The 11 Most Dishonest Cities in America

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Picture this: you find a stack of cash. Do you pocket the unexpected windfall, or do you take the noble route and hand it in to the police?

In this scenario, a significant 47% of Americans admit they would keep the found money, assuming no one saw their stroke of luck. Interestingly, gender doesn’t play a big role, with both women (47.4%) and men (46.6%) expressing similar inclinations to be tempted by the cash.

As we explore these findings, it encourages a personal reflection: What would you do in the unexpected dilemma of finding money on the street? This situation not only invites us to consider the moral aspect but also emphasizes the importance of thinking about potential legal implications before making a decision.

Let’s take a quick tour of the honest thoughts of different cities. Discover which cities are more likely to hand in found money and which ones may have a soft spot for “finders keepers.”

A recent survey found which of America’s cities are the most dishonest.

Detroit, Michigan: 62%

Detroit, Michigan, USA downtown skyline from above at dusk.
Image Credit: Sean Pavone/Shutterstock.

The city of Detroit’s ongoing economic difficulties foster a mindset in which finding money is viewed as a necessary financial lifeline. Residents experiencing economic difficulties had a stronger urge to keep unexpected money, seeing it as critical financial assistance.

Memphis, Tennessee: 62%

Memphis, Tennesse, USA downtown cityscape at dusk over Beale Street.
Image Credit: Sean Pavone/Shutterstock.

Shared community beliefs play an important part in Memphis, leading to the idea that finding money on the street is a lucky event. This common perception encourages the desire to keep found money as an unexpected blessing.

New Orleans, Louisiana: 62%

New Orleans, Louisiana, USA street cars.
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With a strong focus on personal luck and fortune, New Orleans’ unique cultural variety inspires locals to view found money as a lucky break. The city’s specific cultural focus encourages residents to keep found money as a positive turn of fate.

Baltimore, Maryland: 59%

Baltimore, Maryland, USA Skyline on the Inner Harbor in the afternoon.
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The economic situation in Baltimore becomes a crucial factor as economic concerns and financial limitations increase the desire to keep found money. Residents, seeking potential financial relief are more likely to hold onto unexpected fortunes.

San Antonio, Texas: 58%

San Antonio, Texas, USA skyline.
Image Credit: Sean Pavone/Shutterstock.

Finding money is considered a personal benefit in San Antonio’s social fabric, resulting in a cultural tendency to keep unexpected fortunes. The particular social dynamics of the city lead to the common mindset of keeping found money.

Las Vegas, Nevada: 58%

Las Vegas, Nevada, USA at the Welcome to Las Vegas Sign at dusk.
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Residents of Las Vegas, which is known for its entertainment industry, may be skeptical about reporting recovered money to authorities. This lack of trust affects the decision to keep found money when combined with a city-wide risk-taking culture.

El Paso, Texas: 57%

El Paso, Texas, USA downtown city skyline at dusk with Juarez, Mexico in the distance.
Image Credit: Sean Pavone/Shutterstock.

El Paso’s economic challenges increase the temptation of keeping found money, especially for citizens experiencing financial difficulty. The opportunity of extra cash urges people to keep the found money.

Oakland, California: 57%

Late afternoon view of the historic downtown city center of Oakland, California, USA.
Image Credit: Matt Gush/Shutterstock.

Cultural values of individual success in Oakland contribute to the desire to keep found money as a personal benefit. The city’s emphasis on individual achievement aligns with the common cultural mindset toward financial gain.

Austin, Texas: 53%

Austin Texas USA sunrise skyline cityscape over Town Lake or Lady Bird Lake with amazing reflection. Skyscrapers and Texas capital building in distance you can see the entire city during summer.
Image Credit: Roschetzky Photography/Shutterstock.

Economic concerns come into play in Austin, with some viewing found money as a nice cash boost. The city’s diverse economic landscape influences residents to view found money positively.

Arlington, Texas: 53%

Arlington, Texas AT&T football Stadium, November 23, 2018 is home of the Dallas Cowboys AT&T Stadium located in Arlington, Texas USA.
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Arlington residents’ shared community beliefs contribute to the perception that keeping found money is socially acceptable. The common belief in the community increases the desire to keep this kind of money.

Washington, D.C.: 53%

United States of America Capitol building in Washington, D. C.
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The political and cultural landscape of Washington, D.C., heavily influences citizens’ trust in reporting found money. The complicated nature of governmental procedures may influence the choice of keeping found money in a city known for its political intricacies.

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