Skip to content

50 Most Stressed Cities in America, According to New Study

Is your city a stress hotspot?

In our fast-paced and demanding world, stress has become an inevitable part of modern life. While stress levels can vary from person to person, certain factors can contribute to higher stress levels in specific cities. A recent Wallethub study has delved into the stress levels across various cities in America, shedding light on the places where the pressures of daily life may be more pronounced.  The study assessed stress based on several key metrics, including work stress, financial stress, family stress, health, and safety stress. Each city was ranked according to these metrics, with a higher rank indicating a higher level of stress in that category. The total score provides an overall view of the stress experienced by residents in these cities. Read on to discover the 50 most stressed cities in America from the least to the most stressed.

50
Miami, FL – Stress Score: 45.60

Shutterstock

The fiftieth spot on the list of the most stressed cities in America is claimed by Miami, Florida, with a stress score of 45.60. This vibrant city grapples with notable challenges in Family Stress, positioning at 118, signifying considerable family-related pressures on its residents. On a positive note, Miami fares relatively well in Work Stress, securing the 25th position, which indicates a relatively stable job market. Health & Safety Stress is another area of concern, ranking 61st, reflecting potential health and safety issues impacting its residents.

49
Norfolk, VA – Stress Score: 45.66

Shutterstock

At number forty-nine, Norfolk, Virginia, takes its place on the list of the most stressed cities in America, with a stress score of 45.66. The city faces significant challenges in Health & Safety Stress, ranking 113, which points to potential health and safety issues impacting its residents. Conversely, Norfolk performs relatively well in Family Stress, securing the 32nd position, suggesting comparatively lower family-related pressures. Work Stress is another area of concern, occupying the 46th position, signifying moderate job-related stress levels.

48
Los Angeles, CA – Stress Score: 45.70

Shutterstock

The forty-eighth spot on the list belongs to Los Angeles, California, scoring 45.70 in stress. The city confronts significant challenges in Health & Safety Stress, ranking 34, which indicates potential health and safety issues impacting its residents. Work Stress is another area of concern, occupying the 54th position, signifying moderate job-related stress levels. In contrast, Family Stress is relatively less concerning, ranking at 117, suggesting comparatively lower family-related pressures.

47
Brownsville, TX – Stress Score: 45.73

Shutterstock

Brownsville, Texas, secures the forty-seventh position on the list of the most stressed cities in America, with a stress score of 45.73. The city grapples with significant challenges in Family Stress, ranking 166, indicating considerable family-related pressures on its residents. Work Stress is another area of concern, holding the 33rd position, signifying moderate job-related stress levels. On the other hand, Health & Safety Stress is relatively less concerning, ranking at 32, suggesting comparatively better public health conditions.

46
Little Rock, AR – Stress Score: 45.94

Shutterstock

Ranking forty-sixth on the list of the most stressed cities in America, Little Rock, Arkansas, scores 45.94 in stress. The city faces significant challenges in Financial Stress, positioning at 159, indicating high financial burdens faced by its citizens. Work Stress is another area of concern, holding the 16th position, signifying moderate job-related stress levels. Family Stress is relatively less concerning, ranking at 87, suggesting comparatively lower family-related pressures.

45
Modesto, CA – Stress Score: 46.03

Shutterstock

Securing the forty-fifth spot among the most stressed cities in the nation is Modesto, California, with a stress score of 46.03. The city confronts significant challenges in Financial Stress, ranking 75, indicating moderate financial burdens faced by its citizens. Health & Safety Stress is another area of concern, occupying the 122nd position, reflecting potential health and safety issues impacting its residents. Conversely, Work Stress is relatively less concerning, ranking at 8, suggesting comparatively lower job-related stress levels.

44
Moreno Valley, CA – Stress Score: 46.27

Shutterstock

At number forty-four, Moreno Valley, California, takes its place on the list of the most stressed cities in America, with a stress score of 46.27. The city grapples with Work Stress, holding the 59th position, indicating moderate job-related stress levels. Family Stress is another area of concern, occupying the 47th position, signifying significant family-related pressures. However, Moreno Valley performs relatively well in Health & Safety Stress, ranking at 10, suggesting comparatively better public health conditions.

43
Wilmington, DE – Stress Score: 46.43

Shutterstock

Wilmington, Delaware, secures the forty-third spot on the list of the most stressed cities in America, with a stress score of 46.43. The city faces significant challenges in Health & Safety Stress, ranking 38, indicating potential health and safety issues impacting its residents. On a positive note, Wilmington performs relatively well in Work Stress, securing the 36th position, suggesting a relatively stable job market. Family Stress is another area of concern, occupying the 90th position, signifying significant family-related pressures.

42
Buffalo, NY – Stress Score: 46.43

Shutterstock

Buffalo, New York, ranks forty-second among the most stressed cities in the nation, scoring 46.43 in stress. The city struggles with Family Stress, holding the 57th position, indicating significant family-related pressures on its residents. However, Buffalo performs relatively well in Health & Safety Stress, ranking 77, suggesting comparatively better public health conditions. Work Stress is another area of concern, occupying the 24th position, signifying moderate job-related stress levels.

41
Tucson, AZ – Stress Score: 46.49

Shutterstock

At number forty-one, Tucson, Arizona, takes its place on the list of the most stressed cities in America, with a stress score of 46.49. The city faces considerable challenges in Health & Safety Stress, ranking 135, indicating potential health and safety issues impacting its residents. On the other hand, Tucson performs relatively well in Family Stress, securing the 62nd position, suggesting comparatively lower family-related pressures. Work Stress is another area of concern, occupying the 20th position, signifying moderate job-related stress levels.

40
New Haven, CT – Stress Score: 46.56

Shutterstock

New Haven, Connecticut, ranks fortieth among the most stressed cities in the nation, scoring 46.56 in stress. The city faces significant challenges in Health & Safety Stress, ranking 76, indicating potential health and safety issues impacting its residents. Work Stress is another area of concern, occupying the 72nd position, signifying moderate job-related stress levels. Conversely, Family Stress is relatively less concerning, ranking at 22, suggesting comparatively lower family-related pressures.

39
Hialeah, FL – Stress Score: 46.81

Shutterstock

Securing the thirty-ninth position on the list of the most stressed cities in America is Hialeah, Florida, with a stress score of 46.81. The city struggles with Family Stress, holding the 173rd position, indicating significant family-related pressures on its residents. Health & Safety Stress is another area of concern, occupying the 27th position, signifying potential health and safety issues impacting its residents. Work Stress is relatively less concerning, ranking at 11, suggesting comparatively lower job-related stress levels.

38
New York, NY – Stress Score: 46.85

Shutterstock

New York City, New York, one of the most iconic cities in the world, secures the thirty-eighth spot among the most stressed cities in America, with a stress score of 46.85. The city faces significant challenges in Health & Safety Stress, ranking 3, indicating potential health and safety issues impacting its residents. Financial Stress is another area of concern, occupying the 55th position, suggesting moderate financial burdens faced by its citizens. Work Stress is relatively less concerning, ranking at 65, suggesting comparatively lower job-related stress levels.

37
Rochester, NY – Stress Score: 46.90

Rochester New York
Shutterstock

Rochester, New York, ranks thirty-seventh among the most stressed cities in the nation, scoring 46.90. The city performs relatively well in Health & Safety Stress at position 109, suggesting comparatively better public health conditions. However, Rochester faces significant challenges in Financial Stress, ranking at 42, indicating moderate financial burdens faced by its citizens. Work Stress is another area of concern, occupying the 19th position, signifying moderate job-related stress levels.

36
Atlanta, GA – Stress Score: 47.10

Shutterstock

At number thirty-six, Atlanta, Georgia, takes its place on the list of the most stressed cities in America, with a stress score of 47.10. The city faces considerable challenges in Family Stress, ranking 19, indicating significant family-related pressures. However, Atlanta performs relatively well in Work Stress at position 63, suggesting a relatively stable job market. Health & Safety Stress is another area of concern, occupying the 53rd position, signifying potential health and safety issues impacting its residents.

35
Dallas, TX – Stress Score: 47.11

Shutterstock

Dallas, Texas, ranks thirty-fifth among the most stressed cities in the nation, scoring 47.11 in stress. The city faces significant challenges in Work Stress, ranking 21, indicating moderate job-related stress levels. Health & Safety Stress is another area of concern, occupying the 97th position, reflecting potential health and safety issues affecting its residents. However, Dallas performs relatively well in Family Stress at position 42, suggesting comparatively lower family-related pressures.

34
Baton Rouge, LA – Stress Score: 47.20

Shutterstock

Securing the thirty-fourth position on the list of the most stressed cities in America is Baton Rouge, Louisiana, with a stress score of 47.20. The city struggles with Health & Safety Stress, holding the 99th position, indicating potential health and safety issues impacting its residents. Work Stress is another area of concern, occupying the 26th position, signifying moderate job-related stress levels. Family Stress is relatively less concerning, ranking at 112, suggesting comparatively lower family-related pressures.

33
Dover, DE – Stress Score: 47.52

Shutterstock

Dover, Delaware, ranks thirty-third among the most stressed cities in the nation, scoring 47.52 in stress. The city performs relatively well in Health & Safety Stress at position 67, suggesting comparatively better public health conditions. However, Dover faces significant challenges in Financial Stress, ranking at 23, indicating moderate financial burdens faced by its citizens. Work Stress is another area of concern, occupying the 96th position, signifying moderate job-related stress levels.

32
Chicago, IL – Stress Score: 47.68

Shutterstock

Chicago, Illinois, secures the thirty-second spot on the list of the most stressed cities in America, with a stress score of 47.68. The city struggles with Work Stress, holding the 2nd position, indicating high job-related stress levels. Family Stress is another area of concern, occupying the 30th position, signifying significant family-related pressures. Health & Safety Stress is also a concern, ranking at 102, reflecting potential health and safety issues affecting its residents.

31
Washington, DC – Stress Score: 47.90

Shutterstock

Washington, D.C., the nation's capital, ranks thirty-first among the most stressed cities in the nation, scoring 47.90 in stress. The city faces significant challenges in Financial Stress, ranking 1, indicating high financial burdens faced by its residents. Health & Safety Stress is another area of concern, occupying the 121st position, reflecting potential health and safety issues impacting its residents. However, Washington, D.C., performs relatively well in Family Stress at position 18, suggesting comparatively lower family-related pressures.

30
Mobile, AL – Stress Score: 48.77

Shutterstock

Mobile, Alabama, holds the thirtieth position on the list of the most stressed cities in America, with a stress score of 48.77. The city faces considerable challenges in Health & Safety Stress, ranking 69, indicating potential health and safety issues impacting its residents. On the positive side, Mobile performs relatively well in Work Stress at position 18, suggesting a relatively stable job market. Family Stress is another area of concern, occupying the 94th position, signifying significant family-related pressures.

29
Fresno, CA – Stress Score: 49.03

Shutterstock

Securing the twenty-ninth spot on the list of the most stressed cities in America is Fresno, California, with a stress score of 49.03. The city faces considerable challenges in Health & Safety Stress, ranking 153, indicating potential health and safety issues impacting its residents. On a positive note, Fresno performs relatively well in Work Stress, securing the 44th position, suggesting a relatively stable job market. Financial Stress is another area of concern, occupying the 1st position, signifying high financial burdens faced by its citizens.

28
Newport News, VA – Stress Score: 49.10

Newport News Sheriff's Office/Facebook

Newport News, Virginia, ranks twenty-eighth among the most stressed cities in America, with a stress score of 49.10. The city faces significant challenges in Health & Safety Stress, ranking 95, indicating potential health and safety issues impacting its residents. On a positive side, Newport News performs relatively well in Work Stress at position 34, suggesting a relatively stable job market. Family Stress is another area of concern, occupying the 7th position, signifying significant family-related pressures.

27
Columbus, GA – Stress Score: 49.56

Shutterstock

At number twenty-seven, Columbus, Georgia, takes its place on the list of the most stressed cities in America, scoring 49.56. The city struggles with Family Stress, holding the 7th position, indicating considerable family-related pressures on its residents. However, Columbus performs relatively well in Work Stress at position 147, suggesting a relatively stable job market. Health & Safety Stress is another area of concern, occupying the 68th position, reflecting potential health and safety issues affecting its residents.

26
Indianapolis, IN – Stress Score: 49.84

Shutterstock

Indianapolis, Indiana, ranks twenty-sixth on the list of the most stressed cities in America, with a stress score of 49.84. The city faces considerable challenges in Health & Safety Stress, ranking 32, indicating potential health and safety issues impacting its residents. On a positive note, Indianapolis performs relatively well in Work Stress at position 19, suggesting a relatively stable job market. Financial Stress is another area of concern, occupying the 74th position, signifying moderate financial burdens faced by its citizens.

25
Newark, NJ – Stress Score: 49.93

Shutterstock

Newark, New Jersey, secures the twenty-fifth spot among the most stressed cities in the nation, scoring 49.93 in stress. The city performs relatively well in Family Stress at position 43, suggesting comparatively lower family-related pressures. However, Newark faces significant challenges in Health & Safety Stress, ranking 21, indicating potential health and safety issues impacting its residents. Financial Stress is another area of concern, occupying the 14th position, signifying moderate financial burdens faced by its citizens.

24
San Antonio, TX – Stress Score: 50.14

Shutterstock

San Antonio, Texas, ranks twenty-fourth among the most stressed cities in America, obtaining a stress score of 50.14. The city confronts considerable challenges in Family Stress, holding the 51st position, indicating significant family-related pressures. On the upside, San Antonio performs relatively well in Health & Safety Stress, securing the 15th position, suggesting comparatively better public health conditions. Work Stress also presents an area of concern, occupying the 52nd position, signifying moderate job-related stress levels.

23
Cincinnati, OH – Stress Score: 50.53

Shutterstock

Cincinnati, Ohio ranks twenty-third among the most stressed cities, scoring 50.53. The city grapples with Financial Stress, holding the 52nd position, indicating moderate financial burdens faced by its citizens. Health & Safety Stress is another area of concern, occupying the 22nd position, reflecting potential health and safety issues affecting its residents. However, Cincinnati performs relatively well in Work Stress at position 41, suggesting a relatively stable job market.

22
San Bernardino, CA – Stress Score: 50.71

Shutterstock

San Bernardino, California secures the twenty-second spot on the list of the most stressed cities in America, with a stress score of 50.71. The city faces considerable challenges in Health & Safety Stress, ranking at 131, indicating potential health and safety issues impacting its residents. On the positive side, San Bernardino performs relatively well in Work Stress at position 35, suggesting a relatively stable job market. Family Stress is another area of concern, occupying the 5th position, signifying significant family-related pressures.

21
Las Vegas, NV – Stress Score: 50.83

Las Vegas sign on the strip
Shutterstock

Las Vegas, Nevada ranks twenty-first among the most stressed cities in the nation, scoring 50.83. The city faces significant challenges in Family Stress, ranking at 29, suggesting considerable family-related pressures on its residents. However, Las Vegas performs relatively well in Health & Safety Stress at position 45, indicating comparatively better public health conditions. Work Stress is another area of concern, occupying the 13th position, signifying moderate job-related stress levels.

20
Huntington, WV – Stress Score: 50.97

Shutterstock

Huntington, West Virginia holds the twentieth position on the list of the most stressed cities in America, with a stress score of 50.97. The city performs relatively well in Health & Safety Stress, coming in at position 12, suggesting comparatively better public health conditions. However, Huntington struggles with Family Stress, ranking at 104, indicating significant family-related pressures on its residents. Financial Stress is another area of concern, occupying the 3rd position, signifying high financial burdens faced by its citizens.

19
Milwaukee, WI – Stress Score: 51.00

Shutterstock

Milwaukee, Wisconsin secures the nineteenth position among the most stressed cities, scoring 51.00. The city struggles with Financial Stress, holding the 28th position, indicating significant financial burdens faced by its citizens. However, Milwaukee performs relatively well in Family Stress at position 39, suggesting comparatively lower family-related pressures. Health & Safety Stress is another area of concern, occupying the 12th position, reflecting potential health and safety issues affecting its residents.

18
North Las Vegas, NV – Stress Score: 51.31

Shutterstock

North Las Vegas, Nevada ranks eighteenth on the list of the most stressed cities in America, with a stress score of 51.31. The city faces significant challenges in Work Stress, ranking at 104, indicating high job-related stress levels. Financial Stress is another area of concern, occupying the 31st position, suggesting moderate financial burdens faced by its citizens. North Las Vegas also experiences challenges in Health & Safety Stress, with a rank of 2, reflecting potential health and safety concerns impacting the residents.

17
Jackson, MS – Stress Score: 51.48

Shutterstock

Jackson, Mississippi secures the seventeenth spot among the most stressed cities in the nation, scoring 51.48. The city performs relatively well in Family Stress, coming in at position 44, suggesting comparatively lower family-related pressures. However, Jackson struggles with Work Stress, ranking at 14, indicating moderate job-related stress levels. Health & Safety Stress is another area of concern, occupying the 48th position, reflecting potential health and safety issues impacting the residents.

16
Toledo, OH – Stress Score: 51.52

Shutterstock

Toledo, Ohio holds the sixteenth position on the list of the most stressed cities in America, with a stress score of 51.52. The city faces considerable challenges in Health & Safety Stress, ranking at 86, indicating potential health and safety challenges affecting its residents. On the positive side, Toledo performs relatively well in Work Stress at position 6, suggesting a relatively stable job market. Financial Stress is another area of concern, occupying the 62nd position, suggesting moderate financial burdens faced by its citizens.

15
Akron, OH – Stress Score: 51.80

Shutterstock

Akron, Ohio secures the fifteenth position among the most stressed cities, scoring 51.80. The city struggles with Work Stress, holding the 66th position, indicating moderate job-related stress levels. Family Stress is another area of concern, ranking at 13, suggesting significant family-related pressures on its residents. Health & Safety Stress is also a concern, occupying the 49th position, reflecting potential health and safety issues affecting its residents.

14
Houston, TX – Stress Score: 52.09

Shutterstock

Houston, Texas ranks fourteenth on the list of the most stressed cities in America, with a stress score of 52.09. The city faces significant challenges in Work Stress, ranking at 7, indicating high job-related stress levels. Financial Stress is another area of concern, occupying the 70th position, suggesting moderate financial burdens faced by its citizens. Houston also experiences challenges in Health & Safety Stress, with a rank of 17, reflecting potential health and safety concerns impacting the residents.

13
New Orleans, LA – Stress Score: 52.38

Shutterstock

New Orleans, Louisiana secures the thirteenth spot among the most stressed cities in the nation, scoring 52.38. The city faces significant challenges in Health & Safety Stress, ranking at 24, indicating potential health and safety issues impacting its residents. On the positive side, New Orleans performs relatively well in Work Stress at position 4, suggesting a relatively stable job market. However, the city struggles with Financial Stress, holding the 100th position, signifying high financial burdens faced by its citizens.

12
Gulfport, MS – Stress Score: 52.39

Shutterstock

Gulfport, Mississippi holds the twelfth position on the list of the most stressed cities in America, with a stress score of 52.39. The city performs relatively well in Health & Safety Stress, coming in at position 15, suggesting comparatively better public health conditions. However, Gulfport struggles with Financial Stress, ranking at 10, indicating significant financial burdens faced by its citizens. Work Stress is another area of concern, occupying the 85th position, suggesting potential job-related stressors.

11
Montgomery, AL – Stress Score: 52.62

Shutterstock

Montgomery, Alabama ranks eleventh among the most stressed cities, scoring 52.62. The city faces considerable challenges in Family Stress, ranking at 15, indicating significant family-related pressures. However, Montgomery performs relatively better in Work Stress at position 60, suggesting a relatively stable job market. Health & Safety Stress is another area of concern, occupying the 35th position, indicating potential health and safety challenges affecting its residents.

10
Augusta, GA – Stress Score: 52.74

Shutterstock

Augusta, Georgia secures the tenth position on the list of the most stressed cities in America, with a stress score of 52.74. The city struggles with Work Stress, holding the 33rd position, indicating moderate job-related stress levels. However, Augusta faces significant challenges in Family Stress, ranking at 24, suggesting considerable family-related pressures on its residents. Health & Safety Stress is another area of concern, occupying the 21st position, reflecting potential health and safety issues affecting its residents.

9
St. Louis, MO – Stress Score: 53.30

Shutterstock

St. Louis, Missouri ranks ninth among the most stressed cities in the nation, scoring 53.30. The city faces considerable challenges in Work Stress, ranking at 48, indicating high job-related stress levels. Financial Stress is another area of concern, occupying the 8th position, suggesting significant financial burdens faced by its citizens. St. Louis also experiences challenges in Health & Safety Stress, with a rank of 31, indicating potential health and safety concerns impacting the residents.

8
Fayetteville, NC – Stress Score: 53.53

Train Station Sign, Fayetteville, North Carolina, USA, December 9, 2020Shutterstock

Fayetteville, North Carolina holds the eighth position on the list of the most stressed cities in America, with a stress score of 53.53. The city performs relatively well in Family Stress, coming in at position 17, suggesting comparatively lower family-related pressures. However, Fayetteville faces significant challenges in Work Stress, ranking at 45, indicating high job-related stress levels. Health & Safety Stress is also a concern, occupying the 6th position, reflecting potential health and safety issues affecting its residents.

7
Memphis, TN – Stress Score: 53.81

Shutterstock

Memphis, Tennessee secures the seventh spot among the most stressed cities, scoring 53.81. The city faces significant challenges in Family Stress, ranking at 11, suggesting considerable family-related pressures on its residents. However, Memphis performs relatively better in Work Stress at position 30, indicating a relatively stable job market. Financial Stress is another area of concern, occupying the 39th position, suggesting that financial burdens might be moderate in the city.

6
Shreveport, LA – Stress Score: 54.11

Shutterstock

Shreveport, Louisiana ranks sixth on the list of the most stressed cities in the United States, with a stress score of 54.11. The city struggles with Work Stress, holding the unfortunate position of 64, indicating high job-related stress levels. Health & Safety Stress is another area of concern, ranking at 3, suggesting potential health and safety challenges affecting its residents. However, Shreveport performs relatively better in Family Stress at position 67, suggesting comparatively lower family-related stressors.

5
Philadelphia, PA – Stress Score: 55.29

Shutterstock

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania secures the fifth position among the most stressed cities, scoring 55.29. The city faces substantial challenges in Health & Safety Stress, ranking at 11, indicating potential health and safety issues affecting its residents. On the positive side, Philadelphia performs relatively well in Work Stress at position 8, suggesting that the job market might be more stable. Family Stress is another area of concern, ranking at 9, suggesting significant family-related pressures.

4
Birmingham, AL – Stress Score: 57.11

Shutterstock

Birmingham, Alabama ranks fourth on the list of the most stressed cities in America, with a stress score of 57.11. The city performs poorly in Family Stress, coming in at position 5, suggesting significant family-related pressures. Work Stress is another area of concern, with a rank of 20, indicating high stress levels in the job market. However, Birmingham fares better in terms of Health & Safety Stress, occupying the 4th position, indicating relatively better public health conditions.

3
Baltimore, MD – Stress Score: 57.43

Shutterstock

Baltimore, Maryland holds the third spot among the most stressed cities, with a stress score of 57.43. The city faces considerable challenges in Health & Safety Stress, ranking at 44, indicating potential issues related to public health and safety. On the other hand, Baltimore ranks relatively well in Work Stress at position 4, suggesting that the job market might be more stable. Financial Stress is also relatively moderate, occupying rank 5 in this category.

2
Detroit, MI – Stress Score: 57.75

Shutterstock

Detroit, Michigan follows closely behind Cleveland as the second most stressed city in the nation, scoring 57.75. Financial Stress is particularly severe in Detroit, ranking at 1, signifying high financial burdens faced by its citizens. The city also ranks poorly in Work Stress, coming in at position 50, indicating significant work-related pressures. In contrast, its Family Stress rank of 29 suggests that family-related stressors are relatively less concerning.

1
Cleveland, OH – Stress Score: 62.62

Shutterstock

Cleveland, Ohio takes the top spot as the most stressed city in America, with a stress score of 62.62. While it ranks relatively well in Family Stress at position 3, it experiences significant challenges in other areas. Work Stress is a major issue, occupying the worst position at rank 47, indicating high job-related stress levels. Additionally, Health & Safety Stress ranks at a concerning 2, reflecting potential health and safety concerns impacting the residents.

 

Christopher Roback
Christopher Roback is an experienced news journalist specializing in political, science, and crime news. Read more
Filed Under