A few of Washington’s many attractions are the striking Olympic National Park, the Seattle skyline, and the state’s thriving cultural scene. Still, not every community in Washington is a desirable place to live. Certain towns have high rates of crime, inadequate facilities, exorbitant housing costs, or few prospects. Based on information from the most recent census and other sources, individuals are leaving these seven towns in Washington as quickly as possible.
1. Aberdeen
Grunge rock icon Kurt Cobain was born in Aberdeen, a seaside hamlet in Grays Harbor County. With a typical household income of $38,740, a median home value of $127,900, and a poverty rate of 26.7%, Aberdeen is among the most destitute municipalities in Washington, though. Aberdeen has a low rate of educational attainment (15.8%) and a high unemployment rate (9.4%). Aberdeen is an undesirable place for many people to live because of its difficulties with drug misuse, homelessness, and crime.
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2. The Tacoma
South of Seattle, in Pierce County, is the port city of Tacoma. With more than 200,000 residents, Tacoma is the third-biggest city in Washington. Nevertheless, Tacoma is also known for being a filthy and dangerous city; its crime rate is 95% higher than the national average, at 56.4 per 1,000 people. With a median property value of $372,800 and a median rent of $1,334 in Tacoma, the city also has a high cost of living. Tacoma’s industrial pollution and close proximity to the Interstate 5 corridor contribute to the city’s poor air quality.
3. Yakima
In the center of Washington state is the city of Yakima, which is part of Yakima County. Yakima is well-known for producing high-quality wine, hops, and apples in particular. With a typical household income of $46,261, a median home value of $189,500, and a poverty rate of 22.9%, Yakima is nevertheless one of the most impoverished and segregated cities in Washington. Though they make up 49.4% of the total population, Yakima’s Hispanic community is marginalized and discriminated against by the city’s white majority. In addition, Yakima’s high crime rate—45.9 per 1,000 people—is 76% greater than the national average.
4. The Hoquiam
Grays Harbor County’s Hoquiam is a seaside community close to Aberdeen. Hoquiam used to be a thriving fishing and logging town, but since the 1980s, it has collapsed because of the loss of jobs and industry. In Hoquiam, the typical household income is $37,500, the median home value is $115,600, and the poverty rate is 23.8%. In addition, Hoquiam has low rates of educational attainment (14.9%) and a high unemployment rate (8.9%). Since 2010, Hoquiam’s population has shrunk by 7.4%, suggesting that many residents are moving out from the town in search of better prospects elsewhere.
5. Kelso![Kelso]()
In the southwest of Washington state sits the city of Kelso, which is part of Cowlitz County. Kelso is close to the larger city of Longview and is located alongside the Columbia River. With a typical family income of $43,028 and a median home value of $193,300, Kelso has a 23.1% poverty rate. Additionally, Kelso has a high crime rate—51.9 per 1,000 residents—compared to the national average, which is 88% lower. Since 2010, Kelso’s population has shrunk by 2.9%, suggesting that a large number of individuals are leaving the city.
6. Centralia
In the southwest of Washington state sits the city of Centralia, which is part of Lewis County. The historic downtown of Centralia, which is home to numerous antique stores and old structures, is well-known. Nevertheless, Centralia, with a poverty rate of 24.9%, a median household income of $40,057, and a typical property value of $184,200, is also among the most economically challenged cities in Washington. In addition, Centralia has a low rate of educational attainment (15.5%) and a high unemployment rate (8.2%). The population of Centralia dropped by 1.8% during 2010, suggesting that many residents are moving out from the city in search of better opportunities elsewhere.
7. The Bremerton
Across the Puget Sound from Seattle sits the Kitsap County city of Bremerton. The Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, the city’s biggest employer, is located in Bremerton. However, with a median home value of $339,900 and a median rent of $1,237, Bremerton is also one of the most costly and crowded communities in Washington. The cost of living in Bremerton is likewise high, at 115.9, 15.9% more than the national average. Bremerton also has a high crime rate—46.4 per 1,000 people—compared to the national average, which is 78% higher.
In summary
People are leaving these and other Washington communities as quickly as possible for a variety of reasons, including high crime rates, low incomes, high unemployment rates, high cost of living, and a lack of employment possibilities. The bad aspects of these towns make them undesirable places to live, even when they may have some redeeming aspects, such historical or cultural value. As a result, a lot of people are opting to move to other states or towns in search of better opportunities and living conditions.