These Are The WORST Places To Call Home In Minnesota, According To New Study
😮 A shocking new study reveals the 10 worst places to live in Minnesota! Is your town on the list? Find out now! 🏡 #MinnesotaLiving #WorstPlacesToLive #MovingTips
Waite Park, Minnesota – Living in Minnesota can be a dream come true for many, but a recent study has revealed that not every town in the Land of 10,000 Lakes is a slice of paradise. Road Snacks, a website dedicated to uncovering the good, the bad, and the ugly of American cities, has crunched the numbers and released their list of the 10 worst places to live in Minnesota in 2024.
My hubby Jack and I live in the southern Minnesota town of Winona, and thankfully our town isn’t on the list… but is yours? Read to find out now!
What Makes a Town a Dud?
To determine which towns made the cut, the study looked at a variety of factors that make a place a great spot to put down roots. They considered things like quality education, low crime rates, nice homes, high incomes, and short commutes to work. Then, they flipped the script and looked for the towns that had the least of these desirable qualities.
The researchers only focused on cities and towns with a population of 5,000 or more, which left them with 145 contenders. They dug into data from the Census and FBI crime reports to create their final rankings.
The Bottom of the Barrel
So, which towns ended up at the bottom of the heap? Here’s the list, starting with the 10th worst and working our way down to the absolute worst (according to the study).
We definitely don’t agree with the findings of this study, but do think it’s important to pass along the info to our readers so you can make an informed decision about moving or visiting one of these towns.
10. Virginia, Minnesota
This small town, famous for being the birthplace of actor Chris Pratt, has some of the lowest income and home values in the state, along with a sky-high unemployment rate.
9. St. Cloud, Minnesota
High crime rates, according to FBI data, landed this city in the ninth spot.
8. Faribault, Minnesota
Mediocre schools and a lack of good jobs put Faribault on the list.
7. Fridley, Minnesota
Another town plagued by high crime rates, even worse than St. Cloud’s.
6. Little Canada, Minnesota
Financial challenges and a high property crime rate make Little Canada a less-than-ideal place to call home.
5. Brooklyn Center, Minnesota
A combination of high crime and a struggling education system put this town in the top five, despite a strong economy.
4. Bemidji, Minnesota
With the highest crime rate in the state per capita and a high unemployment rate, Bemidji comes in at number four.
3. Red Wing, Minnesota
Crime strikes again, along with economic woes and high housing prices that make it tough for residents to get ahead.
2. Brainerd, Minnesota
The third-highest unemployment rate in the state and the lowest average household income put Brainerd in second place.
1. Waite Park, Minnesota
Taking the top spot for the worst place to live in Minnesota, Waite Park has a serious problem with property crimes and low household incomes.
Not All Doom and Gloom
While these towns may have their challenges, it’s important to remember that every place has its pros and cons. Minnesota is still a beautiful state with plenty of wonderful places to live, work, and raise a family. But if you’re considering a move, you might want to think twice before settling down in one of these ten towns.
Conclusion
Despite the challenges faced by these ten towns, Minnesota remains a state full of opportunity and promise. With stunning natural beauty, vibrant communities, and a strong sense of Midwestern values, the Land of 10,000 Lakes has something to offer everyone. Whether you’re looking for a bustling city life or a quiet, small-town atmosphere, Minnesota has plenty of hidden gems waiting to be discovered.
So, while these ten towns may have room for improvement, don’t let that discourage you from exploring all that this wonderful state has to offer. Who knows? You might just find your perfect home in one of Minnesota’s many thriving communities. We have!
🗣 Do you agree with this list? We’d LOVE to hear from you in the comments section below. ⬇️
