Arizona is known for its sunny weather, scenic landscapes, and diverse culture. But not all of its cities are equally attractive to residents and visitors. Some of them are facing serious challenges such as high crime rates, low quality of life, poor infrastructure, and environmental issues. Here are seven Arizona cities that people are fleeing as soon as possible.
1. Phoenix
Phoenix is the capital and largest city of Arizona, but it is also one of the most undesirable places to live in the state. Phoenix has a high crime rate, ranking among the top 10 most dangerous cities in the US. It also suffers from extreme heat, air pollution, traffic congestion, and water scarcity. Phoenix is one of the fastest-warming cities in the country, with an average temperature increase of 4.3°F since 1970. The city is expected to face more frequent and severe heat waves, droughts, and wildfires in the future.
2. Tucson
Tucson is the second-largest city in Arizona, and the home of the University of Arizona. However, it is also a city that many people are leaving behind. Tucson has a low median household income of $41,625, compared to the national average of $62,843. It also has a high poverty rate of 24.9%, compared to the national average of 13.4%. Tucson ranks poorly in terms of education, health, and economy, according to the US News & World Report. Moreover, Tucson is vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, such as heat stress, water shortages, and flooding.
3. Yuma
Yuma is a city in southwestern Arizona, near the border with Mexico and California. It is known for its agricultural production, especially lettuce, and its military presence. However, it is also a city that many people are avoiding or escaping. Yuma has a high unemployment rate of 15.9%, compared to the national average of 6.0%. It also has a high cost of living, with a median home value of $173,900, compared to the national average of $217,500. Yuma is also one of the hottest and driest cities in the US, with an average annual temperature of 75.3°F and an average annual precipitation of 3.3 inches.
4. Kingman
Kingman is a city in northwestern Arizona, along the historic Route 66. It is a gateway to the Grand Canyon and other natural attractions. However, it is also a city that many people are leaving for better opportunities elsewhere. Kingman has a low median household income of $38,016, compared to the national average of $62,843. It also has a low median home value of $147,800, compared to the national average of $217,500. Kingman has a high crime rate, with a violent crime rate of 507.8 per 100,000 people, compared to the national average of 366.7.
5. Sierra Vista
Sierra Vista is a city in southeastern Arizona, near the border with Mexico. It is the main commercial and cultural hub of Cochise County, and the home of Fort Huachuca, a major military installation. However, it is also a city that many people are fleeing due to its lack of appeal and growth. Sierra Vista has a low population growth rate of -0.2%, compared to the national average of 0.6%. It also has a low median household income of $44,631, compared to the national average of $62,843. Sierra Vista has a high cost of living, with a median home value of $189,400, compared to the national average of $217,500.
6. Bullhead City
Bullhead City is a city in western Arizona, along the Colorado River. It is a popular destination for boating, fishing, and gambling, as it is across the river from Laughlin, Nevada. However, it is also a city that many people are abandoning due to its low quality of life and high crime rate. Bullhead City has a low median household income of $37,814, compared to the national average of $62,843. It also has a high poverty rate of 20.4%, compared to the national average of 13.4%. Bullhead City has a high crime rate, with a violent crime rate of 724.6 per 100,000 people, compared to the national average of 366.7.
7. Show Low
Show Low is a city in eastern Arizona, in the White Mountains. It is a popular place for skiing, hiking, and camping, as it has a cooler climate and more precipitation than most of Arizona. However, it is also a city that many people are leaving due to its isolation and lack of opportunities. Show Low has a low median household income of $40,718, compared to the national average of $62,843. It also has a low median home value of $158,900, compared to the national average of $217,500. Show Low has a low population growth rate of 0.1%, compared to the national average of 0.6%.
Conclusion
Arizona is a state that offers many attractions and advantages, such as beautiful scenery, rich culture, and warm weather. However, it is also a state that has many challenges and drawbacks, such as crime, poverty, and climate change. Some of its cities are more affected by these issues than others, and are losing residents and visitors as a result. These are the seven Arizona cities that people are fleeing as soon as possible.