Indiana offers a range of attractions, including the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, and the Indiana Dunes National Park.
Nevertheless, not all areas in Indiana provide equally favorable living conditions. Some cities experience high crime rates, have lower-quality schools, and offer limited economic opportunities. According to a 2023 study conducted by RoadSnacks, Terre Haute is considered the least desirable city to live in Indiana.
Why is Terre Haute the Worst City to Live in Indiana?
Terre Haute is a city with a population of 60,604 situated along the Wabash River, close to the Illinois border. It is known for its educational and cultural establishments like Indiana State University and the Swope Art Museum. Nevertheless, the benefits of living in Terre Haute are outweighed by certain drawbacks, which include:
High Crime Rates
Terre Haute holds the unenviable title of being the most dangerous city in Indiana, as reported by RoadSnacks. It boasts a high violent crime rate of 1,381 incidents per 100,000 people, which is over four times the national average.
In addition to its elevated violent crime rate, Terre Haute also experiences a property crime rate of 5,518 incidents per 100,000 people, nearly double the national average. This means that residents of Terre Haute face a 1 in 72 chance of falling victim to a violent crime and a 1 in 18 chance of experiencing a property crime.
Low-Quality Schools
Terre Haute’s public schools in Indiana are rated poorly, according to Niche. They receive an overall grade of D+ based on factors like test scores, graduation rates, and teacher quality.
In Terre Haute, only 16% of students are proficient in math and 37% are proficient in reading. This is lower compared to the state averages of 38% for math and 52% for reading. Additionally, the graduation rate in Terre Haute is 82%, which falls below the state average of 87%.
Read More: This New Jersey City Has Been Named the Highest Crime Rate in the State
Poor Economic Opportunities
Terre Haute has a median household income of $36,374, which is significantly lower than the national average of $62,843. Additionally, it has a high poverty rate of 25.4%, which is more than twice the national average of 10.5%.
The unemployment rate in Terre Haute is 6.1%, surpassing the national average of 3.7%. The city offers limited job prospects and has a median home value of only $82,800.
What are Some Other Bad Places to Live in Indiana?
There are other cities in Indiana besides Terre Haute that are considered less desirable to live in. According to RoadSnacks, some of these cities have lower rankings in terms of safety, education, and economy.
South Bend
South Bend, the second most perilous city in Indiana, has a violent crime rate of 1,321 incidents per 100,000 people and a property crime rate of 4,481 incidents per 100,000 people.
The city also has schools with a low-quality rating, receiving an overall grade of C- from Niche. The median household income in South Bend is $39,760, and the poverty rate stands at 23.4%.
Read More: This City Has Been Named the Worst City to Live in Missouri
Elkhart
Elkhart, Indiana is ranked as the third most dangerous city in the state, with a violent crime rate of 1,114 per 100,000 people and a property crime rate of 4,688 per 100,000 people.
Additionally, it has schools that are rated as low-quality, receiving an overall grade of C from Niche. The median household income in Elkhart is $40,378 and the poverty rate stands at 19.9%.
Evansville
Evansville is ranked as the fourth most dangerous city in Indiana, with a violent crime rate of 1,054 per 100,000 people and a property crime rate of 4,894 per 100,000 people.
The city also has schools that are rated as low-quality, receiving an overall grade of C from Niche. The median household income in Evansville is $38,367, and the poverty rate is 20.5%.
Read More: This City Has Been Named the Murder Capital of Alaska
Conclusion
Indiana has its share of both attractions and challenges. Certain cities in the state face issues like high crime rates, subpar schools, and limited economic prospects.
According to a 2023 study by RoadSnacks, Terre Haute is considered the least desirable city to live in Indiana, followed by South Bend, Elkhart, and Evansville. These cities may not be the best choice for those seeking a secure, thriving, and pleasant living environment.
