Pennsylvania is a state with a rich history, diverse culture, and scenic beauty. However, not all of its towns are equally attractive to live in. Some of them are facing serious challenges such as high crime rates, low incomes, poor education, and environmental issues. These factors have led many residents to leave these towns in search of better opportunities elsewhere. Here are five Pennsylvania towns that people are fleeing as soon as possible.

Chester

Chester is a city in Delaware County, located on the Delaware River. It was once a thriving industrial and manufacturing hub, but it has suffered from deindustrialization, urban decay, and social problems. Chester has the highest violent crime rate in the state, with 2,446 per 100,000 residents in 2019. It also has the lowest median household income, at $29,954. The poverty rate is 38.4%, and the unemployment rate is 10.9%. The city’s population has declined by 8.3% since 2010, from 33,972 to 31,118.

Johnstown

Johnstown is a city in Cambria County, located in the Allegheny Mountains. It is famous for its steel industry and the 1889 flood that killed over 2,200 people. However, the steel industry collapsed in the 1970s and 1980s, leaving the city with a shrinking economy and population. Johnstown has the second-lowest median household income in the state, at $24,294. The poverty rate is 37.9%, and the unemployment rate is 9.4%. The city’s population has declined by 9.5% since 2010, from 20,978 to 18,994.

Duquesne

Duquesne is a city in Allegheny County, located along the Monongahela River. It was once a prosperous steel town, but it also suffered from the decline of the industry and the loss of jobs. Duquesne has the third-lowest median household income in the state, at $26,186. The poverty rate is 35.8%, and the unemployment rate is 11.1%. The city’s population has declined by 7.4% since 2010, from 5,565 to 5,152.

McKeesport

McKeesport is a city in Allegheny County, located at the confluence of the Monongahela and Youghiogheny rivers. It was also a major steel and coal center, but it faced similar challenges as Duquesne and Chester. McKeesport has the fourth-lowest median household income in the state, at $28,525. The poverty rate is 33.2%, and the unemployment rate is 9.8%. The city’s population has declined by 6.8% since 2010, from 19,731 to 18,398.

Reading

Reading is a city in Berks County, located in the southeastern part of the state. It was once a manufacturing and railroad hub, but it has experienced economic decline and social unrest. Reading has the fifth-lowest median household income in the state, at $30,823. The poverty rate is 36.4%, and the unemployment rate is 8.7%. The city’s population has declined by 1.6% since 2010, from 88,082 to 86,712.

Conclusion

These five towns are examples of the challenges that many Pennsylvania communities are facing in the 21st century. They have lost their economic vitality, their social cohesion, and their population. They are in need of revitalization, investment, and innovation. However, they also have potential, history, and culture. They are not hopeless, but they need help. Perhaps, by highlighting their plight, more attention and resources can be directed to them, and more people can be inspired to stay and make a difference.