11. Bessemer, AL
With 26% of residents living below the poverty level, Bessemer has had struggles, including a lack of job growth. Its schools have a low 22% proficiency in reading and math, falling far behind the average proficiencies in schools around the state. Crime rates are high, and if you live here, you have a 1:38 chance of falling victim to a violent crime.
Unemployment rate: 4.2%
Median household income: $30,284
Walk Score ranking: 26 (car dependent)
12. Milwaukee, WI
Milwaukee may have experienced robust growth throughout the 1950s, but since then, the Cream City's progress has dwindled to intermittent, small spurts. Lagging job growth may be the problem, but it's more likely to be the increasing rates of violent crime. Low proficiency in test scores in math and reading throughout the Milwaukee public school system are well below statewide numbers.
Unemployment rate: 5.4%
Median household income: $43,125
Walk Score ranking: 62 (somewhat walkable)
