Let’s face it: Everyone has their vices, but not every city is known for them. “Sin cities” possess a unique allure, often blending a vibrant atmosphere with a hint of transgression.
A recent WalletHub study ranked 180 U.S. cities based on their level of sin. This ranking considered factors from violent crimes per capita to the number of adult entertainment establishments.
The study evaluated cities based on seven categories: Anger & Hatred, Jealousy, Excesses & Vices, Greed, Lust, Vanity, and Laziness. The higher the score, the more sinful the city.
1. Las Vegas, Nevada
They don’t call it “Sin City” without reason. Las Vegas is the most sinful city in America, with a total vice index of 63. It also ranked fourth for lust and first for greed.
This city is known for its casinos, nightlife, and entertainment, which contribute to its reputation as a place where indulgence is not only accepted but encouraged. Las Vegas offers a unique blend of attractions that cater to various vices, solidifying its place as the ultimate destination for those seeking to indulge.
2. Houston, Texas
Houston scored a total vice index of 57.21, ranking second overall. It ranked first for lust, with a large number of adult entertainment establishments and a concerning amount of violence.
Known for its diverse culture and booming industries, Houston also harbors a darker side that contributes to its sinful allure.
The combination of adult entertainment and high crime rates creates an environment where vices can thrive, making Houston a notable entry on the list.
3. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia had an index score of 56.83. Vanity is the major sin in Philadelphia, which had more online searches for “plastic surgery” than any other city studied.
This indicates a strong focus on physical appearance and a desire for cosmetic enhancements among its residents.
The city’s emphasis on vanity sets it apart from other sin cities, where different vices may be more prominent. Philadelphia’s unique position highlights how different forms of “sin” can manifest in urban environments.
4. Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles had a total sin index of 55.12. It ranked third for lust and 14th for anger and hatred. Despite a reduction in crime in recent years, the city still has a large number of homicides and a high concentration of adult entertainment establishments.
The presence of a large entertainment industry contributes to its sinful reputation. Despite efforts to reduce crime, Los Angeles continues to grapple with issues that contribute to its ranking as one of America’s most sinful cities.
5. Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta’s sin index score was 55.11. It ranked second in lust and fourth in jealousy, indicating a high rate of theft and fraud.
This combination of factors contributes to Atlanta’s reputation as a city with a notable level of sinful activity.
The city’s economic and social dynamics appear to foster an environment where these vices can flourish.
Atlanta’s high rankings in lust and jealousy underscore the complex interplay of factors that define a “sinful” city.
6. Denver, Colorado
Denver scored 53.86 on the sin index. The city ranked 8th for anger and hatred, with violent crimes increasing with every resident.
As one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S., Denver faces challenges associated with rapid population growth, including a rise in violent crime.
The increasing rate of violent crimes contributes to the city’s sinful profile, particularly in the categories of anger and hatred. Denver’s struggle with rising crime amid growth positions it as a city grappling with emerging vices.
7. Dallas, Texas
Dallas scored 53.12 on WalletHub’s sin index. The Texas city ranked 5th for lust and 16th for jealousy due to a large number of adult entertainment establishments and more than its fair share of property crimes.
The prevalence of adult entertainment establishments, combined with property crime, contributes to Dallas’s ranking as a sin city. Dallas presents a complex picture of a city struggling with various forms of illicit behavior.
8. Phoenix, Arizona
Phoenix ranked 6th for lust, earning a 53.01 on the sin index. Cabarets and other nighttime adult entertainment establishments are popular in the city.
This prevalence contributes to its high ranking in the category of lust. The city’s vibrant nightlife and adult entertainment scene play a significant role in shaping its sinful reputation. Phoenix’s focus on nighttime adult entertainment helps define its unique position on the list.
9. Miami, Florida
Miami’s sin index score was 53.01. Its highest rankings were in lust (7th place) and jealousy (10th place). Miami is the number one region in the U.S. for identity theft.
This combination of factors contributes to Miami’s reputation as a city with a notable level of sinful activity.
The city’s unique blend of cultural influences and economic opportunities may foster an environment where these vices can thrive. Miami’s status as a hub for identity theft adds another layer to its complex sinful profile.
10. Cleveland, Ohio
The total index score for Cleveland was 52.05. The Forest City ranked especially high for anger and hatred (3rd) and excess and vices (5th).
Ohio is one of the most obese states, and there are 1,102 fast-food restaurants in Cuyahoga County, where Cleveland is located.
Cleveland’s high ranking in these categories suggests significant challenges related to anger, hatred, and overindulgence.
The abundance of fast-food restaurants may contribute to the city’s struggle with excess and vices. Cleveland’s presence on the list highlights how various social and economic factors can contribute to a city’s sinful reputation.
11. St. Louis, Missouri
St. Louis had a sin index score of 51.56. It had a third-place finish in excesses and vices, potentially due to increasing drug and substance abuse issues.
This suggests that substance abuse may be a significant factor contributing to the city’s high ranking in this category.
St. Louis’s struggle with substance abuse highlights the complex challenges it faces in addressing its sinful profile.
12. Orlando, Florida
Orlando took 7th place for anger and hatred and has an overall sin index score of 51.24. Many factors were considered for the anger and hatred score, including the number of hate groups in the city.
The presence of hate groups contributes to its high ranking in the category of anger and hatred. Orlando’s association with anger and hatred issues sets it apart from other cities on the list, where different vices may be more prominent.
13. Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Baton Rouge scored 50.51 on WalletHub’s sin index. It managed a 5th-place finish in jealousy, which could be due to a high number of property crimes.
This suggests that property crime may be a significant factor contributing to the city’s high ranking in this category.
Baton Rouge’s struggle with property crime highlights the complex challenges it faces in addressing its sinful profile.
14. New York City, New York
New York City scored 50.19 on the sin index. Its highest category was lust, although it also scored high in anger and hatred.
New York City’s sinful reputation is multifaceted, encompassing both lust and anger and hatred.
The city’s diverse and fast-paced environment may contribute to the prevalence of these vices. New York City’s presence on the list underscores the complex interplay of factors that define a “sinful” city
Alicia Richards