Cleveland, Ohio – Cleveland comes up as the most stressed city in the United States for 2024 in a surprising new WalletHub analysis. The study, which evaluated more than 180 cities—including at least the two most populous in every state—ranked some Ohio cities high on the list and highlighted specific challenges they experience.
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Cleveland ranked highest because of social as well as economic elements. Given cost of living, the city boasts one of the lowest median household incomes in the nation—just under $41,000. It also has significant rates of family instability; at almost 41%, it has the second-highest separation and divorce rate nationally. This is compounded by a significant percentage of single-parent households.
With more than 20% of Cleveland adults reporting 14 or more mentally unhealthy days per month, the health and safety statistics likewise presented a dismal image. Another major problem is sleep deprivation; 43% of adults receive less than seven hours per night.
Other Ohio cities also featured prominently in the stress rankings; Akron, Cincinnati, Toledo, and Columbus ranked 8, 23, 26, and 67 respectively. These rankings point to a more general regional struggle with stress elements.
Examining cities in four main stress categories—work, financial, family, and health & safety—the WalletHub study applied a thorough methodology. 39 pertinent indicators were taken into consideration including average weekly work hours, job security, unemployment rates, income growth, housing affordability, median annual household income, poverty rates, child care costs, mental health statistics, suicide rates, crime rates, and the number of mass shootings.
This comprehensive approach emphasizes the complex relationship among the several elements of urban stress, ranging from economic difficulties and joblessness to crime rates and health problems.
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The results of this study are vital since they highlight the fundamental problems that require attention to raise the standard of living in these cities. To help to reduce the pressures that significantly impact the daily life and well-being of their citizens, community leaders and legislators are reminded to give these elements top priority in their future planning and budget allocation.
