Virginia is a state with a rich history, beautiful scenery, and diverse culture. However, not all of its towns are equally attractive to live in. Some of them are plagued by high crime rates, poor economic prospects, or environmental issues. Here are seven Virginia towns that people are fleeing as soon as possible.
1. Emporia
Emporia is a small city in southern Virginia that has the dubious distinction of being the poorest city in the state. The median household income in Emporia is only $25,742, which is less than half of the state average. The poverty rate is a staggering 40.5%, and the unemployment rate is 10.9%. Emporia also has a high crime rate, with a violent crime rate of 1,038 per 100,000 residents, which is more than four times the national average.
2. Martinsville
Martinsville is another city in southern Virginia that has been hit hard by the decline of the textile and furniture industries. The city has lost more than half of its population since 1980, and now has only about 12,000 residents. The median household income in Martinsville is $28,793, and the poverty rate is 31.8%. The unemployment rate is 11.4%, and the city has one of the highest opioid overdose rates in the state.
3. Hopewell
Hopewell is a city in central Virginia that is known for its industrial pollution and environmental problems. The city is home to several chemical plants, paper mills, and power plants, which have contaminated the air, water, and soil. Hopewell has been nicknamed the “Chemical Capital of the South” and the “City of Smokestacks”. The city also has a high crime rate, with a violent crime rate of 1,019 per 100,000 residents, which is more than four times the national average. The median household income in Hopewell is $41,305, and the poverty rate is 19.6%.
4. Petersburg
Petersburg is a city in central Virginia that has a rich history as a Civil War battleground and a center of African American culture. However, the city has also faced many challenges, such as racial segregation, urban decay, and fiscal mismanagement. Petersburg has a high crime rate, with a violent crime rate of 1,036 per 100,000 residents, which is more than four times the national average. The median household income in Petersburg is $35,528, and the poverty rate is 27.9%. The city also has a low educational attainment, with only 15.6% of adults having a bachelor’s degree or higher.
5. Marion
Marion is a town in southwestern Virginia that is known for its historic downtown and its proximity to the Appalachian Trail. However, the town has also suffered from the loss of manufacturing jobs and the opioid epidemic. Marion has a high crime rate, with a violent crime rate of 1,006 per 100,000 residents, which is more than four times the national average. The median household income in Marion is $32,551, and the poverty rate is 23.8%. The unemployment rate is 8.7%, and the town has one of the highest drug overdose rates in the state.
6. Danville
Danville is a city in southern Virginia that was once a thriving tobacco and textile hub. However, the city has experienced a long decline since the 1980s, when many of its factories closed or moved overseas. Danville has a high crime rate, with a violent crime rate of 1,019 per 100,000 residents, which is more than four times the national average. The median household income in Danville is $34,951, and the poverty rate is 25.9%. The unemployment rate is 9.8%, and the city has one of the lowest median home values in the state.
7. Roanoke
Roanoke is a city in western Virginia that is known for its scenic location in the Blue Ridge Mountains and its cultural attractions. However, the city also has some drawbacks, such as a high cost of living, a low quality of life, and a lack of economic diversity. Roanoke has a high crime rate, with a violent crime rate of 1,015 per 100,000 residents, which is more than four times the national average. The median household income in Roanoke is $41,483, and the poverty rate is 21.9%. The city also has a high tax burden, with a property tax rate of $1.22 per $100 of assessed value.
Conclusion
These are some of the Virginia towns that people are fleeing as soon as possible. They have various reasons for leaving, such as high crime, low income, poor education, or environmental issues. While these towns may have some redeeming qualities, they are not enough to outweigh the negatives. Therefore, many residents are looking for better opportunities elsewhere.