The 10 most miserable places to live in the UK

Wolverhampton, Sandwell, Blackpool, Liverpool and East Derbyshire are the least prosperous areas in the UK

(Creative Commons)

Wolverhampton, Sandwell and Blackpool are among the worse places to live in the UK, a study claims.

By measuring economic success alongside how residents rate their well-being, the Legatum Institute ranked 170 areas for their prosperity.

All but one of the top five most prosperous places identified in the think tank's index are in London, while the five least prosperous are all in the Midlands or the North.

The least prosperous areas in the UK are Wolverhampton, Sandwell, Blackpool, Liverpool and East Derbyshire, according to the study.

They are followed by Gwent Valleys, Brent, Croydon, Bexley and Greenwich, and Greater Manchester.

Topping the most-prosperous list are the combined boroughs of Kensington, Chelsea and Hammersmith, alongside Westminster, Wandsworth, Camden and the City of London, and the Outer Hebrides.

Sian Hansen, executive director of the Legatum Institute, said: "[It is] about more than just wealth - it is about feeling that one's life is worthwhile.

"Some of the most prosperous areas are those where, regardless of income, people have the opportunity to lead healthy, fulfilling and prosperous lives.