These 9 NJ Cities Rank Among America’s Most Miserable
New Jersey holds the dubious distinction of having nine cities ranked among the 50 most miserable urban areas in America, according to a comprehensive analysis of census data conducted by Business Insider.
The Garden State claims the second-highest number of cities on the list, trailing only California, which placed ten municipalities in the ranking of the nation’s most challenging places to live.
How “Misery” Was Measured
The Business Insider study examined multiple metrics from 1,000 U.S. cities to determine their rankings, including population change, percentage of working adults, median household incomes, healthcare access, commute times, and poverty rates, according to ABC7 New York.
These factors, when combined, paint a picture of urban hardship that affects residents’ quality of life across multiple dimensions. The analysis reflects a wide range of challenges facing these communities, from economic struggles to infrastructure issues.
New Jersey’s “Miserable Nine”
Passaic earned the dubious honor of being New Jersey’s most miserable city, ranking fourth nationwide. With approximately 70,000 residents and 33% of its population living in poverty, Passaic faces significant challenges related to economic opportunity and social services, according to NBC New York.
Newark, the state’s largest city, ranked fifth on the national list, with 28% of its population living in poverty despite a 62% employment rate. Other New Jersey cities in the top 30 include New Brunswick (11th), Union City (15th), Trenton (17th), Paterson (19th), West New York (29th), and Plainfield (30th).
Common Challenges Across Cities
Several recurring issues emerge across New Jersey’s struggling urban centers. High poverty rates, lengthy commute times, and limited healthcare access contribute significantly to the “misery index” scores.
New Brunswick, for example, has 35% of its residents living in poverty despite being home to Rutgers University. Trenton, the state capital, faces challenges with neighborhood violence and has a 27% poverty rate, while densely populated Union City packs 68,000 residents into just 1.28 square miles.
Historical Context and Recent Efforts
Many of the cities on the list have struggled for decades with deindustrialization, disinvestment, and population shifts. However, several have implemented revitalization initiatives in recent years aimed at addressing these persistent challenges.
Newark, for instance, has seen significant downtown redevelopment and increased investment in recent years. Paterson has focused on historical preservation and cultural tourism to leverage its industrial heritage, while New Brunswick continues to expand its healthcare and education sectors through partnerships with Rutgers University.
