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Unfortunately, finding a city that has it all becomes harder and harder these days. Most American states, deal with all kinds of problems, making it almost impossible for people to have or create a balanced and happy lifestyle.
Quality of life refers to general well-being, including essential factors such as economic stability, education, healthcare access, crime rates, public services, and livability. And…unfortunately, in many cities, in the United States, the quality is simply missing.
Even the jobs available in a city are influenced by how things work in the community. The job market has cooled a bit in the last period, but there are still considered enough job openings nationwide. Are they really enough?
Unfortunately, big companies, avoid working in cities where quality is lacking. So, it becomes even harder for those in need. One of the most significant barriers to high quality of life in American cities is substantial income inequality, and the differences created between people because of it. Unequal access to essential services, such as education and healthcare, could be a powerful and significant example of a factor that can cause a break between people.
The cost of living is another factor of economic disparity. Some cities may offer amazing and high-paying jobs, but the cost of living in these areas can be prohibitively high. For example, cities like New York and San Francisco offer a lot of work opportunities, but also, have some of the highest costs of general living expenses. So, average residents have real difficulties in enjoying a high-quality kind of life.
If the quality is missing in a city, nothing is working as it should. Companies need great employees, but usually, great employees cannot be found easily and are almost impossible to reach in poor cities.
Considering the important factors mentioned above, let’s see which are the worst states to live in.
When we say Arizona, we cannot avoid thinking about the weather. According to the American Lung Association, the air quality and the state’s rising temperatures are contributing to some of the worst ozone pollution.
Arizona State also has growing gaps in health care. Unfortunately, there are fewer than two staffed hospital beds per 1,000 people.
2024 Quality of Life Score: 119 out of 325 points
Weaknesses: Air Quality, Healthcare
According to Child Care Aware of America, Kansas has just 825 licensed child-care centers, in a state of 2,9 million people. It also has one of the most expensive child care in the country. A married couple with a medium income should expect to spend around 14% of it on child care. So, it can be considered a luxury to have children and a numerous family in Kansas.
2024 Quality of Life Score: 113 out of 325 points
Weaknesses: Child care, Crime
According to FBI statistics, Louisiana has the fourth-highest violent crime rate in the nation. For example, in 2022, there were more than 300 murders.
Have you ever wondered what is the least healthy state in the U.S.? Well, Louisiana is the answer. More than 40% of Louisianans are obese.
2024 Quality of Life Score: 100 out of 325 points
Weaknesses: Crime, Health
Missouri has America’s sixth-highest crime rate. More than 30,000 offenses were reported in 2022.
In 2020, Missouri became one of the last states to allow mail voting, because of the Covid-19 pandemic. In Missouri, you need a qualified excuse to vote by mail.
2024 Quality of Life Score: 98 out of 325 points
Weaknesses: Voting Rights, Crime
According to FBI statistics, Tennessee is one of the most violent states in the country. Even though the violent crime in the Volunteer State is declining, Tennessee is still an avoided state because of its bad reputation.
In 2024, were reported numerous discriminatory cases, including a law signed by Republican Gov. Bill Lee in April that forbids the state social services department from seeking to place LGBTQ+ foster children in supportive homes.
2024 Quality of Life Score: 96 out of 325 points
Weaknesses: Crime, Inclusiveness
Arkansas is a very dangerous state, with the second-highest violent crime rate, after New Mexico.
According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, there are no protections against discrimination, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, or pregnancy.
2024 Quality of Life Score: 93 out of 325 points
Weaknesses: Crime, Inclusiveness
According to the Guttmacher Institute, Oklahoma’s abortion ban is among the most restrictive in the United States. It prohibits abortions at any stage of pregnancy.
2024 Quality of Life Score: 85 out of 325 points
Weaknesses: Reproductive Rights, Health, Voting Rights
Three states don’t allow early voting, and one of them is Alabama.
Alabama has no public accommodation law barring discrimination against non-disabled people.
2024 Quality of Life Score: 83 out of 325 points
Weaknesses: Voting Rights, Inclusiveness
Indiana is THE WORST state when it comes to child care. There are just 772 licensed facilities in a state of nearly seven million people.
Indiana also supports laws targeting the LGBTQ+ population.
2024 Quality of Life Score: 78 out of 325 points
Weaknesses: Child Care, Inclusiveness
Even though a lot of people are moving to Texas, it’s by far, one of the worst states to live in. It ranks near the bottom of primary care providers. There is no public accommodation law barring discrimination against non-disabled people, a lot of laws are targeting the LGBTQ+ community, and the state has the strictest abortion ban in America.
2024 Quality of Life Score: 75 out of 325 points
Weaknesses: Health Care, Reproductive Rights, Inclusiveness
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