Kentucky is a state with many attractions, such as the Kentucky Derby, the Bourbon Trail, and the Mammoth Cave National Park. However, not all cities in the Bluegrass State are equally appealing. According to a recent study by RoadSnacks, a website that ranks places based on various criteria, the worst city to live in Kentucky is Monticello.
How Was Monticello Ranked?
RoadSnacks used data from the U.S. Census, the FBI, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and other sources to rank the cities in Kentucky based on factors such as crime, poverty, unemployment, education, and income. The website assigned each city a score from 1 to 10 for each factor, with 10 being the worst. Then, the website averaged the scores to get the overall ranking.
Monticello scored a 9.5 out of 10 for crime, meaning that it has one of the highest crime rates in the state. The city also scored a 9.5 for poverty, indicating that more than a third of its residents live below the poverty line. Moreover, Monticello scored an 8.5 for unemployment, a 7.5 for education, and a 6.5 for income. The city’s average score was 8.3, making it the worst city to live in Kentucky.
What Are The Problems Facing Monticello?
Monticello is a small city in Wayne County, with a population of about 6,000 people. The city is located near Lake Cumberland, a popular tourist destination. However, the city itself does not have much to offer in terms of economic opportunities, entertainment, or culture.
One of the main problems facing Monticello is the lack of jobs. The city has a high unemployment rate of 9.1%, compared to the state average of 4.5% . The median household income in Monticello is $24,000, which is less than half of the state average of $52,000 . The low income levels contribute to the high poverty rate of 36.6%, which is more than double the state average of 16.3% .
Another problem facing Monticello is the high crime rate. The city has a violent crime rate of 1,027 per 100,000 people, which is more than four times the state average of 232 per 100,000 people . The city also has a property crime rate of 5,878 per 100,000 people, which is more than three times the state average of 1,781 per 100,000 people . The high crime rate makes Monticello an unsafe place to live and work.
A third problem facing Monticello is the low education level. The city has a high school graduation rate of 77%, which is lower than the state average of 90% . The city also has a college graduation rate of 11%, which is lower than the state average of 24% . The low education level limits the opportunities and skills of the residents, and affects their quality of life.
What Can Be Done To Improve Monticello?
Monticello is a city that needs urgent attention and intervention. The city needs to address the root causes of its problems, such as the lack of economic development, the lack of social services, and the lack of community engagement. Some possible solutions are:
- Attracting new businesses and industries to the city, especially those that can leverage the natural resources and tourism potential of the area. This could create more jobs, increase income, and reduce poverty.
- Investing in public safety and law enforcement, especially in areas that are prone to crime and violence. This could reduce the crime rate, increase the sense of security, and improve the reputation of the city.
- Improving the education system and providing more opportunities for learning and training, especially for the youth and the adults who lack basic skills. This could increase the education level, enhance the human capital, and improve the quality of life.
Conclusion
Monticello is the worst city to live in Kentucky, according to a recent study by RoadSnacks. The city suffers from high crime, high poverty, high unemployment, low education, and low income. The city needs to take action to improve its situation and provide a better future for its residents. Monticello has the potential to become a better place, but it needs the support and cooperation of all stakeholders, including the government, the private sector, and the civil society.