Louisiana has many varied cultures, but it also faces certain challenges. Some of the 64 parishes, as well as numerous cities and towns, have a higher standard of living, safety, and possibilities.
According to a recent 24/7 Wall St. survey, the least desirable place to live in Louisiana is Marksville, the principal city in Avoyelles Parish.
| About Marksville | |
| Population | 5,500 |
| Poverty rate | 41.70% |
| Median household income | $23,483 |
| Violent crime rate | 2,537 per 100,000 |
| Educational attainment | 68.9% high school diploma, 9.8% bachelor’s degree or higher |
| Employment rate | 47.20% |
Marksville is the worst city to live in Louisiana
With a population of approximately 5,500, Marksville has a poverty rate of 41.7%, which is greater than the state average of 14.6%. The typical household income in Marksville is $23,483, which accounts for less than half of the state median of $51,073.
Because of their low earnings, many locals struggle to afford basic necessities such as housing, healthcare, and education.
Marksville also suffers from high crime rates, notably violent crime. The city has the second highest violent crime rate in the state, at 2,537 per 100,000 population, whereas the state average is 537 per 100,000. In the state, Marksville ranks fourth in killings and twelfth in rapes.
In the city, one in every fifteen people is a victim of theft or vandalism, and property crime is particularly prevalent.
In Marksville, 68.9% of adults have a high school diploma, while only 9.8% have a bachelor’s degree or above. This demonstrates a low degree of educational achievement in the neighborhood.
Furthermore, the city has a low employment rate—only 47.2% of individuals of working age are employed, compared to the state’s 56.9% number. Many Marksville residents have restricted opportunities and potential due to a lack of educational and employment opportunities.
However, Marksville does have its fair share of historical landmarks and attractions. The Marksville State Historic Site, located in the city, preserves a collection of prehistoric Native American mounds and artifacts.
The city also hosts the annual Cochon de Lait Festival, which recalls the Cajun ritual of roasting a suckling pig. In addition, the Louisiana Tunica-Biloxi Tribe has a casino resort in Marksville.
Even while Marksville has some great qualities, the harsh realities of underdevelopment, crime, and poverty outweigh them.
Additional funds, help, and intervention are required to improve the living conditions and opportunities for the city’s residents. Marksville will always be the worst location to live in Louisiana till that day.
Government’s role in the Marksville situation
The government should do more to support Marksville and its residents. They can:
- Increase funding and support for programs that benefit individuals, such as food stamps, housing assistance, healthcare, and education.
- Improve law enforcement and security by increasing the number of police officers, installing cameras, and preventing criminal activity.
- Increase the number of businesses and jobs in the area by investing and growing it, such as creating industrial zones and luring enterprises.
- Help the tribal community by preserving key places, holding festivals, and promoting local culture and history.
Conclusion
Marksville, Louisiana grapples with profound challenges, marked by high poverty, crime rates, and limited opportunities. By fostering collaboration and addressing systemic issues, there is hope to lift Marksville from its status as the least desirable place to live in Louisiana, ushering in positive change for its community.