverage.
Additionally, Reading, Pennsylvania, ranked #38, faces similar issues with 62% employment, 36% poverty, and 44% of households relying on food stamps.
These rankings highlight the significant economic, social, and healthcare challenges faced by these cities.