This City Has Been Named the Worst City to Live in Minnesota
Waite Park, a small city located just outside of St. Cloud in central Minnesota, has been named the worst city to live in the state according to a recent study by 24/7 Wall St. The study ranked Waite Park as the worst city based on a number of factors, including its high poverty rate, low median household income, and high crime rate.
Overview of Waite Park
Waite Park is a city of about 14,000 people located in Stearns County, Minnesota. The city is home to a number of businesses, including a Wal-Mart distribution center and a Target distribution center. Waite Park is also home to a number of parks and recreation facilities, including a golf course, a swimming pool, and a skate park.
Factors that Contribute to Waite Park’s Low Ranking
There are a number of factors that contribute to Waite Park’s low ranking in the study. These factors include:
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- High poverty rate: Waite Park has a poverty rate of 19.7%, which is significantly higher than the national average of 14.0%.
- Low median household income: The median household income in Waite Park is $40,000, which is significantly lower than the national median household income of $67,521.
- High crime rate: Waite Park has a crime rate of 6.68 per 1,000 people, which is higher than the national crime rate of 4.8 per 1,000 people.
- Lack of diversity: Waite Park is a very homogenous city, with over 90% of the population being white.
Other Cities in Minnesota
| Cities | Poverty Rates | Median Household Incomes | Crime Rates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waite Park | 19.7 | 40000 | 6.68 |
| Brooklyn Center | 17.4 | 42000 | 7.23 |
| Virginia | 26.8 | 35000 | 8.14 |
| Bemidji | 20.9 | 38000 | 7.52 |
| Maplewood | 17.2 | 41000 | 6.91 |
Conclusion
While Waite Park may not be the best place to live for everyone, there are some things that the city has to offer. The city is home to a number of businesses and parks, and it is located in a convenient location for commuting to St. Cloud or Minneapolis. However, the city’s high poverty rate, low median household income, and high crime rate are significant drawbacks that make it a challenging place to live for many people.
FAQs
Q: What city in Minnesota was named the worst place to live?
A: Waite Park, a small city located just outside of St. Cloud, was named the worst city to live in Minnesota according to a recent study by 24/7 Wall St.
Q: Why was Waite Park ranked so low?
A: Waite Park was ranked low in the study due to a number of factors, including its high poverty rate, low median household income, and high crime rate.
Q: What are some of the challenges facing Waite Park?
A: Some of the challenges facing Waite Park include poverty, unemployment, and crime.
Q: Are there any positive aspects to living in Waite Park?
A: Yes, there are some positive aspects to living in Waite Park, such as its proximity to St. Cloud and Minneapolis, and its affordability.
Q: What can be done to improve the quality of life in Waite Park?
A: There are a number of things that can be done to improve the quality of life in Waite Park, such as investing in education and job training, providing affordable housing, and increasing community policing.
