Small Southwestern Town Named The Worst To Live in Michigan

Michigan is a beautiful state that we all love, and even Thrillist recently recognized us as the best state in America. With our breathtaking scenic views, craft brews, and incredible weather patterns, we're an ideal place to want to visit, let alone move to and set down roots.

With that being said, there are a few places in the mitten state that could use a little extra help to get back to their glory days.

The website RoadSnacks released a list recently of the 10 Michigan cities who are having the roughest time, and while a lot of them are the obvious offenders, the worst city in the state may surprise you.

Here are the three worst cities in Michigan according to RoadSnacks, and the reasons why they made the list...

3. Detroit

I don't have to give you reasons why Detroit gets hated on by outsiders. While the unemployment rate sits above the national average at 14%, and the average median income is only $37,000 - the city is still coming back from a few decades of hard times.

2. Highland Park

Located within the city of Detroit, it's got enough crime problems and poverty that the city of Detroit isn't even willing to take it on.

The area not only has some of the worst unemployment, crime and income levels in Michigan, they also rank 10th in the state for dropouts. Maybe if they teamed up with their neighbors in Detroit, they could move up in the ranks and get out of this situation.

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And the worst city in the state of Michigan has us coming back to the westside...

1. Dowagiac

Before you blame me for picking on this small southwestern Michigan town, let me break down the numbers. Their not so great economy situation and low ranking schools make them a hard community to live in.

Around 32% of residents fall below the poverty line, while the city has an 11% unemployment rate as of the end of 2023. Between low wages, and schools that only top out at a 6/10 ranking, it's hard to get ahead in Dowagiac.

But, their adorable downtown and friendly faces should be noted, this small town doesn't deserve the shade it's getting despite it's struggles!