This City Has Been Named the Worst City to live in Indiana

Indiana offers a plethora of attractions, such as the renowned Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, and the picturesque Indiana Dunes National Park. Nevertheless, not all regions within Indiana are equally appealing for habitation. As per a 2023 study conducted by RoadSnacks, Terre Haute stands out as the least desirable city to reside in Indiana.

What Makes Terre Haute the Least Desirable City in Indiana?

Terre Haute, nestled in Vigo County with a population of 60,604, lies along the Wabash River, close to the Illinois border. It boasts educational and cultural institutions, including Indiana State University and the Swope Art Museum. Unfortunately, the city’s positive attributes are eclipsed by its staggering crime rates, poverty levels, and low income standards.

According to RoadSnacks, Terre Haute reports a staggering violent crime rate of 1,381 per 100,000 residents, rendering it the most perilous city in Indiana. The property crime rate also soars at 4,762 per 100,000 people. These figures significantly surpass the state averages of 348 for violent crime and 2,306 for property crime, respectively.

Terre Haute also grapples with a severe poverty rate of 25.9%, almost double the state average of 13.1%. The median household income in Terre Haute stands at a mere $36,721, substantially lower than the state median of $57,603. This financial strain makes it challenging for residents to cover basic needs and maintain a decent quality of life.

Are There Other Cities in Indiana with Similar Challenges?

Terre Haute isn’t the solitary city in Indiana that fares poorly across various measures of livability. RoadSnacks has also pinpointed other cities that rank among the least desirable places to inhabit in Indiana, including:

1. South Bend: The second-most perilous city in Indiana, it experiences a violent crime rate of 1,321 per 100,000 residents and a property crime rate of 3,994 per 100,000 residents. South Bend also grapples with a high poverty rate of 23.6% and a median household income of $40,420.
2. Elkhart: Claiming the third spot in Indiana’s least desirable cities, Elkhart endures a violent crime rate of 1,038 per 100,000 residents and a property crime rate of 5,058 per 100,000 residents. It, too, suffers from a substantial poverty rate of 20.8% and a median household income of $41,278.
3. Evansville: Ranked as the fourth-most perilous city in Indiana, Evansville confronts a violent crime rate of 1,006 per 100,000 residents and a property crime rate of 5,307 per 100,000 residents. It contends with a high poverty rate of 19.8% and a median household income of $40,765.
4. Michigan City: Landing as the fifth-most dangerous city in Indiana, Michigan City registers a violent crime rate of 984 per 100,000 residents and a property crime rate of 5,286 per 100,000 residents. It reports a substantial poverty rate of 22.7% and a median household income of $39,964.

In Conclusion

Indiana offers a myriad of attractions and opportunities for both its residents and visitors. However, it’s important to recognize that not all parts of Indiana are equally suitable for living. According to a 2023 study by RoadSnacks, Terre Haute takes the unenviable title of Indiana’s least desirable city to reside in. The city grapples with elevated crime rates, poverty levels, and low income standards, rendering it a less safe and affordable option for many. Other cities, including South Bend, Elkhart, Evansville, and Michigan City, also contend with comparable challenges that impact their overall quality of life.