Top 10 Worst Places to Live in New York In 2025

Top 10 Worst Places to Live In New York . Top 10 Worst Cities In New York to Live, Raise a Family, Job or Retire. Top 10 Worst Towns in New York. Top 10 Worst Villages in New York. If you’re thinking about a move to New York, here are the places you should avoid to live, retire or raise a family. 10 Most Dangerous Cities In New York You Should Never Move To. Top 10 Worst Cities To Live In North Carolina. 10 Places in New York You Should NEVER Move To.



TOP 10 WORST PLACES TO LIVE IN NEW YORK

1. BINGHAMTON

Located about 70 miles south of Syracuse, Binghamton is situated along the Susquehanna River and is known for its robust arts scene and outdoor recreation opportunities. Binghamton ranks 1st in unemployment, 4th in poverty and 3rd in lowest median income in the New York. City also ranks 1st in overall crime, 5th in violent crime and 1st in property crime in the state.

The poverty rate of Binghamton is 32.7%, which is 133.57% higher than national average. The typical household in Binghamton earns $35730 a year, which is 47.07% lower than national average. Financial hardship is relatively common in the city as 1 in every 3 residents live below the poverty line, well above the national poverty rate of 14.1%.

Additionally, more than 1 in every 7 area households lives on an income of less than $10,000 a year. Nearly 60.7% of households earn less than $50,000 a year compared to 39% national rate. Nearly one in every 1 in every 9 workers in Binghamton is unemployed. 

The unemployment rate of Binghamton remained 11.6%, which is 146.81% higher than national rate.

The overall crime rate in city is 107.6% higher than national average. The violent crime rate in city is 117.5% higher than national average. While the property crime rate of city is 105.64% higher than national average. Folks have 1 in 25 chance of being victim of property crime.

Population : 44819
Unemployment Rate : 11.6%
Poverty : 32.7%
Median Home Value : $92800
Median Home Income : $35730
Overall Score : 4/10

2. ROCHESTER

Located on the southern shore of Lake Ontario, Rochester is the third-largest city in New York and is known for its historic architecture, museums, and festivals. Rochester ranks 4th in unemployment, 5th in poverty and 5th in lowest median income in the New York. City also ranks 4th in overall crime, 7th in violent crime and 6th in property crime in the state.

The poverty rate of Rochester is 30.4%, which is 117.14% higher than national average. The typical household in Rochester earns $37395 a year, which is 44.6% lower than national average. 1 in every 3 residents live below the poverty line, while more than 1 in every 8 area households lives on an income of less than $10,000 a year. Nearly 60.8% of households earn less than $50,000 a year compared to 39% national rate. 

The unemployment rate of Rochester remained 8.9%, which is 89.36% higher than national rate.

The overall crime rate in city is 77.96% higher than national average. The violent crime rate in city is 111.01% higher than national average. While the property crime rate of city is 71.41% higher than national average. Folks have 1 in 30 chance of being victim of property crime.

Population : 206357
Unemployment Rate : 8.9%
Poverty : 30.4%
Median Home Value : $88100
Median Home Income : $37395
Overall Score : 4/10

3. SYRACUSE

Located about 150 miles northwest of Albany, Syracuse sits along the shores of Onondaga Lake and is home to Syracuse University and the New York State Fair. Syracuse ranks 2nd in unemployment, 6th in poverty and 7th in lowest median income in the New York. City also ranks 8th in overall crime, 6th in violent crime and 11th in property crime in the state.

The poverty rate of Syracuse is 30.3%, which is 116.43% higher than national average. The unemployment rate of Syracuse remained 9.6%, which is 104.26% higher than national rate. The typical household in Syracuse earns $38893 a year, which is 42.38% lower than national average.  1 in every 3 residents live below the poverty line, while more than 1 in every 8 area households lives on an income of less than $10,000 a year. Nearly 60.8% of households earn less than $50,000 a year compared to 39% national rate.


The overall crime rate in city is 56.11% higher than national average. The violent crime rate in city is 116.34% higher than national average. While the property crime rate of city is 44.18% higher than national average. Folks have 1 in 36 chance of being victim of property crime.

Population : 142553
Unemployment Rate : 9.6%
Poverty : 30.3%
Median Home Value : $95800
Median Home Income : $38893
Overall Score : 4/10

4. JAMESTOWN

Located about 70 miles south of Buffalo, Jamestown is situated along the Chadakoin River and is known for its connection to comedian Lucille Ball, who was born there. Jamestown ranks 1st in lowest median income and 7th in poverty in the New York. City also ranks 10th in overall crime, 11th in violent crime and 9th in property crime in the state.

The poverty rate of Jamestown is 28.5%, which is 103.57% higher than national average. The typical household in Jamestown earns $34767 a year, which is 48.49% lower than national average. The city has a significant proportion of its residents living in poverty, with 1 in 4 struggling to make ends meet.

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Additionally, more than 1 in every 8 area households lives on an income of less than $10,000 a year. Nearly 64.6% of households earn less than $50,000 a year compared to 39% national rate.

The unemployment rate of Jamestown remained 6.8%, which is 44.68% higher than national rate.

The overall crime rate in city is 55.55% higher than national average. The violent crime rate in city is 76.24% higher than national average. While the property crime rate of city is 51.45% higher than national average. Folks have 1 in 34 chance of being victim of property crime.

Population : 29290
Unemployment Rate : 6.8%
Poverty : 28.5%
Median Home Value : $66400
Median Home Income : $34767
Overall Score : 5/10

5. BUFFALO

Located on the eastern shore of Lake Erie, Buffalo is the second-largest city in New York and is known for its architecture, history, and proximity to Niagara Falls. Buffalo ranks 8th in unemployment, 8th in poverty and 8th in lowest median income in the New York. City also ranks 5th in overall crime, 1st in violent crime and 7th in property crime in the state.

The poverty rate of Buffalo is 28.3%, which is 102.14% higher than national average. The typical household in Buffalo earns $39677 a year, which is 41.22% lower than national average. The city has a large number of residents experiencing financial hardship, as 1 in 4 live below the poverty line.

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Additionally, more than 1 in every 8 area households lives on an income of less than $10,000 a year. Nearly 58.9% of households earn less than $50,000 a year compared to 39% national rate.

The unemployment rate of Buffalo remained 7.6%, which is 61.7% higher than national rate.

The overall crime rate in city is 74.7% higher than national average. The violent crime rate in city is 162.37% higher than national average.  While the property crime rate of city is 57.33% higher than national average. Folks have 1 in 33 chance of being victim of property crime.

Population : 255805
Unemployment Rate : 7.6%
Poverty : 28.3%
Median Home Value : $101000
Median Home Income : $39677
Overall Score : 5/10

6. UTICA

Located about 50 miles east of Syracuse, Utica is situated along the Mohawk River and is known for its historic landmarks and cultural attractions. Utica ranks  9th in poverty and 12th in unemployment and lowest median income in the New York. City also ranks 7th in overall crime, 16th in violent crime and 5th in property crime in the state.

The poverty rate of Utica is 27.4%, which is 95.71% higher than national average. Poverty is a widespread problem in the city, with 1 out of every 4 residents struggling to meet their basic needs.

The unemployment rate of Utica remained 7%, which is 48.94% higher than national rate.

The overall crime rate in city is 65.9% higher than national average. The violent crime rate in city is 29.12% higher than national average. While the property crime rate of city is 73.18% higher than national average. Folks have 1 in 30 chance of being victim of property crime.

Population : 59984
Unemployment Rate : 7%
Poverty : 27.4%
Median Home Value : $102400
Median Home Income : $42624
Overall Score : 4/10

7. LOCKPORT

Located about 25 miles east of Buffalo, Lockport is situated along the Erie Canal and is known for its historic locks and caves.  Lockport ranks 21st in unemployment, 27th in poverty and 16th in lowest median income in the New York.

The poverty rate of Lockport is 14.2%, which is 1.43% higher than national average. The typical household in Lockport earns $46706 a year, which is 30.81% lower than national average.

The unemployment rate of Lockport remained 5.9%, which is 25.53% higher than national rate. Another area of concern is safety, as the crime rates are relatively high.

Population : 20420
Unemployment Rate : 5.9%
Poverty : 14.2%
Median Home Value : $95600
Median Home Income : $46706
Overall Score : 6/10

8. NEWBURGH

Located about 60 miles north of New York City, Newburgh sits along the Hudson River and is known for its historic architecture and waterfront parks. Newburgh is 2nd most violent and dangerous city in New York.  Newburgh ranks 19th in unemployment, 16th in poverty and 13th in lowest median income in the New York. 

The poverty rate of Newburgh is 22%, which is 57.14% higher than national average. The typical household in Newburgh earns $43435 a year, which is 35.65% lower than national average.One out of every five residents in the city faces financial difficulties, reflecting a high poverty rate.

The unemployment rate of Newburgh remained 6.3%, which is 34.04% higher than national rate. 

The overall crime rate in city is 52.48% higher than national average. The violent crime rate in city is 161.44% higher than national average. While the property crime rate of city is 30.88% higher than national average. Folks have 1 in 39 chance of being victim of property crime.

Population : 28146
Unemployment Rate : 6.3%
Poverty : 22%
Median Home Value : $159500
Median Home Income : $43435
Overall Score : 4/10

9. POUGHKEEPSIE

Located about 70 miles north of New York City, Poughkeepsie is situated along the Hudson River and is home to Vassar College and the Walkway Over the Hudson.  Poughkeepsie ranks 6th in unemployment, 18th in poverty and 17th in lowest median income in the New York. City also ranks 17th in overall crime, 8th in violent crime and 20th in property crime in the state.

The poverty rate of Poughkeepsie is 20.2%, which is 44.29% higher than national average. Financial hardship is relatively common in the city as 1 in every 5 residents live below the poverty line, while  more than 1 in every 10 area households lives on an income of less than $10,000 a year. 

The unemployment rate of Poughkeepsie remained 8.3%, which is 76.6% higher than national rate. 

The overall crime rate in city is 7.96% higher than national average. The violent crime rate in city is 105.46% higher than national average. 

Population : 30341
Unemployment Rate : 8.3%
Poverty : 20.2%
Median Home Value : $204000
Median Home Income : $47008
Overall Score : 5/10

10. SCHENECTADY

Located about 15 miles northwest of Albany, Schenectady sits along the Mohawk River and is known for its historic Stockade District and proximity to the Adirondack Mountains. Schenectady ranks 3rd in unemployment, 19th in poverty and 18th in lowest median income in the New York. 

The poverty rate of Schenectady is 20.1%, which is 43.57% higher than national average. The typical household in Schenectady earns $47773 a year, which is 29.23% lower than national average. 1 in every 5 residents live below the poverty line, while more than 1 in every 12 area households lives on an income of less than $10,000 a year. 

The unemployment rate of Schenectady remained 9.5%, which is 102.13% higher than national rate.

The overall crime rate in city is 36.69% higher than national average. The violent crime rate in city is 85.08% higher than national average. While the property crime rate of city is 27.1% higher than national average. Folks have 1 in 40 chance of being victim of property crime.

Population : 65336
Unemployment Rate : 9.5%
Poverty : 20.1%
Median Home Value : $113200
Median Home Income : $47773
Overall Score : 5/10

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