These 3 Hawaii Cities Were Just Named The Worst In America — But We Disagree

Based on data gathered by 24/7 Wall St. from around the country, including an index of more than two dozen measures, USA Today recently released a list of the 50 worst places in America to live. The cities listed are said to have high crime rates, poverty, weak job markets, and little in the way of cultural attractions or entertainment options. Mendota, California was listed as the No. 1 Worst City of America, and three neighboring Oahu communities made the list: Makaha ranked at No. 4, Maili was ranked at No. 23, and Nanakuli was listed at No. 25. These three census-designated places are all nestled along Oahu’s often overlooked leeward coast, and to say we disagree with these rankings would be an understatement.

Barb Mayer/Flickr

It’s hard to deny the truth: these three Hawaiian cities rank poorly largely due to their high cost of living and low affordability. But what these rankings fail to consider, though, is that Hawaii, in general, is quite expensive.

Farragutful/Wikipedia

When compared with the rest of America, Hawaii’s cost of living is undoubtedly high, and in these three neighboring communities, goods and services in the area are approximately 60 percent higher than the national average.

Home prices, in particular, are drastic when compared to the rest of the mainland — median home prices range from $310,300 in Nanakuli to $436,200 in Maili — but we’re used to that here in Hawaii.

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Nicolai Edgar Andersen/Wikipedia

Unfortunately, the poverty rate in these three towns ranges from 16.2 percent to 30.1 percent, and the unemployment rate is nearly double the U.S. rate when it comes to five-year unemployment rates.

Unlike many of the cities on USA Today’s list of worst places in America, however, Nanakuli, Maili, and Makaha all received non-applicable rankings when it comes to violent crimes per 100,000 people, and our personal research revealed crime statistics lower than the national average. These towns, therefore, are ranked largely due to economic factors and not violent crime, an important distinction to make.

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With a combined population of approximately 30,000 people, these three census-designated communities are so much more than their statistics. Nestled between the Waianae Mountains and the vast Pacific Ocean, not only will you find incredible views here but terrific hiking trails and stunning beaches are a dime a dozen here.

Cat/Flickr

Though you will find fewer stores and restaurants in these communities than elsewhere on Oahu, close proximity to Kapolei, and the rest of Oahu, via Farrington Highway makes it easy to access anything you need without losing the area’s small-town vibes.

Megan Shute/OnlyInYourState.com

Unfortunately, many of the things that make life in Makaha, Maili, and Nanakuli great — a sense of community, plenty of Aloha spirit and sunshine, and miles upon miles of fine white sand — cannot be quantified. I think anyone who lives here can agree: the west side is the best side.

This incredible coastline is known for its breathtaking beaches, heavenly hiking trails, and awesome attractions, some of which were featured in this previous article.

Tell us, what do you think of these rankings? Do you live in Makaha, Maili, or Nanakuli?