You could simplify by just visiting Gary, Indiana and East St Louis as well as the non touristy parts of New Orleans.
Assuming you survive visiting those 3 - Port Au Prince will feel like vacation.
Every part of the country has its “bad parts” - but those 3 are on my personal NEVER list. Miami and Los Angeles have some parts I never want to see again either - but those are mega cities so you expect those issues to an extent.