10. Modesto, California
Modesto’s economy is based largely on the agricultural industry, as fertile farmland surrounds the city. Modesto is also home to the largest winery in the world, E & J Gallo Winery, which employs over 3,000 workers. However, unemployment rate was 10.9% as of August 2014 and nearly 19% of the city’s population is living below the poverty line. Both violent crimes and property crimes are higher in Modesto than in the rest of California. Modesto ranks number one in the country for car theft. There are also reported to be between 5,000-10,000 gang members operating in Modesto, which is a sizable percentage in this population of 200K.
9. Oakland, California
Oakland is a major port city on the West Coast, it is also the busiest port in the San Francisco Bay. The population of Oakland is 406,253. The economy in Oakland is strong with a median household income of $51,683. Oakland’s gross GDP in 2013 was $360.4 billion, ranking it eighth among metropolitan areas in the US. But the city’s economic stability is not what makes it one of the worst places to live. Oakland is home to as many as 50 gangs with a gang population of over 2,000. Although the crime rate in Oakland has decreased significantly over the past ten years, it is still considered to be one of the most dangerous cities to live in the country. Oakland recorded 34,305 violent and property crimes in 2013. Aside from crime, Oakland also suffers from high traffic congestion and poor air quality, 190% worse than the national average.
