N.J. city rated the worst place in the nation for veterans to live

In honor of Veterans Day, the personal finance site WalletHub has put together a list of the worst cities for veterans, and whether or not surprising, a New Jersey city has topped the list this year.In honor of Veterans Day, the personal finance site WalletHub has put together a list of the worst cities for veterans, and whether or not surprising, a New Jersey city has topped the list this year.

Out of the 100 most populated U.S. cities, Newark — with the lowest veteran population and the third highest percentage of veterans living below the poverty line — ranked No. 100, despite the city also having the fourth lowest veteran unemployment rate.

Jersey City also ranked low at No. 81, despite having the fourth highest veteran wage growth.

Other “worst cities for veterans” included: Chicago; Memphis, Tennessee; San Bernardino, California; and Miami.

The top five best cities for veterans were: Lincoln, Nebraska; Gilbert, Arizona; Irvine, California; Madison, Wisconsin; and Boise, Idaho.

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WalletHub’s main criteria for each city included economic wellness, environmental, educational and health factors such as:

• Veteran population
• Veteran-owned businesses per veteran population
• Rate of job growth
• Rate of veteran wage growth
• Percentage of veterans living below the poverty line
• Percentage of military skill-related jobs
• Veteran unemployment rate
• Cost of living
• Housing affordability
• “Emotional Health” ranking

WalletHub also considered:

• Number of VA health facilities per veteran population
• Number of VA benefits administration facilities per veteran population
• “Patients’ willingness to recommend the veteran hospitals” score
• Educational opportunities
• Percentage of hospital appointments scheduled over 30 days
• Crime rate
• “Best & Worst Cities for Recreation” ranking
• “Cities with the Best & Worst Weather” ranking

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