Alabama is a historically and culturally rich state with stunning scenery. Not all of its towns, meanwhile, are prosperous or desirable to both locals and tourists. Serious issues include high rates of crime, low salaries, inadequate education, and a lack of opportunity exist in several areas. Many people have left these communities as quickly as possible in search of greater opportunities elsewhere as a result of these considerations. These are the top seven most infamous communities in Alabama where residents are fleeing.
1. Selma
Selma, the location of the well-known Bloody Sunday March and the Selma to Montgomery Marches was a key player in the civil rights movement of the 1960s. But in the present period, Selma has not succeeded despite its historical significance. At 41.9%, it has one of the worst rates of poverty in the country, and at $23,283, it has one of the lowest median household incomes. It also has a low graduation rate of 79.1% and a high violent crime rate of 1,450 per 100,000 population. Selma’s population declined by 12.9% as a result of numerous people leaving the city in quest of better possibilities.
2. The Anniston
The town of Anniston used to be a major industrial hub that produced weapons, steel, and iron. However, it has experienced economic downturn, environmental degradation, and deindustrialization. With a median household income of $30,085 and a violent crime rate of 1,381 per 100,000 population, it has a poverty rate of 31.7%. It ranks 228th out of 228 Alabaman cities with a bad quality of living index. The population of Anniston decreased by 8.5% as a result of a large exodus in recent years.
3. Bessemer
Bessemer, often known as “The Marvel City,” was formerly a thriving center of manufacturing and mining. But it has encountered significant obstacles like unemployment, urban deterioration, and racial segregation. With a median family income of $31,308 and a violent crime rate of 2,986 per 100,000 population, it has a poverty rate of 29.9%. Just 13.9% of adults in this country have completed a bachelor’s degree or above, indicating a low level of educational achievement. Bessemer’s population declined by 5.6% as a result of a large exodus of residents during the previous ten years.
4. Prichard
In the past, Prichard was a wealthy Mobile suburb that drew middle-class individuals and companies. But it has gone through a downward spiral of bankruptcy, corruption, and poor financial management. Its violent crime rate is 1,026 per 100,000 persons, its median family income is $24,883, and its poverty rate is 33.9%. Additionally, it ranks 222nd out of 228 Alabaman cities with a low livability score. Prichard’s population declined by 9.8% as a result of a large exodus of residents throughout the past ten years.
5. The Fairfield
Once a bustling town, Fairfield was home to both the corporate headquarters of U.S. Steel and the alma mater of baseball great Willie Mays. Nonetheless, it has been negatively impacted by the collapse of the steel sector, the departure of significant companies, and the deterioration of services and infrastructure. With a median household income of $28,590 and a violent crime rate of 2,014 per 100,000 population, it has a poverty rate of 35.8%. At 77.4%, it likewise has a low graduation rate. The population of Fairfield declined by 11.5% as a result of a large exodus of residents in recent years.
6. Lanett
Situated on the border of Georgia and Alabama, the town of Lanett was formerly a thriving hub for the production of textiles. But it’s been severely impacted by the closing of mills, job losses, and an increase in crime and narcotics. With a median family income of $26,938 and a violent crime rate of 1,274 per 100,000 population, it has a poverty rate of 30.4%. It ranks 226th out of 228 Alabaman cities with a bad quality of living index. Lanett’s population declined by 7.9% as a result of a large exodus over the previous ten years.
7. Tarrant
Tarrant, a town close to Birmingham, was formerly a thriving industrial and residential region. But it has had to contend with a number of issues, including pollution, blight, and poverty. With a median family income of $31,250 and a violent crime rate of 1,647 per 100,000 population, it has a poverty rate of 28.6%. Its adult population has a low level of educational achievement as well, with only 11.4% holding a bachelor’s degree or beyond. Tarrant’s population has declined by 10.4% as a result of a large exodus of residents in recent years.
Stattistical Data:
| City | Median Household Income | Poverty Rate | Graduation Rate | Violent Crime Rate (per 100,000) | Population Decline |
| Selma | $23,283 | 41.9% | 79.1% | 1,450 | -12.9% |
| Anniston | $30,085 | 31.7% | Not specified | 1,381 | -8.5% |
| Bessemer | $31,308 | 29.9% | 13.9% (Bachelor’s +) | 2,986 | -5.6% |
| Prichard | $24,883 | 33.9% | Not specified | 1,026 | -9.8% |
| Fairfield | $28,590 | 35.8% | 77.4% | 2,014 | -11.5% |
| Lanett | $26,938 | 30.4% | Not specified | 1,274 | -7.9% |
| Tarrant | $31,250 | 28.6% | 11.4% (Bachelor’s +) | 1,647 | -10.4% |
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In summary
These are a few Alabama communities where residents are emigrating as quickly as possible for a variety of reasons, including opportunity, education, poverty, and crime. These towns have numerous obstacles and difficulties that make them unappealing and unpleasant for many residents and visitors, despite their great aspects and potential for change. To pursue greater opportunities abroad, a growing number of people are opting to leave small places behind.