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 England. We will compare cities in different factors and share some recent statistics.

Top 10 Worst Places To Live In UK

We have selected the top 10 worst cities in England 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.

Hackney

Hackney struggles with high crime rates and housing pressures, alongside rising living costs. While it has vibrant culture and nightlife, residents often report concerns about safety and affordability.

Barking and Dagenham

Barking and Dagenham faces challenges with unemployment, lower educational outcomes, and limited access to leisure facilities. The area also sees higher levels of anti-social behaviour compared to other parts of London.

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.

Newham

Newham has one of the highest population densities in London, contributing to congestion and strain on local services. The borough also experiences higher crime rates and lower income levels relative to the national average.

Sandwell

Located in the West Midlands, Sandwell suffers from economic deprivation and a lack of employment opportunities. Residents often face social challenges, including health disparities and limited access to quality education.

Burnley

Burnley, in Lancashire, experiences economic decline and unemployment issues. The town has struggled to attract investment, leading to limited amenities and social opportunities for residents.

Hastings

Hastings faces high levels of deprivation and unemployment, along with crime and poor housing conditions. Despite its seaside charm, many residents struggle with limited economic and social prospects.

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: gov.uk

Why These UK Places Are Worst?

• High Crime Rates – Many of these areas report above-average levels of theft, burglary, and anti-social behaviour.

• Economic Deprivation – Limited job opportunities and low income levels contribute to poverty and social challenges.

• Poor Housing Conditions – Aging or inadequate housing, overcrowding, and low property values affect quality of life.

• Low Educational Outcomes – Schools in some areas perform below national averages, limiting opportunities for local youth.

• Limited Amenities & Services – Fewer leisure facilities, healthcare services, and public transport options reduce convenience and wellbeing.

• Social Challenges – Higher levels of unemployment, health disparities, and social isolation impact residents’ happiness.

• Overcrowding & Congestion – Densely populated areas can struggle with traffic, public service strain, and limited green spaces.

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. What's the poorest place in the UK?

According to the IMD25, the most deprived neighborhood in England is located east of the Jaywick & St Osyth area in Clacton-on-Sea, Tendring (Tendring 018a).

2. What is the most unhappiest place in the UK?

Bexley has been ranked as one of the UK's least happy places to live. Data from RightMove, based on a survey of local residents, highlights the happiest and unhappiest areas across the UK.

3. Where is crime highest in the UK?

Wales has the highest crime rate, with around 70 reported crimes per 1,000 people.

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.