Mildura, Australia

Capital City

Living in Mildura comes with tradeoffs. The population is just 35,652, yet the city has a crime rate that ranks among the highest in rural Victoria. Locals also face a persistent bureaucratic headache - the city spent nearly $2 million fighting a controversial state proposal to build a toxic waste facility nearby. And the climate is harsh, with hot summers and frigid winters that can devastate the area's vital agriculture. Still, Mildura is a major center for wine and fruit production, offering economic opportunities for those willing to navigate its challenges.