The Saddest, Unhappiest Cities in America

11. Modesto, California

Although the unemployment numbers are slowly decreasing here, the number of people without jobs is still high. The area has also had issues with groundwater contamination and exposure to other chemicals due to industrial waste. Many residents say they have ongoing health issues as a result. The area has also had to deal with a shortage of physicians, with about 40 primary care doctors per 100,000 people. This is far below the federal health agencies’ recommendations of a minimum of 60.

• Unemployment Rate: 14.80%
• Divorce Rate: 11.7%
• Three-Year Change in Earnings Per Individual: 1.12%
• Well-Being Index Score: 61.40
• Mental Health Days: 4.1
• Misery Score: 77.6