Recently, the financial information website WalletHub conducted a stress ranking of 182 cities in the United States. The results revealed that Detroit, Michigan is the most stressed city in America, while South Burlington, Vermont is the least stressed city. Experts recommend that when searching for a place to live, it’s essential to consider city stress levels, not just economic opportunities.
Stress is inevitable. Everyone typically experiences some form and degree of stress, but in recent years, record high inflation and economic uncertainty have exacerbated stress levels among Americans. Additionally, your place of residence can also impact stress levels.
To determine which areas in the United States have higher stress levels and which have lower, WalletHub compared 182 cities. The data set covers factors from average weekly work hours to unemployment rates, divorce rates, and suicide rates, among others.
WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo stated in a press release, “Some stressors are beyond our control, such as issues with family, friends, or employers. However, your place of residence can significantly impact your stress levels. Cities with high crime rates, economic fragility, lower public health efficiency, and congested traffic naturally lead to higher stress levels among residents.”
“When relocating, it is important to consider how a city might affect your mental health, not just your economic opportunities,” Lupo added.
Only concerning financial matters, a CNBC/SurveyMonkey survey conducted in April 2025 revealed that 73% of Americans admit to feeling financial stress.
This study based its rankings on indicators such as work stress, financial stress, family stress, health, and safety stress to determine the overall ranking.
According to WalletHub’s latest ranking, South Burlington, Vermont is the least stressed city in America. Here are the top ten least stressed cities:
1. South Burlington, Vermont
2. Fremont, California
3. Sioux Falls, South Dakota
4. Irvine, California
5. Burlington, Vermont
6. Fargo, North Dakota
7. Bismarck, North Dakota
8. Lincoln, Nebraska
9. Overland Park, Kansas
10. Boise, Idaho
WalletHub’s ranking also shows that Detroit, Michigan is the most stressed city in America. Here are the top ten most stressed cities:
1. Detroit, Michigan
2. Cleveland, Ohio
3. Baltimore, Maryland
4. Gulfport, Mississippi
5. Memphis, Tennessee
6. Shreveport, Louisiana
7. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
8. Toledo, Ohio
9. Birmingham, Alabama
10. Jackson, Mississippi
It is worth noting that the world-class international metropolis New York City does not rank at the top in the most stressed cities’ ranking but rather at 39th place.