Arizona is renowned for its pleasant climate, breathtaking scenery, and rich cultural diversity. However, not every one of its cities is as appealing to locals and tourists as others. Some of them are dealing with severe problems like high rates of crime, poor living conditions, inadequate infrastructure, and environmental problems. These seven Arizonan cities are seeing a rapid exodus of residents.
1. Phoenix
The largest and capitol city of Arizona is Phoenix, which is also among the worst locations to live in the state. Phoenix is one of the top 10 most hazardous cities in the US due to its high crime rate. In addition, it experiences excessive heat, air pollution, gridlock in the streets, and a shortage of water. Phoenix’s average temperature has increased by 4.3 F since 1970, making it one of the cities in the nation that is warming up the fastest. Future heat waves, droughts, and wildfires are predicted to be more common and severe for the metropolis.
2. Tucson
The University of Arizona is located in Tucson, the state’s second-largest city. Still, a lot of people are moving out of this city. Compared to the national average of $62,843, Tucson’s median household income is very low at $41,625. In addition, its high poverty rate of 24.9% is higher than the 13.4% national average. US News & World Report rates Tucson poorly in the areas of economy, health, and education. Tucson is also susceptible to the negative effects of climate change, including flooding, water shortages, and heat stress.
3. Yuma
Yuma is a city located in southwest Arizona, close to the Mexican and Californian borders. It is well-known for both its military presence and its agricultural output, particularly lettuce. But a lot of people are also running away from or avoiding this metropolis. At 15.9%, Yuma’s unemployment rate is higher above the 6.0% national average. With a typical home value of $173,900 as opposed to the $217,500 national average, it also has a high cost of living. With an average annual temperature of 75.3 F and an average annual precipitation of 3.3 inches, Yuma is also among the hottest and driest cities in the United States.
4. Kingman
Kingman is a city located along the famous Route 66 in northwest Arizona. It serves as a point of entry for the Grand Canyon and other scenic areas. But a lot of people are also moving out from this metropolis in search of greater possibilities elsewhere. The typical household income in Kingman is $38,016, which is lower than the $62,843 national average. In addition, its median home value of $147,800 is lower than the $217,500 national average. Compared to the national average of 366.7, Kingman has a high violent crime rate of 507.8 per 100,000 residents.
5. Sierra Vista
Sierra Vista is a city close to the Mexican border in southeast Arizona. It serves as Cochise County’s principal center for business and culture and is the location of Fort Huachuca, a significant military facility. But the city’s lack of attraction and development is also making a lot of people want to leave. Compared to the national average of 0.6%, Sierra Vista’s population growth rate is a low -0.2%. In addition, its median household income is relatively low at $44,631, which is less than the $62,843 national average. With a typical house value of $189,400, higher than the national average of $217,500, Sierra Vista has a high cost of living.
6. Bullhead City
Located along the Colorado River in western Arizona is the city of Bullhead City. Situated across the river from Laughlin, Nevada, it is a well-liked spot for boating, fishing, and gambling. But the city’s poor quality of life and high crime rate are also reasons why a lot of people are leaving it. The typical household income in Bullhead City is $37,814, which is lower than the $62,843 national average. In addition, its 20.4% poverty rate is higher than the 13.4% national average. Compared to the national average of 366.7, Bullhead City has a high violent crime rate of 724.6 per 100,000 residents.
7. Show Low
In the White Mountains of eastern Arizona sits the city of Show Low. Because it has a colder climate and more precipitation than much of Arizona, it is a well-liked location for skiing, hiking, and camping. But the city’s remoteness and dearth of chances are also reasons why a lot of people are moving away from it. At $40,718, Show Low’s median household income is lower than the $62,843 national average. In addition, its median home value of $158,900 is lower than the $217,500 national average. Compared to the 0.6% national average, Show Low’s population growth rate is a pitiful 0.1%.
Conclusion
The state of Arizona has a lot to offer, including gorgeous scenery, a vibrant culture, and pleasant weather. It is a state, meanwhile, that comes with a lot of difficulties and disadvantages, such poverty, crime, and climate change. Some of its cities are losing citizens and tourists as a result of these problems, which have a greater impact on them than others. People are evacuating as quickly as possible from these seven Arizonan cities.