Fair Oaks, Georgia
This small census-designated neighborhood in Cobb County was named for the abundance of large oak trees that can be found there, which is a good way to keep your mind on the bright side. Aside from the natural beauty of the area, Fair Oaks is characterized by low income and poor quality of life, with nearly a third of the population living below the federal poverty line. The median household income in this area is only $38,832, despite the fact that the median home value is well over $100,000. According to the Urban Institute, Cobb County is one of the most difficult places to find affordable housing in the entire state of Georgia. According to the most recent data, there are only 18 affordable housing units available for every 100 renter households earning an extremely low income.
Makaha, Hawaii
Even though Makaha, a tiny town on the Hawaiian island of O’ahu, is known for its absolutely gorgeous stretch of white sand beach, you might not want to live there if you want to enjoy the scenery. Its average household income is almost $51,000, which is high compared to the other cities on this list but not particularly impressive in such a costly state as New Jersey. The poverty rate is close to 30%, and the unemployment rate is close to 17%, according to the most recent figures. It can be difficult to keep a roof over one’s head in those circumstances. According to the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s 2019 report to Congress, Hawaii has the second-highest rate of homelessness in the country. According to the Star-Advertiser, nearly 7,000 people became homeless on the island of Oahu during that year.