Neediest Cities

Adam McCann, Financial WriterDec 20, 2021

Adam McCann, Financial Writer
Dec 20, 2021

Hunger, poverty and homelessness affect every nation — even the richest and most powerful. According to Feeding America, food insecurity plagues every U.S. county, with 38 million individuals lacking access to adequate food in 2020.

In 2020, 11.4% of the U.S. population lived in poverty. In the absence of more affordable housing or accommodations provided by relatives or friends, many people must take to the streets or shelters. According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, more than 580,000 people — many of them children — had been homeless at one point in January 2020. As we continue to deal with the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s important both help our existing impoverished population and make sure we minimize the number of new people who fall into poverty.

On the heels of our report on the most charitable states, WalletHub compared more than 180 U.S. cities based on 28 key indicators of economic disadvantage, such as child poverty, food insecurity and uninsured rates.

Table of Contents

Main Findings

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Neediest Cities in America

Overall Rank*	City	Total Score	Economic Well-Being	Health & Safety
1	Detroit, MI	63.79	1	2
2	Brownsville, TX	57.11	7	7
3	Cleveland, OH	57.02	6	8
4	Fresno, CA	56.51	2	57
5	Gulfport, MS	55.91	18	3
6	Los Angeles, CA	55.38	5	28
7	Newark, NJ	54.87	4	46
8	Baltimore, MD	54.52	3	55
9	New Orleans, LA	54.02	10	31
10	St. Louis, MO	53.74	21	9
11	Laredo, TX	53.64	27	12
12	Shreveport, LA	53.13	9	51
13	Miami, FL	52.94	19	25
14	Memphis, TN	52.73	22	18
15	Jackson, MS	52.68	13	50
16	Birmingham, AL	52.41	41	4
17	Philadelphia, PA	52.28	12	69
18	Richmond, VA	52.01	11	71
19	Hialeah, FL	51.64	26	35
20	Augusta, GA	51.24	17	62
21	Chattanooga, TN	51.20	40	14
22	Indianapolis, IN	51.14	14	89
23	Atlanta, GA	51.03	8	107
24	San Bernardino, CA	50.78	23	49
25	Baton Rouge, LA	50.56	31	45
26	Mobile, AL	50.35	38	22
27	Little Rock, AR	49.47	64	13
28	New York, NY	49.43	15	120
29	Fort Smith, AR	49.10	84	6
30	Corpus Christi, TX	49.00	93	5
31	Toledo, OH	48.97	43	36
32	Dover, DE	48.60	16	124
33	Houston, TX	48.55	69	10
34	Rochester, NY	48.54	29	102
35	Albuquerque, NM	48.52	46	33
36	Las Cruces, NM	48.48	56	30
37	Oakland, CA	48.37	37	58
38	Dallas, TX	48.19	65	20
39	Stockton, CA	48.14	32	100
40	Tulsa, OK	48.09	77	11
41	Columbia, SC	48.07	34	94
42	Springfield, MO	47.87	114	1
43	Huntington, WV	47.69	45	52
44	Wilmington, DE	47.64	28	118
45	Long Beach, CA	47.56	30	122
46	New Haven, CT	47.50	20	134
47	El Paso, TX	47.45	63	34
48	Columbus, GA	47.42	57	41
49	Tucson, AZ	47.37	62	37
50	San Antonio, TX	47.33	68	26
51	Montgomery, AL	47.29	39	87
52	Buffalo, NY	47.08	42	78
53	Milwaukee, WI	47.07	44	76
54	Akron, OH	47.01	49	61
55	Providence, RI	46.90	25	127
56	Oklahoma City, OK	46.71	79	24
57	San Francisco, CA	46.62	75	23
58	Knoxville, TN	46.60	71	39
59	Bakersfield, CA	46.59	54	59
60	Lewiston, ME	46.35	101	17
61	Las Vegas, NV	46.13	53	77
62	Kansas City, MO	46.11	82	32
63	Lubbock, TX	46.04	102	21
64	Glendale, AZ	45.69	67	64
65	Phoenix, AZ	45.69	66	65
66	Fayetteville, NC	45.64	60	83
67	Fort Lauderdale, FL	45.55	52	96
68	Cincinnati, OH	45.48	48	101
69	Honolulu, HI	45.10	80	48
70	Norfolk, VA	45.04	35	132
71	Portland, OR	44.91	87	47
72	North Las Vegas, NV	44.82	55	106
73	Manchester, NH	44.49	74	73
74	Wichita, KS	44.45	108	27
75	Jacksonville, FL	44.43	73	82
76	Washington, DC	44.42	33	155
77	Chicago, IL	44.38	51	123
78	Spokane, WA	44.29	129	15
79	Bridgeport, CT	44.20	59	115
80	Amarillo, TX	44.16	117	16
81	Greensboro, NC	44.14	91	56
82	Boston, MA	44.11	24	167
82	St. Paul, MN	44.11	61	114
84	Sacramento, CA	43.85	50	129
85	Newport News, VA	43.84	81	93
86	Nashville, TN	43.74	89	75
86	Grand Rapids, MI	43.74	95	66
88	Salt Lake City, UT	43.66	133	19
89	Modesto, CA	43.54	47	137
90	Charleston, WV	43.38	124	29
91	Winston-Salem, NC	43.28	72	105
92	Anaheim, CA	43.16	105	60
93	Reno, NV	43.15	121	40
94	Oxnard, CA	42.96	70	113
95	Denver, CO	42.70	98	85
96	Tampa, FL	42.67	85	104
97	Tallahassee, FL	42.66	58	139
98	Santa Clarita, CA	42.66	36	166
99	Jersey City, NJ	42.63	94	92
100	Grand Prairie, TX	42.57	119	53
101	St. Petersburg, FL	42.54	106	79
102	Orlando, FL	42.48	86	108
103	Anchorage, AK	42.36	143	38
104	Huntsville, AL	42.34	103	91
105	Garland, TX	42.30	109	72
106	Fort Worth, TX	42.26	112	67
107	Salem, OR	42.19	128	70
108	Columbus, OH	42.08	78	125
109	Seattle, WA	41.89	122	63
110	Santa Ana, CA	41.88	96	109
111	Rapid City, SD	41.83	120	86
112	Des Moines, IA	41.75	90	119
113	Tempe, AZ	41.66	107	98
114	Louisville, KY	41.59	110	90
115	Ontario, CA	41.39	99	110
116	Arlington, TX	41.32	125	80
117	Mesa, AZ	41.30	97	117
118	Omaha, NE	41.26	115	88
119	Tacoma, WA	41.25	148	44
120	Irving, TX	41.22	126	83
121	Minneapolis, MN	41.17	83	131
122	Missoula, MT	40.97	157	42
123	Garden Grove, CA	40.83	113	103
124	West Valley City, UT	40.61	145	74
125	Santa Rosa, CA	40.51	76	146
126	Nampa, ID	40.49	134	95
127	Austin, TX	40.40	140	81
128	Worcester, MA	40.09	92	141
129	Colorado Springs, CO	39.88	138	99
130	Riverside, CA	39.65	123	121
131	Fontana, CA	39.36	88	154
132	Glendale, CA	39.26	136	111
133	Charleston, SC	38.98	100	147
134	Moreno Valley, CA	38.68	104	145
135	Fort Wayne, IN	38.55	116	140
136	Pittsburgh, PA	38.50	132	128
137	Charlotte, NC	38.45	127	135
138	Aurora, CO	38.19	142	126
139	Burlington, VT	38.13	111	144
140	Vancouver, WA	38.07	163	68
141	Billings, MT	38.06	171	54
142	Juneau, AK	37.88	177	43
143	Durham, NC	37.63	141	133
144	Lexington-Fayette, KY	37.13	130	149
145	Portland, ME	36.96	150	136
146	San Diego, CA	36.50	131	158
147	Yonkers, NY	36.29	137	159
148	Lincoln, NE	36.07	154	130
149	San Jose, CA	35.87	118	170
150	Port St. Lucie, FL	35.81	147	148
151	Oceanside, CA	35.80	139	165
152	Cheyenne, WY	35.74	167	112
153	Casper, WY	35.64	173	97
154	Boise, ID	35.52	168	116
155	Cape Coral, FL	35.30	149	153
156	Henderson, NV	35.23	146	162
157	Pembroke Pines, FL	34.96	152	150
158	Chula Vista, CA	34.86	135	172
159	Peoria, AZ	34.69	158	142
160	Cedar Rapids, IA	34.62	153	157
161	Scottsdale, AZ	34.37	156	152
162	Aurora, IL	34.29	144	173
163	Raleigh, NC	34.21	151	164
164	Chandler, AZ	33.33	161	156
165	Rancho Cucamonga, CA	32.99	155	169
166	Chesapeake, VA	32.67	160	168
167	Sioux Falls, SD	32.60	170	151
168	Fargo, ND	32.37	174	138
169	Nashua, NH	31.76	169	160
170	Gilbert, AZ	31.20	172	163
171	Madison, WI	30.98	165	176
172	Huntington Beach, CA	30.96	162	177
173	Irvine, CA	30.89	159	181
174	Plano, TX	30.76	178	143
175	Virginia Beach, VA	30.53	166	179
176	Fremont, CA	30.15	164	182
177	Warwick, RI	28.67	176	175
178	Overland Park, KS	28.29	180	161
179	South Burlington, VT	28.15	175	178
180	Bismarck, ND	27.15	182	171
181	Pearl City, HI	26.70	179	180
182	Columbia, MD	26.26	181	174

Note: *No. 1 = Neediest
With the exception of “Total Score,” all of the columns in the table above depict the relative rank of that city, where a rank of 1 represents the worst conditions for that metric category.

artwork 2021 cities with the highest and lowest population in need

Ask the Experts

We asked a panel of experts to share their insight and advice regarding the changes and challenges experienced by needy groups and those who desire to help. Click on the experts’ profiles to read their bios and responses to the following key questions:

How has the social makeup of people in need — in terms of age, race, gender, etc. — changed in recent decades?
What are the main challenges facing low-income families today?
Which policy interventions have proven successful in helping families achieve economic independence? Which ones have failed?
How can charities and nonprofits most effectively serve the poor?
What should be the main focus of local authorities when outlining a strategy to help people in need during the pandemic?

Ask the Experts

Joan Maya Mazelis
Ph.D. – Associate Professor of Sociology, Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Criminal Justice – Rutgers University-Camden
Read More

Natasha Pilkauskas
MPP, Ph.D. – Associate Professor, Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy – University of Michigan
Read More

Joanna Almeida
Sc.D., MPH, MSW – Associate Professor, School of Social Work – Simmons University
Read More

Lenna Nepomnyaschy
Associate Professor, School of Social Work – Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
Read More

Rigaud Joseph
BSW, MSW, Ph.D. – Assistant Professor of Social Work, Research & Internship Coordinator, Project Rebound, College of Social & Behavioral Sciences – California State University San Bernardino
Read More

Methodology

In order to determine the cities with the neediest populations, WalletHub compared 182 cities — including the 150 most populated U.S. cities, plus at least two of the most populated cities in each state — across two key dimensions, “Economic Well-Being” and “Health & Safety.”

We evaluated those dimensions using 28 relevant metrics, which are listed below with their corresponding weights. Each metric was graded on a 100-point scale, with a score of 100 representing the highest level of economic disadvantage. Data for metrics marked with an asterisk (*) were available at the state level only.

Finally, we determined each city’s weighted average across all metrics to calculate its overall score and used the resulting scores to rank-order our sample. In determining our sample, we considered only the city proper in each case and excluded cities in the surrounding metro area.

Economic Well-Being - Total Points: 60

Child Poverty Rate: Triple Weight (~7.83 Points)
Adult Poverty Rate: Triple Weight (~7.83 Points)
Unemployment Rate: Full Weight (~2.61 Points)
Underemployment Rate: Full Weight (~2.61 Points)
Homelessness Rate: Triple Weight (~7.83 Points)
Note: This metric measures the number of homeless persons per 1,000 residents.
Presence of Homeless Criminalization Laws: Full Weight (~2.61 Points)
Note: This is a binary metric that considers the presence or absence of such legislation.
Change in Family Homelessness (2020 vs 2019): Full Weight (~2.61 Points)
Well-Being Index: Full Weight (~2.61 Points)
Note: This metric refers to the Sharecare Community Well-Being Index Score.
Consumer Bankruptcy Rate: Half Weight (~1.30 Points)
Note: This metric measures the number of nonbusiness bankruptcy filings per capita.
Foreclosure Rate: Full Weight (~2.61 Points)
Share of Owner-Occupied Housing Units Spending at Least 35% of Their Household Income on Housing: Full Weight (~2.61 Points)
Share of Delinquent Debtors: Full Weight (~2.61 Points)
Median Credit Score: Full Weight (~2.61 Points)
High School Dropout Rate: Full Weight (~2.61 Points)
Undereducated Rate: Full Weight (~2.61 Points)
Note: This measures the share of population aged 25 and over who did not graduate from high school.
Share of Children Eligible for Free or Reduced-Price Lunch: Full Weight (~2.61 Points)
“Economic Security” Ranking: Half* Weight (~1.30 Points)
Note: This metric measures the state’s policy potential to improve the economic security of workers, families and retirees and is based on the Economic Security Scorecard produced by the WOW (Wider Opportunities for Women) nonprofit organization.
Economic Mobility: Full Weight (~2.61 Points)

Health & Safety - Total Points: 40

Uninsured Rate: Full Weight (~3.64 Points)
Note: This metric measures the share of residents without health insurance coverage.
Food Insecurity Rate: Double Weight (~7.27 Points)
Share of Homes with Inadequate Plumbing: Full Weight (~3.64 Points)
Note: This metric measures the share of occupied housing units without complete plumbing facilities.
Share of Homes with Inadequate Kitchens: Full Weight (~3.64 Points)
Note: This metric measures the share of occupied housing units without complete kitchen facilities.
Share of Severely Overcrowded Homes: Full Weight (~3.64 Points)
Note: This metric measures the share of occupied housing units that are considered “severely overcrowded”, meaning more than 1.5 persons occupy each room.
Share of Offline Homes: Full Weight (~3.64 Points)
Note: This metric measures the share of households lacking a computer and broadband Internet service.
Share of Adults Who Needed to See a Doctor but Couldn’t: Full Weight (~3.64 Points)
Note: This metric refers to the share of adults who needed to see a doctor in the past year, but couldn’t because of costs.
Share of Depressed Adults: Full Weight (~3.64 Points)
Note: This metric measures the share of adults who were diagnosed with depression.
Suicide Rate: Full Weight (~3.64 Points)
Crime Rate: Full Weight (~3.64 Points)

Sources: Data used to create this ranking were collected from the U.S. Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development, Chmura Economics & Analytics, County Health Rankings, National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty, National Alliance to End Homelessness, Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, Equality of Opportunity Project, Feeding America, Wider Opportunities for Women, ATTOM Data Solutions, Sharecare-Boston University School of Public Health and TransUnion.

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