Iowa is renowned for its cost-effective living environment, hospitable citizens, and cornfields. However, not every municipality in Iowa presents an optimal residential environment. Certain municipalities contend with elevated levels of criminal activity, constrained financial resources, and an inadequate standard of living. Consisting of an extensive index that incorporates a multitude of social and economic indicators, 24/7 Wall St. identified the least desirable city for habitation in every state. Fort Madison, which is located in the southeastern corner of Iowa, holds this distinction.

An increase in crime rates

A disproportionately high crime rate is one of the primary factors that designate Fort Madison the least desirable city to reside in Iowa. In 2021, Fort Madison recorded 2,820 property crimes and 1,020 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, both of which were more than double the national averages, according to FBI data.

In addition, with 12 homicides in 2021, the municipality had the regrettable distinction of having the greatest murder rate in the state. Consequently, Fort Madison inhabitants are confronted with a probability of one in 98 of falling victim to violent crime and one in 35 of encountering property crime.

A decline in earnings and an increase in poverty

The already adverse status of Fort Madison is exacerbated by its elevated poverty rates and low income levels. During the year 2021, the median household income in Fort Madison was recorded at $40,598, which was roughly $20,000 lower than the median income for the entire nation.

Additionally, the municipality contends with a poverty rate of 22.7%, surpassing the national average of 10.5%. Furthermore, in 2021, an estimated 30% of the juvenile population in Fort Madison was residing in poverty, a situation that has the potential to negatively impact their well-being, academic achievements, and future opportunities.

Inadequate Quality of Life

Fort Madison exhibits a comparatively diminished quality of life in relation to other urban centers in Iowa and the rest of the country. The educational attainment of the adult population in the city is notably low, standing at 16.8%. This stands in striking contrast to the national average of 33.1%. Furthermore, Fort Madison is confronted with an elevated unemployment rate of 7.6% among its labor force in 2021, which stands in contrast to the national rate of 5.7%.

With a mere 1.4 primary care physicians per 100,000 residents, the city encounters difficulties in ensuring healthcare accessibility, which stands in striking contrast to the national average of 75.8. Additionally, premature fatalities are more prevalent in Fort Madison, where 10,900 years of potential life are lost per 100,000 residents before the age of 75, compared to 6,700 for the entire nation.

To wrap up

In summary, 24/7 Wall St.’s research indicates that Fort Madison is the least desirable municipality in Iowa for residential purposes. The challenges faced by the municipality include a significant increase in criminal activity, declining household incomes, and an inadequate standard of living. As a result, the inhabitants of Fort Madison are confronted with an extensive array of obstacles and hazards, which may move some to consider relocating to a more stable and prosperous municipality in Iowa or another location.