Stress is an unavoidable part of life. Whether it’s due to work, finances, family, or health and safety concerns, everyone experiences stress to some degree. However, the past few years have seen a significant increase in stress levels across the United States. The COVID-19 pandemic, followed by record-high inflation and spiking homicide rates, has contributed to elevated stress levels among Americans. According to a recent survey from the American Psychological Association, around 83 percent of Americans currently feel stressed about inflation, and 75 percent feel stressed about violence and crime.
While some stress can be beneficial, known as “acute stress,” as it keeps us active and alert, chronic stress can have damaging effects on our health and well-being. Chronic stress, when left unmanaged, can lead to health problems and loss of productivity. Workplace-related stress alone costs society more than $300 billion per year.
Some stress is out of our control, due to issues with family, friends or employers. However, where you live can play a big role in how stressed you are. Cities with high crime rates, weak economies, less effective public health and congested transportation systems naturally lead to elevated stress levels for residents. When moving, it’s important to consider how a certain city may impact your mental health – not just your financial opportunities.
What Makes a City Stressed Out?
To determine the cities where Americans are coping with stress the least effectively, WalletHub compared more than 180 cities across 39 key metrics.
The WalletHub researchers evaluated these cities based on four main factors: Work Stress, Financial Stress, Family Stress, and Health & Safety Stress. Key indicators included average weekly work hours, local job security, cost-adjusted median household income, divorce rates, and health markers such as adult obesity prevalence.
Scores for each city were calculated on a 100-point scale, enabling WalletHub to compare cities and identify which locations faced the greatest and least challenges related to stress.
Top 10 Most Stressed Out Cities in America
10. Augusta, GA
Total Score: 52.74
Work Stress: 33
Financial Stress: 24
Family Stress: 21
Health & Safety Stress: 23
Augusta rounds out the top 10, with significant stressors in work and health and safety. Residents in Augusta also face challenges related to family and finances.
9. St. Louis, MO
Total Score: 53.30
Work Stress: 48
Financial Stress: 8
Family Stress: 31
Health & Safety Stress: 17
St. Louis comes in ninth, with notable stressors in work and family life. Financial stress and health and safety concerns also contribute to the city’s high-stress levels.
8. Fayetteville, NC
Total Score: 53.53
Work Stress: 45
Financial Stress: 17
Family Stress: 6
Health & Safety Stress: 36
Fayetteville ranks eighth, with stressors primarily in work and family life. The city’s residents also face challenges related to health and safety, impacting their overall well-being.
7. Memphis, TN
Total Score: 53.81
Work Stress: 30
Financial Stress: 11
Family Stress: 39
Health & Safety Stress: 12
Memphis follows closely behind, with high levels of stress in work and family life. Economic factors, such as job security and income growth, also contribute to Memphis’ stress ranking.
However, the city also offers numerous mental health resources for residents, including the Memphis Mental Health Institute, Delta Medical Center, the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) Department of Psychiatry, and the non-profit Wellness and Stress Clinic of Memphis. These facilities provide various services such as therapy, medication management, social work support, and stress management programs.
6. Shreveport, LA
Total Score: 54.11
Work Stress: 64
Financial Stress: 3
Family Stress: 67
Health & Safety Stress: 6
Shreveport ranks sixth, with significant stressors in work and health and safety. Residents in Shreveport also face challenges related to family and finances.
5. Philadelphia, PA
Total Score: 55.29
Work Stress: 8
Financial Stress: 9
Family Stress: 50
Health & Safety Stress: 11
Philadelphia comes in fifth, with notable stressors in work and family life. Financial stress and health and safety concerns also contribute to the city’s high-stress levels.
4. Birmingham, AL
Total Score: 57.11
Work Stress: 23
Financial Stress: 20
Family Stress: 4
Health & Safety Stress: 5
Birmingham ranks fourth, with stressors primarily in work and family life. The city’s residents also face challenges related to health and safety, impacting their overall well-being.
3. Baltimore, MD
Total Score: 57.43
Work Stress: 4
Financial Stress: 5
Family Stress: 9
Health & Safety Stress: 44
Baltimore follows closely behind, with high levels of stress in work and family life. The city also faces challenges related to health and safety, contributing to its overall stress ranking.
2. Detroit, MI
Total Score: 57.75
Work Stress: 50
Financial Stress: 2
Family Stress: 29
Health & Safety Stress: 1
Detroit ranked 14th, third, second and fourth in work stress, financial stress, family stress and health and safety stress rankings, respectively, among the 182 cities listed in the study.
Detroit has the most stressed residents in the country. One contributing factor is the fact that the city has the highest unemployment rate in America, at 11.4%. It also has the lowest median household income after adjusting for the cost of living, at slightly over $38,000.
The city is also no stranger to high rates of poverty (31.5%), crime, obesity, and divorce. The median credit score of residents at 624 isn’t helping, either.
Detroit ranks second, with significant stressors in work, family, and health and safety. Economic factors, such as job security and income growth, play a role in Detroit’s high-stress levels.
1. Cleveland, OH
Total Score: 62.62
Work Stress: 47
Financial Stress: 1
Family Stress: 3
Health & Safety Stress: 2
Cleveland takes the top spot as the most stressed city in America. With high levels of work stress, financial stress, and health and safety stress, residents in Cleveland face a multitude of challenges.
While stress is a part of life, excessive stress can have negative effects on health and well-being. It’s important for individuals living in these high-stress cities to seek support and implement stress management techniques to improve their overall quality of life.
What to Do Now?
If you live under stress, the first step is to realize you can do something about it.
While there’s no one way to get rid of stress here are three areas you need to look at in order to have more of a stress-free life.
1. Physical Activity:
- Exercise:
Even moderate exercise like walking or dancing can release endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects and help reduce stress. - Relaxation Exercises:
Practices like yoga, tai chi, and progressive muscle relaxation can help reduce physical tension and calm the mind. - Deep Breathing:
Consciously focusing on your breath can help slow your heart rate and promote relaxation.
2. Mental and Emotional Well-being:
- Mindfulness and Meditation:
Mindfulness practices, including meditation, can help you become more aware of your thoughts and feelings without judgment, allowing you to respond to stress in a more balanced way. - Journaling:
Writing down your thoughts and feelings can be a helpful way to process stress and identify triggers. - Engage in Hobbies:
Pursuing activities you enjoy, like reading, listening to music, or spending time in nature, can provide a much-needed break from stressors. - Social Connection:
Spending time with loved ones, talking about your problems, and seeking support can significantly reduce feelings of isolation and stress. - Time Management:
Learning to prioritize tasks, set realistic goals, and manage your time effectively can reduce feelings of being overwhelmed.
3. Lifestyle Factors:
- Healthy Diet:
Eating a balanced diet and avoiding excessive caffeine and alcohol can help regulate your mood and energy levels. - Sleep:
Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night to allow your body and mind to rest and recover. - Limit Screen Time:
Excessive screen time, especially before bed, can interfere with sleep and contribute to stress. - Seek Professional Help:
If stress is significantly impacting your life, consider reaching out to a therapist or counselor who can provide support and guidance.
