If the place is a completely unsafe wasteland occupied primarily by the indigent, I don't really understand why a one-bedroom studio would be particularly expensive. In fact, I would expect substantial vacancies and many affordable options for people willing to risk living there.
It is absolutely the case. City income taxes and property taxes do add up though. Any property you purchase you have to check to see what the lien is against the property. Anything for a dollar (http://www.theblaze.com/stories/2013/07/30/despite-astonishi...) usually has a large tax lien that must be paid if you purchase the house.
If you're not afraid of the locals (have a CCW permit and a shotgun), it's not the most ideal of locations.
Why isn't this the case?