Top 10 Worst Places to Live in the UK

Some cities in the UK are the worst because of the high crime rate, unavailability of necessities, pollution, unemployment, high rentals, drug issues, and various other factors. If you are relocating, you might prefer to avoid these cities to live in the UK.

In this article, we will share the top 10 worst places to live in the UK. We will compare cities in different factors and share some recent statistics.

Top 10 Worst Place To Live In UK

We have selected the top 10 worst cities by considering various factors, including crime rates, socioeconomic disparities, drug issues, inadequate basic facilities, unemployment, pollution, and traffic congestion.

Blackpool

Blackpool is one of the most dangerous places in the UK with extremely high crime rates, deprivation, and inequality.

According to the statistics, the crime rate in Blackpool was recorded at 161.5 crimes per 1,000 people. In 2017, it was ranked as the most deprived city in England. It lacks in providing necessities to the residents. It also suffers economically, with low wages and high unemployment rates.

Bradford

Bradford is the 2nd most dangerous and worst place in the UK. According to recent crime statistics, the overall crime rate ranges from 130 to 156 crimes per 1,000 people. The crimes witnessed are mostly theft, burglary, and high drug offences.

The healthcare facilities are getting worse every year, with low life expectancy. It also has high air and light pollution, which is hazardous to children. The traffic index is sufficiently high, due to which CO2 emissions are damaging the environment.

Leeds

Leeds is also the most violent place in the UK, with almost 40000+ violent cases reported in 2024. However, its overall crime rate is recorded as 150 crimes per 1,000 people. Being a city center, it remains populated day and night. In some areas, high shoplifting, theft from persons, and drug-related offences are recorded.

It also has high traffic congestion issues, which affect the students and professionals. According to sources, the cost of living is also elevated, with rentals being the top.

Birmingham

According to 2024 statistics, Birmingham has an overall crime rate of over 130 crimes per 1,000 people. Some of its wards have higher crime rates than the city's average. The city is covered with high rates of armed theft, antisocial behavior, shoplifting, and vehicle crimes.

Being the second-largest city, it lacks adequate transportation infrastructure and often experiences congestion. With a higher population, it also struggles with housing and education. In economic terms, the utilities and rentals are getting uplifted over basic wages.

Leicester

Leicester has an overall crime rate of almost 131 crimes per 1000 people, with high violent crimes. It often experienced late-night public offences and theft from persons. It also has murder cases reported in which the killer was a youngster.

Other factors include high CO2 emissions, mainly from cars, around 61.4%. Additionally, the travel time to work or school is longer due to traffic congestion.

Liverpool

Liverpool is one of the largest cities in England, with a dense population. The overall crime rate is recorded to be 125 crimes per 1000 people. With high tourist attractions, it receives high antisocial behavior and drunk cases. However, the violent and property crimes still seem to be high.

With a high population, it experiences overcrowding on the streets and in the city center. It also affects housing for large families due to the unavailability and high cost of private rentals. In some areas, the life expectancy is also very low.

Newcastle

Newcastle is also a top-tier city, but it is experiencing high property and violent crimes at night. According to the crime stats, the crime rate is 119 crimes per 1000 people. Gang activities are also the top crimes in the city.

Despite the housing being cheaper, it lacks modern infrastructure. Due to vibrant nightlife, the people are engaged in drug-related activities, raising health concerns.

Cardiff

Cardiff has reported an overall crime rate of 115 per 1000 people. It has also reported murder cases in 2023. The crime trend is increasing every year, which raises safety concerns.

With a high student population, the rentals are higher. The expenses for rentals, Markets, and restaurants are higher compared to other cities.

Nottingham

According to the sources, Nottingham has a crime rate of 110 crimes per 1000 people. It has higher violent crime rates, but they are dropping each year by 2-5%. The city center and surrounding neighborhoods have reportedly higher crime rates.

With a high youth population, the employment opportunities are very low. Drug supply is very common, which affects youngsters.

Manchester

Manchester is one of the popular cities in the UK, but it falls in the dangerous ones. It has a reportedly higher crime rate of over 100-105 crimes per 1000 people. With a large population and transport hub, theft, violence, and shoplifting remain elevated in the city.

It faces several inequalities and a housing crisis due to high rentals. The car traffic creates heavy congestion and air quality issues. Moreover, it has a higher number of homeless individuals.

Source: Numbeo, Office of Health Improvement Disparities, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, JSNA Blackpool

Why These UK Places Are Worst?

These UK places are the worst because of different factors. Here's what we have considered.

• Crime rate
• Economic issues,
• Lack of Basic facilities
• Drug crisis
• High cost of living
• Low wages
• Unemployment
• Traffic congestion
• Homelessness

We have examined these factors to compile the top 10 worst cities in the UK. It's challenging for people to live here due to these issues, which is why it is better to consider other cities.

Safety Tips For Living Worst Places In England

Be Cautious: Remain cautious of the surrounding people and place. Pay special attention to your valuable items. It is advised to keep a charged backup mobile phone with you to use in emergencies.

Report Activities: If you find anything unusual, leave the area and call the local police. Reporting activities helps in reducing issues.

Plan Your Route: Before you go out, plan your route. Always select well-lit and public areas at night. Avoid talking to strangers and keep your valuable items out of sight.

Parking Safety: Park your car in a well-lit and public area. Hide everything and ensure the doors are locked.

Neighborhood Communities: Get to know your neighbors and stay informed about the crimes. Talk to your neighbors and participate in neighborhood activities.

Install a Security Camera: For the safety of your home, consider installing an advanced security camera, such as the Reolink Atlas PT Ultra. It offers 4K resolution with a 360° pan and tilt view to cover all the blind spots. It is equipped with solar panels that charge your battery and provide 500 days of backup.

FAQs

1. Where is the least safe place to live in the UK?

Blackpool is the least safe place to live in the UK. It has an overall crime rate of 161.5 crimes per 1000 people, with major crimes being violent ones.

2. Where is the cheapest place to live in the UK?

Durham is the cheapest place to live in the UK. However, some reports indicate that Belfast is more affordable in terms of utilities and rentals.

3. Where is crime lowest in the UK?

York and Devon are the safest areas with low violent and property crime rates. They have an overall crime rate of 50-55 crimes per 1000 people, with the lowest violent crimes.

Conclusion

We have listed the worst places to live in the UK. These cities have the highest crime statistics, socioeconomic issues, poverty, and various other problems. You can avoid these places if you are looking to relocate to any city in the UK. Before moving, be sure to research the crime rate and other local issues. And no matter where you are, pay special attention to your safety and ensure safety measures.