16. East St. Louis, Illinois
East St. Louis once thrived as a major industrial center, drawing workers from across the region. As factories shuttered and jobs vanished, the city endured dramatic depopulation, leaving behind widespread poverty and crumbling infrastructure. Residents have long battled not only economic hardship but also severe environmental hazards from industrial pollution. For further insight into East St. Louis’s challenges and resilience, consult St. Louis Public Radio.
