Is this town really the worst place to live in Colorado? Find out why a study says so

Clifton, an unincorporated town of about 20,000 people on Colorado’s Western Slope, was named the worst place to live in the state by financial news site 24/7 Wall St.

The site’s study picked the worst place to live in every state, compiling its rankings using 22 factors such as poverty rates, household income and deaths from substance abuse. The data sources for the rankings include the U.S. Census Bureau, the FBI and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Here’s what the numbers say about Clifton — nestled between Grand Junction and Palisades — and what supporters of the city like about it.

Why did Clifton rank poorly?

Clifton fell well behind the rest of the state by several financial metrics. Its poverty rate of 17.6% was almost twice the state’s 9.6%. The median home value of $166,900 was less than half the state average of $397,500. And the median household income of $49,350 was a little above 60% of the state’s average of $80,184.

Clifton actually had slightly less drug-induced mortality, with 25.5 deaths per 100,000 people, compared with the state’s average of 26.5 per 100,000.

What brings people to Clifton?

By virtue of its location, Clifton provides easy access to the agriculture-rich region of southwest Colorado. It sits near wineries, orchards and farms with all varieties of seasonal produce, as well as access to good locations for outdoor recreation, according to online travel guide Uncover Colorado.

More: How friendly are people in Colorado? See how the state stacks up in new study

What are the worst places to live in neighboring states?

The 24/7 Wall St. report taps New Kingman-Butler, Arizona; Price, Utah; Riverton, Wyoming; Española, New Mexico; Lexington, Nebraska; Poteau, Oklahoma; and Augusta, Kansas, as the worst cities in their respective states.     

Nate Trela covers trending news in Colorado and Utah for the USA TODAY Network.