Top Cities Where Residents Are Considering a Move

A recent study conducted by Rocket Moving evaluated cities from all 50 U.S. states to identify locations that people might want to leave. This analysis assessed seven key factors: crime rates, cost of living, unemployment, and even the frequency of Google searches for “moving out.”

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The following list highlights the top 10 cities where Americans are remaining, despite various financial, social, and environmental issues that suggest other options might be better:

Camden, New Jersey

• Composite score: 100.0
• Personal income: $767,174
• Crime rate: 87.50
• Air quality index: 52
• Unemployment rate (as of July, %): 4.7
• Searches for “Moving out of Camden”: 140,000
• Population change (2020 to 2024): 53
• Cost of living index: 114.1

Camden ranks as the most concerning city for potential movers. Despite a high crime rate and a significant unemployment issue, the population actually increased between 2020 and 2024.

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Cleveland, Ohio

• Composite score: 98.5
• Personal income: $731,787
• Crime rate: 73.77
• Air quality index: 75
• Unemployment rate (as of July, %): 4.5
• Searches for “Moving out of Cleveland”: 152,600
• Population change (2020 to 2024): -10,199
• Cost of living index: 94.0

Cleveland has experienced a significant outflow, losing over 10,000 residents in recent years. With a crime rate near 74 and unemployment at 4.5%, it’s understandable why many are looking to relocate.

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Rockford, Illinois

• Composite score: 98.3
• Personal income: $911,804
• Crime rate: 82.09
• Air quality index: 55
• Unemployment rate (as of July, %): 5.2
• Searches for “Moving out of Rockford”: 200,200
• Population change (2020 to 2024): -1,019
• Cost of living index: 90.8

Rockford holds the highest unemployment rate on this list at 5.2%, paired with a crime rate of 82.09. The staggering amount of over 200,000 Google searches for “moving out” indicates many residents are seeking new opportunities.

Stockton, California

• Composite score: 97.8
• Personal income: $3,218,470
• Crime rate: 84.91
• Air quality index: 46
• Unemployment rate (as of July, %): 4.9
• Searches for “Moving out of Stockton”: 487,200
• Population change (2020 to 2024): -172
• Cost of living index: 134.5

Stockton faces challenges, as crime rates remain high and the city sees nearly 500,000 searches for “moving out.” With an unemployment rate nearing 5%, residents are concerned despite impressive personal income figures.

St. Louis, Missouri

• Composite score: 95.4
• Personal income: $390,378
• Crime rate: 84.32
• Air quality index: 59
• Unemployment rate (as of July, %): 3.8
• Searches for “Moving out of St. Louis”: 96,600
• Population change (2020 to 2024): -7,186
• Cost of living index: 88.4

St. Louis has seen a loss of over 7,000 residents since 2020. The high crime rate of 84.32 contributes to this trend. While the unemployment rate is relatively low compared to other cities on this list, ongoing social and economic issues persist, making it difficult for some to remain.

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Pueblo, Colorado

• Composite score: 95.0
• Personal income: $478,444
• Crime rate: 75.09
• Air quality index: 17
• Unemployment rate (as of July, %): 3.9
• Searches for “Moving out of Pueblo”: 175,000
• Population change (2020 to 2024): -23
• Cost of living index: 105.5

Pueblo boasts excellent air quality; however, rising living costs and a notable crime rate hinder its appeal to residents.

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High Costs and Safety Concerns Encourage Migration from Major U.S. Cities

As living expenses rise and safety becomes a pressing issue, many residents are reevaluating their choices in some cities across the United States.

Honolulu

• Composite score: 94.7
• Personal income: $96,950
• Level of crime: 51.63
• Air quality index: 42
• Unemployment rates as of July (%): 2.9
• Searches for “Moving out of [city]”: 37,800
• Population change from 2020 to 2024: -9,017
• Cost of living index: 179.0

Despite its beautiful scenery, Honolulu’s cost of living index of 179.0 makes it a costly place to call home. Although the crime and unemployment rates are relatively low, more than 9,000 residents have left since 2020.

Macon, Georgia

• Composite score: 92.5
• Personal income: $668,464
• Level of crime: 86.23
• Air quality index: 42
• Unemployment rates as of July (%): 3.4
• Searches for “Moving out of [city]”: 217,000
• Population change from 2020 to 2024: -3,364
• Cost of living index: 91.0

With a high crime rate of 86.23, Macon, Georgia faces a major challenge in retaining its residents. Although the cost of living is affordable compared to many areas, about 3,000 people have left recently due to safety concerns.

Baltimore

• Composite score: 92.1
• Personal income: $469,899
• Level of crime: 86.84
• Air quality index: 56
• Unemployment rates as of July (%): 2.8
• Searches for “Moving out of [city]”: 96,600
• Population change from 2020 to 2024: -6,659
• Cost of living index: 119.5

In Baltimore, the good news of a low unemployment rate is overshadowed by a problematic crime rate of 86.84. Over 6,600 residents have chosen to leave, driven by concerns for their safety amid rising living costs.

Springfield, Massachusetts

• Composite score: 91.4
• Personal income: $628,992
• Level of crime: 85.82
• Air quality index: 48
• Unemployment rates as of July (%): 3.5
• Searches for “Moving out of [city]”: 96,600
• Population change from 2020 to 2024: 649
• Cost of living index: 148.4

Springfield presents its own set of challenges, notably a high cost of living at 148.4 and a crime rate of 85.82. Interestingly, the city saw a slight population increase with 649 new residents, though continuing high costs may threaten this trend.

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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 10 Cities Americans Should Leave (But They Aren’t

The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

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