by Americans are feeling the pressure—but according to a new WalletHub study, the level of stress people experience greatly depends on where they live.
The financial analytics site compared 182 U.S. cities across 39 key stress-related metrics to determine where stress levels are highest and lowest in 2025. Factors included average work hours, crime rates, unemployment, divorce rates, and access to healthcare.
“Some stress is out of our control, due to issues with family, friends, or employers,” said Chip Lupo, WalletHub analyst. “However, where you live can play a big role in how stressed you are. Cities with high crime rates, weak economies, less effective public health, and congested transportation systems naturally lead to elevated stress levels for residents.”
Top 10 Most Stressed Cities in the U.S. (2025)
- Detroit, Michigan
- Cleveland, Ohio
- Baltimore, Maryland
- Gulfport, Mississippi
- Memphis, Tennessee
- Shreveport, Louisiana
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Toledo, Ohio
- Birmingham, Alabama
- Jackson, Mississippi
These cities ranked high in several stress categories, including economic hardship, health challenges, and personal relationship stressors.
California Cities Under Pressure
While California didn’t top the national stress rankings, several of its cities made it into the more stressed half of the list:
- San Bernardino – Ranked 29th nationally
- Modesto – 33rd
- Moreno Valley – 48th
- Fresno – 52nd
- Los Angeles – 59th
On the opposite end, San Diego, Anaheim, and Huntington Beach performed much better, showing lower levels of stress indicators. The least stressed city in California was Fremont, which also ranked #2 nationally.
Top 10 Least Stressed Cities in the U.S. (2025)
- South Burlington, Vermont
- Fremont, California
- Sioux Falls, South Dakota
- Irvine, California
- Burlington, Vermont
- Fargo, North Dakota
- Bismarck, North Dakota
- Lincoln, Nebraska
- Overland Park, Kansas
- Boise, Idaho
These cities benefited from shorter work hours, strong community support, low crime rates, and solid access to healthcare—factors that contribute to a more manageable day-to-day lifestyle.
Takeaway
As Americans continue to grapple with financial pressures, health issues, and societal changes, location matters more than ever. The WalletHub study underscores the importance of local infrastructure, economy, and community resources in managing stress.
Whether you’re looking for a fresh start or simply curious about how your city stacks up, the full report provides a revealing snapshot of stress across the U.S. in 2025.
