America’s Most and Least Stressed Cities: A Tale of Two Realities

Stress is an unavoidable part of life, and while many people can manage everyday pressures, recent years have brought challenges that have tested the limits of resilience across the country. Economic instability, high inflation, and growing societal uncertainty have significantly impacted Americans’ mental and emotional well-being. According to the American Psychological Association, 77% of adults report feeling stressed about the future of the nation, and 73% are worried about the economy.

But not all stress is harmful. Experts from Psychology Today highlight the concept of “acute stress”—short bursts of stress that can enhance focus, alertness, and motivation. The danger lies in chronic, unrelenting stress, which can wreak havoc on both physical and mental health. Chronic stress has been linked to everything from heart disease to anxiety and depression, and it’s costing society dearly—workplace-related stress alone results in an estimated $300 billion in losses annually.

While stress affects individuals everywhere, these ten cities exhibit far more extreme stress levels due to a combination of economic hardship, family instability, health concerns, and public safety issues and must be factored in when making a location decision.

Overall Rank*	City	Total Score	Work Stress Rank	Financial Stress Rank	Family Stress Rank	Health & Safety Stress Rank
1	Detroit, MI	61.82	14	3	2	4
2	Cleveland, OH	60.83	68	1	7	2
3	Baltimore, MD	58.28	3	2	13	38
4	Gulfport, MS	57.75	83	9	1	13
5	Memphis, TN	57.57	80	8	9	1
6	Shreveport, LA	54.80	74	4	48	5
7	Philadelphia, PA	54.21	6	19	31	32
8	Toledo, OH	54.15	35	18	14	19
9	Birmingham, AL	54.09	70	17	6	24
10	Jackson, MS	53.60	58	5	46	14

Top Three Stressed Cities

As shown in the table, the most stressed cities in the U.S. are Detroit, Cleveland, and Baltimore. These three cities stand out due to the severity and complexity of the challenges their residents face.

Detroit, MI

At the top of the list, Detroit ranks as the most stressed city in the country. Once the proud epicenter of the American automotive industry, Detroit has struggled to rebound from decades of industrial decline, job losses, and population collapse.

Today, it holds the highest unemployment rate in the nation at 11.4%, and its adjusted median household income is just over $38,000—the lowest among major U.S. cities. Over 31% of Detroit residents live in poverty, and the city’s median credit score of 624 falls into the “bad” category.

Family stressors are also high, with Detroit ranking second in both separation/divorce rates and the percentage of single-parent households. Health and safety compound the burden, as residents face low physical activity, one of the highest obesity rates nationally, and elevated violent crime.

The city’s past municipal bankruptcy and decades of urban decay have further eroded public trust and strained essential services, leaving many residents without access to quality education or stable infrastructure.

Long-term economic decline and urban decay have also led to the hardships Detroit is now experiencing:

• Post-industrial collapse: Once the hub of America’s automotive industry, Detroit suffered heavily from deindustrialization, automation, and the outsourcing of manufacturing jobs, leading to massive job losses starting in the 1970s.
• Population loss: The city’s population has declined by more than 60% from its peak, leading to widespread urban blight, vacant properties, and a reduced tax base.
• Municipal bankruptcy: Detroit became the largest U.S. city to declare bankruptcy in 2013, which severely impacted public services, pensions, infrastructure repair, and trust in government.
• Educational challenges: Struggling public schools and a lack of access to quality education opportunities further limit upward mobility, especially in low-income neighborhoods.

Cleveland, OH

The story here is strikingly similar. Ranked second overall in stress levels, the city grapples with high poverty and foreclosure rates, low income, and widespread family disruption. With a median household income slightly better than Detroit, it is still under $43,000 per year.

Cleveland residents face daily financial challenges. The city has the highest separation and divorce rate in the U.S., and nearly half of adults report insufficient sleep, while over 22% experience frequent mental health distress. Crime remains a concern, and decades of industrial decline have left behind economic disparities and segregation.

Although Cleveland is home to world-class medical institutions, access to healthcare remains limited for many, especially in low-income neighborhoods plagued by deteriorating infrastructure and inadequate services.

With Cleveland, poverty entrenched by economic disparities are two factors that have accentuated the stress it is experiencing:

• Rust Belt struggles: Like Detroit, Cleveland was a major manufacturing center that faced job losses due to the decline of steel and heavy industry.
• Segregation and inequality: Cleveland is one of the most racially segregated cities in the U.S., contributing to stark disparities in housing, education, and employment.
• Aging infrastructure and housing stock: Many neighborhoods suffer from deteriorating housing, poor transportation access, and underfunded services—conditions that perpetuate stress and reduce quality of life.
• Healthcare accessibility: Although Cleveland has prestigious medical centers, many residents—especially in low-income areas—struggle to access affordable and preventive healthcare.

Baltimore, MD

This city rounds out the top three most stressed cities. Housing insecurity is a major contributor, with nearly 40% of median household income going toward rent, and one of the nation’s highest rates of underwater mortgages. Crime also looms large as it is consistently ranked among the cities with the highest violent crime and homicide rates. Beyond that, the city suffers from high rates of divorce, food insecurity, and traffic congestion.

A legacy of redlining and disinvestment has left neighborhoods starkly divided along racial and economic lines, while political instability and corruption scandals have weakened public confidence. Inadequate public transportation further restricts access to jobs and educational opportunities, perpetuating cycles of poverty and stress.

Crime, inequality, and housing instability are fueling its current stress factors:

• Persistent violence: Baltimore has consistently ranked among the top cities for per capita homicides, deeply affecting residents’ sense of safety and psychological well-being.
• Housing challenges: High renter cost burden, widespread housing insecurity, and neighborhoods plagued by abandoned properties create chronic instability.
• Historical disinvestment: Like Cleveland, Baltimore has a long history of redlining and racially discriminatory policies, which have resulted in segregated neighborhoods with unequal access to opportunity and services.
• Distrust in institutions: Corruption scandals, police misconduct, and political instability have undermined trust in local leadership, further eroding community morale and cohesion.
• Public transportation: Limited and unreliable transit options restrict access to jobs and education, particularly for low-income residents.

Shared Factors Across All Three Cities

In looking at the data, these three cities share some collective challenges. Generational poverty, limited access to mental health services, and barriers to upward mobility are persistent themes throughout all three of these cities. Many residents in these communities feel trapped in environments that offer few opportunities for financial security, personal development, or community safety—factors that accentuate chronic stress and its long-term consequences.

Least Stressed Cities

By contrast, America’s least stressed cities offer a different picture – one marked by economic stability, strong community infrastructure, and supportive public services. Let’s look at the top three cities that share this least-stressed accolade.

Fremont, CA

The residents of this city enjoy low unemployment, a high median household income exceeding $130,000, and one of the lowest poverty rates in the country. Those living in the city benefit from strong family structures, high educational attainment, and access to high-quality healthcare. Proximity to Silicon Valley supports a thriving economy, while well-maintained public infrastructure and low crime rates help sustain a high quality of life.

Overland Park, KS

This Midwest city also scores well, thanks to a balance of affordability, safety, and wellness. The city has a high median income relative to its cost of living, excellent schools, low crime rates, and a wealth of parks and recreation options that promote physical and mental health. Low unemployment and high rates of physical activity contribute to a low-stress environment where families thrive.

Sioux Falls, SD

Another Midwest standout is Sioux Falls, SD. It is noted for its growing economy and strong sense of community. The city’s low unemployment rate, affordable housing, and short commute times support a healthy work-life balance. Residents report high levels of community engagement and low levels of daily stress, and the city excels in providing access to mental healthcare and family stability. Its economy, anchored in healthcare, finance, and logistics, continues to expand while maintaining a manageable cost of living.

The Reality By Comparison …

A comparison between the most and least stressed cities reveals stark contrasts across key indicators. Cities like Detroit and Cleveland face high unemployment, low income, elevated crime, and fractured family structures, while places like Fremont and Overland Park offer economic opportunity, safety, and public services that foster resilience and well-being. Where one group struggles with foreclosures, poor mental health access, and distrust in institutions, the other benefits from strong governance, affordable living, and wellness-oriented infrastructure.

Ultimately, stress levels in American cities are shaped by a complex mix of historical, economic, social, and policy-related factors. Addressing these disparities will require coordinated efforts to improve economic opportunities, invest in public services, promote mental and physical health, and build communities where everyone has a fair chance to thrive.

Category	Most Stressed Cities	Least Stressed Cities
Top Cities	Detroit, MI Cleveland, OH Baltimore, MD	Fremont, CA Overland Park, KS Sioux Falls, SD
Unemployment Rate	High (Detroit: 11.4%)	Low (most under 4%)
Median Household Income	Low (Detroit: ~$38K; Cleveland: <$43K)	High (Fremont: >$130K; Scottsdale: ~$92K)
Poverty Rate	Very High (Detroit: 31.5%)	Very Low (Fremont, Overland Park: under 6%)
Violent Crime Rate	Among the highest in the nation	Among the lowest in the nation
Divorce/Separation Rate	High (Cleveland: 41%; Detroit: 2nd highest)	Low (Fremont: among lowest nationally)
Mental Health Concerns	Frequent (Cleveland: 22% report 14+ mentally unhealthy days/month)	Infrequent (low rates of stress and mental health distress)
Physical Inactivity	High (Detroit, Cleveland rank poorly for exercise rates)	Low (Madison, Scottsdale prioritize wellness lifestyles)
Obesity Rate	Above national average (Detroit: 6th highest)	Below average (active, health-conscious populations)
Foreclosure/Housing Strain	High foreclosure & underwater mortgage rates (Baltimore)	Low mortgage stress; affordable or high-income housing
Traffic Congestion	High in Baltimore	Moderate or low (especially Sioux Falls, Overland Park)
Food Insecurity	Elevated in all three stressed cities	Low (better access to healthy, affordable food)
Public Trust & Services	Eroded (due to past corruption, bankruptcy, underfunding)	Strong local governance and well-funded services

In the End …

The sharp contrast between America’s most and least stressed cities reveals more than just numbers – it tells the story of inequality, resilience, and the critical role that local infrastructure, leadership, and opportunity play. While cities like Detroit, Cleveland, and Baltimore face deeply rooted challenges that require long-term solutions, the success of places like Fremont, Overland Park, and Sioux Falls offers a blueprint for how investments in public health, education, safety, and economic opportunity can dramatically improve quality of life. Addressing the stress epidemic in high-burdened cities isn’t just a matter of well-being—it’s a vital step toward national equity and sustainable growth.

NOTE: Data courtesy of WalletHub.