Known for its high levels of poverty and racial segregation, St. Louis has earned a reputation as one of the most dangerous cities in the USA, with a staggering violent crime rate of 2082.29 per 100,000 people.
Once a bustling hub of the automotive industry, Detroit has faced significant challenges due to deindustrialization, resulting in mass unemployment, poverty, and a surge in crime rates.
Rife with gang activity and poverty, Baltimore's crime rate far exceeds the national average, with almost 500 crimes per 100,000 people, making it a city plagued by violence.
Despite its rich cultural history, Memphis has experienced a spike in crime, particularly homicides, due to cuts in police funding, leaving the city struggling to combat rising criminal activity.
While known for its industrial output, Gary suffers from severe air pollution, making it the leader in toxic air pollution per square mile in North America, contributing to its decline in livability.
Rising crime rates and poverty levels have tarnished Kansas City's reputation, prompting city-wide strategies to mitigate the damage to its tourist economy.
Despite its past reputation for beer and cheese, Milwaukee is now grappling with a rising violent crime rate, leading to a decline in population and economic prospects.
Although boasting attractions like Lake Erie and renowned hospitals, Cleveland faces challenges from reliance on traditional industries, contributing to poverty rates and economic stagnation.
Overshadowed by neighboring cities, Stockton faced bankruptcy in 2012, leaving many areas destitute and struggling with economic recovery.