Pennsylvania is a state rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. However, not all of its cities are equally appealing places to reside. Some of them face major issues, such as high crime rates, low income, inadequate education, and shrinking populations.
According to the most recent census statistics and other sources, the following are the seven Pennsylvania cities that people are abandoning as quickly as possible.
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1. Harrisburg
The main city of Pennsylvania is Harrisburg, which is on the Susquehanna River. It is the ninth-biggest city in the state and the center of government, education, and art. But Harrisburg has also had to deal with crime, budget cuts, and problems with its infrastructure.
22.9% of people in Harrisburg are living in poverty, which is the sixth highest in the state. At $41,011 a year, the typical family income is the fifth lowest in the country. In 2019, 49,271 people lived in Harrisburg, up 0.2% from 2010 and up 0.2% from 2010.
2. Altoona
Altoona is a city in the middle of the state. It is in Blair County. The tenth-largest city in the state, it is a center for shopping, health care, and transportation. But Altoona has also had problems with social issues, economic slowdown, and population loss.
On a scale of 1 to 10, 22.6% is the seventh-highest poverty rate in the state of Altoona. The typical family income is $41,305, which is the sixth lowest in the country. Since 2010, Altoona’s population has gone down by 4.7%, to 43,702 people in 2019.
3. Chester
Chester is a city on the Delaware River in Delaware County. It used to be a bustling industry center, but now it’s poor, violent, and losing its factories. In 2019, there were 85.5 serious crimes per 10,000 people living in Chester, making it the most dangerous city in the state.
Plus, the average family income there is only $29,954. Since 2010, the number of people living in Chester has gone down by 7.6%, to 33,988 in 2019.
4. Reading
Reading is a city in the southeast of the state. It is in Berks County. People used to live, work, and do business there, but now it’s a place where cities are falling apart, corruption is common, and crime is common.
It is 36.4% in Reading, which is the third highest rate in the state. The typical family income is $31,158, which is the second lowest of any state. Reading has 88,375 people, which is 2.3% less than it was in 2010.
5. Erie
The city of Erie is in Erie County and is on the shore of Lake Erie. The city is a big port and tourist spot, and it is the fourth largest in the state. But Erie has also had problems with the environment, the loss of industrial jobs, and racial strife.
It is 26.9%, which is the fourth highest rate in the state, in Erie. In terms of typical home worth, it is the third lowest, at $86,800. Since 2010, the number of people living in Erie has dropped by 6.4%, to 95,508 in 2019.
6. Johnstown
The city of Johnstown is in Cambria County, which is in the Allegheny Mountains. It is known for making steel and for the flood that killed more than 2,000 people in 1889. But Johnstown has been having a hard time with drug abuse, unemployment, and the economy.
The poverty rate in Johnstown is 37.9%, which is the second highest in the state. With a typical home value of $44,400, it also has the lowest home value. Since 2010, Johnstown’s population has gone down by 9.5%, to 19,195 people in 2019.
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7. Scranton
The city of Scranton is in Lackawanna County, which is in the northeastern part of the state. The city is the sixth biggest in the state, and former Vice President Joe Biden was born there. However, Scranton has also had money problems, government issues, and a drop in population.
It is the fifth most poor city in Pennsylvania, with a 23.5% poverty rate. At $39,066 a year, the typical family income is the fourth lowest in the country. Since 2010, the number of people living in Scranton has gone down by 1.5%, to 76,653.
Final Words
According to the statistics, seven Pennsylvania cities are dealing with major issues such as poverty, crime, and population reduction. Harrisburg, Altoona, Chester, Reading, Erie, Johnstown, and Scranton are among them.
These cities require immediate attention and action from the state and federal governments, as well as local communities, in order to enhance their living circumstances and future possibilities.