Gadsden, AL, United States

Capital City

With a population of just 33,945, Gadsden is a sleepy Southern town struggling to reinvent itself after the decline of its industrial base. The median household income is a mere $28,386, and a quarter of the population lives below the poverty line. While the city's revitalization efforts have earned accolades, the lingering effects of deindustrialization continue to weigh heavily, with high rates of underemployment. Bureaucratic headaches are a persistent problem, as the city government grapples with managing this economic transition. For those seeking an affordable cost of living in a small, historic community, Gadsden may be worth considering, but the lack of economic opportunity makes it a tough sell for many.