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Identifying the Most Stressed Cities Across the United States
In today’s fast-paced world, stress has become an unavoidable part of life for many individuals. From work pressures to financial burdens, the stressors can sometimes feel overwhelming.
To provide insight into the cities in the U.S. where stress levels are particularly high, we analyzed various factors contributing to urban stress. Our research focused on metrics such as average weekly working hours, commute times, and the income-to-home price ratio.
If you’re seeking to minimize stress in your life, it might be wise to avoid the following cities.
Most Stressed Cities
- Mead Valley, California
- Asbury Park, New Jersey
- Lantana, Florida
- San Luis, Arizona
- Nacogdoches, Texas
- Port Chester, New York
- Marumsco, Virginia
- Monroe, North Carolina
- Savannah, Georgia
- Gardere, Louisiana
With these top cities identified, you might be curious about other places experiencing high stress levels. Fortunately, we have compiled a comprehensive list at the end of this article.
How We Determined the Most Stressed City in Each State
Utilizing the latest data from sources such as the U.S. Census American Community Survey and the Bureau of Labor Statistics, we assessed and ranked cities based on the following criteria:
- Unemployment Rates
- Average Hours Worked per Week
- Average Commute Times
- Income-to-Home Price Ratios
- Percentage of Uninsured Population
The cities that ranked higher in these categories were deemed more stressful. We further analyzed these metrics across all 50 states to identify the most stressed city in each.
Before diving into the complete list of the most stressed cities, let’s highlight the top 10:
1. Mead Valley, California
Hours Worked: 42
Commute: 22.5 minutes
Income-to-Home-Price Ratio: 9.83%
Mead Valley is ranked as the most stressed city in the U.S., with residents averaging over 42 hours of work each week alongside a commute that averages 22.5 minutes. Coupled with a high income-to-home-price ratio of 9.83%, it’s a recipe for elevated stress levels.
2. Asbury Park, New Jersey
Hours Worked: 42
Commute: 18.1 minutes
Income-to-Home-Price Ratio: 8.48%
Positioned as the second-most stressed city, Asbury Park’s proximity to New York City contributes to its stress levels, compounded by a 42-hour workweek and an average commute of 18.1 minutes.
3. Lantana, Florida
Hours Worked: 42
Commute: 27.1 minutes
Income-to-Home-Price Ratio: 12.45%
Despite its beachside location, Lantana ranks as the third most stressed city, with a demanding workweek of 42 hours and a significant average commute of 27.1 minutes.
4. San Luis, Arizona
Hours Worked: 51
Commute: 14.8 minutes
Income-to-Home-Price Ratio: 13.58%
San Luis stands out with the highest average workweek at 51 hours, alongside a short commute of 14.8 minutes, making it the fourth most stressed city in the country.
5. Nacogdoches, Texas
Hours Worked: 44
Commute: 14.1 minutes
Income-to-Home-Price Ratio: 11.49%
Nacogdoches ranks fifth, affected by a 44-hour workweek and an income-to-home-price ratio of 11.49%, though they benefit from a relatively short commute.
6. Port Chester, New York
Hours Worked: 41
Commute: 22.0 minutes
Income-to-Home-Price Ratio: 6.34%
Port Chester, with a 41-hour workweek and a 22-minute commute, is not surprising to see on the list, given its proximity to New York City.
7. Marumsco, Virginia
Hours Worked: 41
Commute: 19.2 minutes
Income-to-Home-Price Ratio: 12.23%
Marumsco, Virginia, features a 41-hour workweek and a 19-minute commute, contributing to its position on the list of stressed cities.
8. Monroe, North Carolina
Hours Worked: 42
Commute: 18.1 minutes
Income-to-Home-Price Ratio: 16.17%
Monroe’s combination of a 42-hour workweek, 18-minute commute, and a 16.17% income-to-home-price ratio solidifies its position as the eighth most stressed city.
9. Savannah, Georgia
Hours Worked: 42
Commute: 16.8 minutes
Income-to-Home-Price Ratio: 14.86%
Rounding out the top 10, Savannah has an average workweek of 42 hours and a commute of nearly 17 minutes, along with a 14.86% income-to-home-price ratio.
10. Gardere, Louisiana
Hours Worked: 44
Commute: 25.3 minutes
Income-to-Home-Price Ratio: 16.45%
Gardere, Louisiana, completes our list of the top 10 most stressed cities with a workweek of 44 hours and a commute of 25.3 minutes, making a strong case for its residents’ stress levels.
Understanding Urban Stressors
Every individual faces unique stressors, yet the residents of these cities experience heightened stress levels due to their demanding work schedules and long commutes.
While these 10 cities top the list, we’ve also compiled the most stressed city in each state, providing a comprehensive overview of where stress is most prevalent.
Take a moment to breathe deeply—inhale…exhale…
Most Stressed City in Each State
| State | City | Hours Worked | Commute | Income-To-Home-Price Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Tuscaloosa | 44 | 29 | 12.17% |
| Alaska | Knik-Fairview | 49 | 19 | 19.42% |
| Arizona | San Luis | 51 | 14 | 13.58% |
| Arkansas | Russellville | 43 | 14 | 14.12% |
| California | Mead Valley | 42 | 22 | 9.83% |
| Colorado | Brighton | 43 | 23 | 12.80% |
| Connecticut | Willimantic | 41 | 18 | 11.60% |
| Delaware | Bear | 42 | 23 | 15.70% |
| Florida | Lantana | 42 | 27 | 12.45% |
| Georgia | Savannah | 42 | 16 | 14.86% |
| Hawaii | Waianae | 41 | 10 | 7.23% |
| Idaho | Caldwell | 43 | 17 | 18.27% |
| Illinois | Chicago | 41 | 17 | 13.88% |
| Indiana | Bloomington | 43 | 15 | 6.54% |
| Iowa | Ames | 43 | 15 | 6.84% |
| Kansas | Kansas | 41 | 15 | 25.67% |
| Kentucky | Richmond | 42 | 20 | 12.55% |
| Louisiana | Gardere | 44 | 25 | 16.45% |
| Maine | Bangor | 42 | 11 | 17.59% |
| Maryland | Seabrook | 41 | 20 | 12.88% |
| Massachusetts | Amherst Center | 50 | 29 | 1.34% |
| Michigan | Allendale | 43 | 19 | 5.78% |
| Minnesota | Minneapolis | 41 | 14 | 14.27% |
| Mississippi | Hattiesburg | 43 | 13 | 15.09% |
| Missouri | Bridgeton | 49 | 15 | 15.83% |
| Montana | Bozeman | 42 | 13 | 6.34% |
| Nebraska | Lexington | 47 | 15 | 18.58% |
| Nevada | Sunrise Manor | 41 | 19 | 15.88% |
| New Jersey | Asbury Park | 42 | 18 | 8.48% |
| New Mexico | Hobbs | 47 | 13 | 22.10% |
| New York | Port Chester | 41 | 22 | 6.34% |
| North Carolina | Monroe | 42 | 18 | 16.17% |
| North Dakota | Williston | 50 | 15 | 17.14% |
| Ohio | Athens | 50 | 27 | 3.08% |
| Oklahoma | El Reno | 46 | 17 | 21.75% |
| Oregon | Hayesville | 42 | 17 | 14.12% |
| Pennsylvania | Indiana | 59 | 17 | 5.05% |
| Rhode Island | Central Falls | 42 | 19 | 14.46% |
| South Carolina | Port Royal | 52 | 22 | 11.23% |
| South Dakota | Vermillion | 43 | 16 | 6.27% |
| Tennessee | La Vergne | 42 | 16 | 21.05% |
| Texas | Nacogdoches | 44 | 14 | 11.49% |
| Utah | Hurricane | 42 | 23 | 12.26% |
| Vermont | Burlington | 40 | 13 | 19.04% |
| Virginia | Marumsco | 41 | 19 | 12.23% |
| Washington | Tukwila | 42 | 15 | 10.61% |
| West Virginia | Morgan | 46 | 14 | 6.86% |
| Wisconsin | Whitewater | 45 | 14 | 4.17% |
| Wyoming | Evanston | 42 | 11 | 15.41% |
Author
Amanda Postma is a writer for the Zippia Career Advice blog with a focus on creating entertaining content to help you through your job search. She received her BA from the University Of Missouri-Columbia.
