These Are The 10 Laziest Cities in America

These Are The 10 Laziest Cities in America (2026 Edition)

The concept of the American Dream has evolved significantly over the years. While the traditional image of hard work leading to homeownership and family life still resonates, many now prioritize work-life balance and personal fulfillment over relentless labor. As we navigate the complexities of modern living, it raises the question: what about those who prefer a more laid-back lifestyle? You might call them “lazy,” but perhaps they just have different priorities.

In this spirit, we explored which American cities have adopted a more relaxed approach to work. Here are the ten cities that stand out as the laziest in the nation:

Before we dive deeper, let’s clarify: there’s nothing inherently wrong with a slower pace of life. In fact, many cultures celebrate it. But to compile this list, we approached the task with a rigorous methodology.

How We Determined the Laziest Cities in America

For our analysis, we utilized the most recent data from the American Community Survey conducted by the Census Bureau. This survey provides a comprehensive snapshot of community demographics, including employment patterns.

After evaluating a range of criteria, we focused on the following key factors to determine the laziest cities in the U.S.:

Lowest average hours worked
Shortest commute time
Fewest workers per household (Labor force divided by number of households)
Highest unemployment rate
Fewest adults with a college degree

The rationale behind these criteria is straightforward: if a city has low workforce participation, shorter working hours, and fewer college-educated residents, it may reflect a more relaxed lifestyle. Once we compiled the data from 200 cities, we ranked them and calculated an overall lazy index.

And the winner of the title “Laziest City in America” is none other than Dayton, OH. Let’s take a closer look at our top 10.

1. Dayton, OH

Population: 141,776
College Educated: 16.7%
Unemployment Rate: 16.7%

Dayton boasts an average workweek of just 34 hours and a manageable commute of 20 minutes. Despite its charm and its historical significance as the birthplace of aviation, the city faces challenges with a high unemployment rate, ranking sixth in the nation, and a low number of workers per household.

2. Toledo, OH

Population: 283,932
College Educated: 17.7%
Unemployment Rate: 15.3%

Toledo follows closely behind due to its high unemployment rate and fewer workers per household. With an average of only 36.4 hours worked per week, it provides more leisure time for its residents.

3. Springfield, MA

Population: 153,836
College Educated: 17.9%
Unemployment Rate: 15.4%

Springfield’s average workweek is about 35.9 hours, complemented by a 21-minute commute. Although the city struggles with job opportunities, the commute suggests a bit of dedication on the part of its residents.

4. Rochester, NY

Population: 210,461
College Educated: 24.4%
Unemployment Rate: 13.9%

Once heralded as one of the most livable cities, Rochester now faces rising unemployment and reduced working hours. Its low number of workers per household puts it on our list.

5. Syracuse, NY

Population: 144,648
College Educated: 26%
Unemployment Rate: 12.5%

Syracuse has an average workweek of 35.3 hours and a favorable unemployment rate, suggesting that its residents may have chosen a more leisurely lifestyle rather than struggling with economic hardship.

6. Cleveland, OH

Population: 392,114
College Educated: 15.2%
Unemployment Rate: 19.1%

Cleveland appears on our list due to its low college graduation rate, high unemployment, and few workers per household. These factors indicate a less active labor market.

7. Akron, OH

Population: 198,492
College Educated: 20.5%
Unemployment Rate: 14%

Akron’s low worker count per household and high unemployment rate contribute to its ranking as one of the laziest cities in America.

8. Buffalo, NY

Population: 259,959
College Educated: 24.7%
Unemployment Rate: 12.5%

Buffalo, known as the City of Good Neighbors, also has a low number of workers per household, showing that its residents may prioritize leisure over labor.

9. Rockford, IL

Population: 151,290
College Educated: 21%
Unemployment Rate: 15.5%

Rockford’s ranking stems from its relatively high unemployment rate, even though its residents work an average of 37.4 hours per week.

10. Detroit, MI

Population: 695,437
College Educated: 13.1%
Unemployment Rate: 27%

Despite its challenges, including the highest unemployment rate in the country, Detroit residents enjoy a 27-minute commute, which adds some positive points to its ranking.

That’s Just Science

While designating the laziest cities may seem subjective, we employed rigorous criteria and thorough research to create an objective list. Ultimately, these rankings reflect a combination of work hours, unemployment rates, and educational attainment, leading to an interesting perspective on the American lifestyle.

Never miss an opportunity that’s right for you.

Author

Chris Kolmar

Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.

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