What Is The Most Stressed U.S. City?

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Cleveland, Ohio, is officially one of the most stressed cities in America, according to a new report by WalletHub.

The study, which compared 182 U.S. cities, ranked Cleveland at No. 2—trailing only Detroit, Michigan, and just ahead of Baltimore, Maryland. Researchers evaluated 39 stress indicators including work hours, unemployment, financial strain, divorce rates, and health challenges.

WalletHub financial writer Adam McCann said Cleveland’s ranking reflects persistent struggles across multiple areas of daily life.

“Cleveland scored particularly high in health- and financial-related stress,” McCann noted. “Unemployment, poverty, and limited access to healthcare are significant contributors.”

Cleveland continues to face deeply rooted issues that weigh heavily on residents—ranging from economic inequality and aging infrastructure to high rates of chronic illness and mental health concerns. The city also ranks among the worst in the nation for childhood poverty and housing instability.

Despite recent investments in revitalization, including growth in downtown development and the healthcare corridor, many neighborhoods are still grappling with disinvestment, safety concerns, and limited resources.

Detroit topped the list as the most stressed city in the country, with an 11.4% unemployment rate and the lowest adjusted median household income. Rounding out the top five were Baltimore, Gulfport, Mississippi, and Memphis, Tennessee.

At the other end of the spectrum, cities like Fremont, California; South Burlington, Vermont; and Sioux Falls, South Dakota, ranked as the least stressed, with lower crime, better access to mental health services, and stronger job markets.

While Clevelanders continue to show resilience and pride in their city’s cultural legacy and sports loyalty, the findings serve as a reminder of the urgent need for targeted investment in health, safety, and economic opportunity across all corners of The Land.

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