The Most And Least Stressful U.S. Cities To Live In

Stress can be both good and bad. Good stress is what keeps us alive and excited about achieving our goals and dreams. Bad stress can kill us early. So, other than avoiding bad behaviors, such as drinking, smoking and other excesses, what can we do to reduce our stress levels? Move to a more stress-free place.

WalletHub conducted a survey of family, health, money, and work-related problems and how they rank in the 150 most populated cities in the nation. In addition, divorce rates, unemployment rates, mental health, commuting stress and bankruptcy rates also factored in to the final scores. The results will probably surprise you.

Here are lists of the most and least stressful U.S. cities to live in.

Least Stressful U.S. Cities

1. Fremont, California, scored well in the health and wellbeing categories

2. Plano, Texas, scored well in the financial stress category

3. Overland Park, Kansas, scored well in the financial stress category

4. Scottsdale, Arizona, scored well in the financial stress category

5. Sioux Falls, South Dakota, scored well in the family stress category

6. Irvine, California, scored well in the financial stress category

7. Gilbert, Arizona, scored well in the financial stress and family stress categories

8. Peoria, Arizona, scored well in the work stress category

9. Madison, Wisconsin, scored well in the work stress category

10. Boise, Idaho, scored well in the work stress category

When “scored well” is mentioned, it means that the city showed a low score in the level of stress indicated. For example, Fremont, California was the least stressful locale when it came to health and wellbeing. In other words, its residents enjoy good health and wellbeing. Plano, Texas offers housing that’s more affordable than other areas, so it offers residents less stress in the financial component.

Next, a list of the most stressful U.S. cities to live in.

Most Stressful U.S. Cities

10. Shreveport, Louisiana scored poorly in work stress

9. Detroit, Michigan scored poorly in health and safety stress

8. Cleveland, Ohio scored poorly in health and safety stress

7. Jackson, Mississippi scored poorly in family stress

6. Miami, Florida scored poorly in financial stress

5. Birmingham, Alabama scored poorly in financial stress

4. San Bernardino, California scored poorly in financial stress

3. Rochester, New York scored poorly in family stress

2. Augusta, Georgia scored poorly in financial stress

1. Newark, New Jersey scored poorly in work stress

When “scored poorly” is mentioned, it means that the city showed high levels of stress in the category. For example, Newark, New Jersey ranked number one in the most stressful cities because of its high levels of work-related stress amongst its residents. Detroit, Michigan scored second most stressful due to its relative lack of health resources and high rates of crime that affect one’s safety.

Obviously, not everyone can just pick up and move to a different city just to reduce stress factors. But it’s important to not get stuck in the never-ending rat race to the point where you never see your family or rarely get to enjoy life. Doing this will result in your waking up one day at 50, 60 or even older and wondering where your life went. Maybe it’s time to evaluate your situation to see exactly where you can make improvements to decrease the killer stress in your life and increase the good stress.