Areas were ranked in a new index based on how prosperous they are and the quality of life for residents
Victoria Street in Wolverhampton city centre(Image: )
The most deprived towns and cities in Britain have been named.
Places were ranked in the new Demos-PwC Good Growth for Cities Index 2025, based on the quality of life and how prosperous there are.
Walsall has sunk to the bottom of the list in the latest version, with the Black Country town labelled the most deprived in Britain.
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Other Midlands towns and cities were also named low down on the list.
Birmingham is classed among the most deprived, third from bottom in 48th out of 50.
Nottingham was listed in 40th, with Wolverhampton one place higher in 39th.
Leicester was 32nd and Coventry was higher up in 26th.
These were the Midlands areas named in the bottom half of the list.
The most prosperous city in the Midlands, according to the index, is Stoke-on-Trent, in an impressive 13th place.
York topped the national list, followed by Edinburgh and Bristol.
Compilers said the Index ranks 50 of the UK’s largest towns and cities, excluding London, based on both the public’s assessment and the actual performance of 12 economic measures.
These include jobs, health, income, safety and skills, as well as work-life balance, housing, transport, income equality, high street and shops, environment and business start-ups.
Rachel Taylor, government and health industries leader at PwC, said: “Our research indicates that ongoing financial pressures are pushing people to prioritise things that improve their quality of life and future prospects.
“Bustling high streets, new businesses, and reliable transport links build confidence and optimism.
“To strengthen local and regional economies in the UK, we need to concentrate on the fundamental elements that support thriving communities and businesses.
“This involves maximising local strengths with genuine economic potential and achieving noticeable results.
“Good growth strategies should recognise the link between economic and social foundations.
“People need secure jobs, accessible services, reliable transport, and a sense of wellbeing to thrive, while businesses rely on healthy, skilled populations and stable infrastructure to grow.”