Is This California City Really the Worst Place to Live? Find Out!

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East Bakersfield, located in Kern County, has earned the title of the worst place to live in California, according to a recent study.

The research, conducted by 24/7 Wall St., ranked communities across the U.S. based on a variety of factors, including poverty levels, access to affordable housing, and crime rates. Unfortunately for East Bakersfield, it scored poorly in nearly all these areas.

The study drew from reliable sources such as the U.S. Census Bureau, FBI, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

These data points revealed that East Bakersfield struggles with a 44.8% poverty rate, which is significantly higher than the California average of 12.3%. The local population, approximately 11,000 residents, faces numerous challenges tied to this extreme poverty.

Concerning Crime and Addiction Rates

Crime and addiction issues further weigh down East Bakersfield. The community’s drug-induced mortality rate stands at 42 deaths per 100,000 people, which is nearly double the state’s average of 23 deaths per 100,000.

These statistics reflect the harsh realities faced by residents, making it difficult for families and individuals to thrive.

A Rich History, But Ongoing Struggles

Interestingly, East Bakersfield was not always a part of Bakersfield. The area was originally called Sumner and later renamed Kern City.

In 1910, Bakersfield officially annexed the region, although many locals and official data sources still refer to it as East Bakersfield.

Despite its rich history, the modern-day community faces significant social and economic challenges that hinder its growth.

The lack of access to affordable housing and higher-than-average crime rates are just some of the struggles that residents deal with daily.

Worst Places to Live Across the U.S.

East Bakersfield isn’t alone in facing such difficulties. Here are other communities across the United States that share similar struggles with poverty rates:

• Alabama: Atmore (36.9%)
• Alaska: Tanaina (10.9%)
• Arizona: New Kingman-Butler (23.3%)
• Arkansas: Helena-West Helena (43.0%)
• California: East Bakersfield (44.8%)
• Colorado: Clifton (17.6%)
• Connecticut: Thompsonville (23.7%)
• Delaware: Smyrna (13.8%)
• Florida: Beverly Hills (27.6%)
• Georgia: Fort Valley (33.5%)
• Hawaii: Makaha (31.2%)
• Idaho: Blackfoot (13.9%)
• Illinois: Cahokia (35.4%)
• Indiana: Lake Station (18.1%)
• Iowa: Denison (25.2%)
• Kansas: Augusta (11.4%)
• Kentucky: Somerset (30.6%)
• Louisiana: Bastrop (44.0%)
• Maine: Brewer (15.5%)
• Maryland: Hagerstown (25.5%)
• Massachusetts: Holyoke (26.5%)
• Michigan: Beecher (32.4%)
• Minnesota: Cambridge (8.4%)
• Mississippi: Yazoo City (39.1%)
• Missouri: Troy (10.8%)
• Montana: Helena Valley Southeast (15.4%)
• Nebraska: Lexington (15.4%)
• Nevada: Pahrump (14.4%)
• New Hampshire: Claremont (16.7%)
• New Jersey: Bridgeton (35.1%)
• New Mexico: Española (19.9%)
• New York: Amsterdam (23.8%)
• North Carolina: Oxford (24.0%)
• North Dakota: Dickinson (12.3%)
• Ohio: East Liverpool (29.0%)
• Oklahoma: Poteau (22.5%)
• Oregon: Sutherlin (14.7%)
• Pennsylvania: Uniontown (24.8%)
• Rhode Island: Central Falls (24.9%)
• South Carolina: Lancaster (35.5%)
• South Dakota: Huron (14.5%)
• Tennessee: Bloomingdale (20.9%)
• Texas: Eidson Road (34.8%)
• Utah: Price (17.1%)
• Vermont: Barre (23.7%)
• Virginia: Bellwood (20.4%)
• Washington: Kelso (21.1%)
• West Virginia: Bluefield (20.6%)
• Wisconsin: Two Rivers (9.0%)
• Wyoming: Riverton (13.5%)

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Finding Hope in the Future

While East Bakersfield is currently one of the most challenging places to live in California, there is always hope for improvement.

Community programs, increased funding for social services, and economic initiatives can help lift residents out of poverty and reduce crime over time. With the right support and investments, East Bakersfield’s future could be brighter than its present.