Erie, PA is a Rust Belt City that has certainly seen some better days. With a soaring poverty rate of over 25%, and a violent crime rate of 64% over the national average, what exactly is causing this? Without a doubt there are some nice area's, but a lot of it is..well...kinda run down. Amenities are excellent though, and the cost of living is certainly more affordable than many other places in the United States. Average income is 30% LESS than the national average, so that is certainly a consideration when thinking about moving to Erie. Let's take a drive and check out some of the most impacted areas.