Florida is a popular destination for tourists, retirees, and snowbirds who enjoy its sunny weather, sandy beaches, and diverse attractions. However, not all places in the Sunshine State are equally desirable to live in. Some cities have high crime rates, low incomes, poor education, and other problems that make them less than ideal for residents.
According to a recent study by 24/7 Wall St., a financial news and opinion website, the worst city to live in Florida is Florida City. The study ranked cities based on a weighted index of 25 social and economic measures, such as poverty, unemployment, income, education, health, crime, and housing.
Why Florida City is the Worst
Florida City, located in southern Florida near the Everglades National Park, has a population of about 12,000 people. It is the last stop on the Florida Turnpike before entering the Keys, and it serves as a gateway for tourists and visitors. However, it also has many challenges and disadvantages that make it a poor place to live.
One of the main issues is the high crime rate. Florida City has one of the highest violent crime rates in the country, with 2,276 incidents per 100,000 people in 2019, compared to the national average of 367. The property crime rate is also very high, with 6,179 incidents per 100,000 people, compared to the national average of 2,110. Residents have a 1 in 15 chance of being a victim of any crime in Florida City, according to the study.
Another issue is the low income and high poverty. The median household income in Florida City is $31,090, less than half of the national median of $65,712. The poverty rate is 40.4%, more than double the national rate of 15.5%. Many residents struggle to afford basic necessities, such as food, clothing, and health care.
The low income and high poverty also affect the quality of education and health in Florida City. The city has a low high school graduation rate of 68.3%, compared to the national rate of 88.6%. The city also has a high uninsured rate of 30.9%, compared to the national rate of 10.9%. These factors contribute to lower life expectancy and higher mortality rates in Florida City.
How Florida City Can Improve
Florida City is not doomed to remain the worst city to live in Florida. There are some positive aspects and potential opportunities that can help the city improve its situation and attract more residents and businesses.
One of the positive aspects is the location. Florida City is close to some of the most beautiful natural attractions in the state, such as the Everglades, the Keys, and the Biscayne Bay. The city can leverage its proximity to these destinations to promote tourism and recreation, which can generate more revenue and jobs for the local economy.
Another positive aspect is the diversity. Florida City has a rich and diverse cultural heritage, with a majority of Hispanic and African American residents. The city can celebrate and showcase its diversity through festivals, events, and arts, which can enhance the social cohesion and civic pride of the community.
A potential opportunity for Florida City is to invest in infrastructure and development. The city can improve its roads, bridges, water, sewer, and electric systems, which can improve the quality of life and safety of the residents. The city can also attract more businesses and industries, especially in the fields of agriculture, renewable energy, and technology, which can offer more employment and income opportunities for the residents.
Conclusion
Florida City is the worst city to live in Florida, according to a recent study by 24/7 Wall St. The city suffers from high crime, low income, high poverty, poor education, and poor health, which make it a challenging and undesirable place for residents. However, the city also has some positive aspects and potential opportunities, such as its location, diversity, and infrastructure, which can help it improve its situation and become a better place to live in the future.