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.
