Bismarck, N.D., is the third-least stressed city in America, according to a new WalletHub study that compared more than 180 cities across 39 key metrics, ranging from average weekly work hours to unemployment, divorce and suicide rates.
Recent years have proven particularly stressful for Americans across the country, with the greatest stressors being work concerns, personal finances, inflation, health issues, and the nation's political climate. Stress isn't just harmful to individuals, either. Financial stress alone costs U.S. employers roughly $1.1 trillion in lost productivity each year.
“Where you live can play a big role in how stressed you are,” said WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo. “Cities with high crime rates, weak economies, less effective public health and congested transportation systems naturally lead to elevated stress levels for residents. When moving, it's important to consider how a certain city may impact your mental health – not just your financial opportunities.”
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In-Depth Look at Bismarck
Bismarck residents are some of the least stressed in the nation overall, but physical and mental health are still major concerns. For example, the city has the fifth-highest rate of binge drinking in the country. It also has the 13th-highest suicide rate.
Bismarck is much less stressful in other areas, though. It has the lowest rent burden in the country, as well as the second-lowest food-insecurity rate.
How Bismarck Ranks in Key Categories
- 115th for Work Stress
- 179th for Financial Stress
- 181st for Family Stress
- 136th for Health & Safety Stress
Overall, Bismarck ranks as the third-least stressed city out of the 182 included in WalletHub's study.
Most & Least Stressed Cities in America
Overall Rank | City | Total Score | Work Stress Rank | Financial Stress Rank | Family Stress Rank | Health & Safety Stress Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Detroit, MI | 62.783 | 14 | 3 | 2 | 2 |
2 | Baltimore, MD | 59.732 | 1 | 2 | 18 | 31 |
3 | Cleveland, OH | 59.353 | 111 | 1 | 6 | 4 |
4 | Memphis, TN | 59.236 | 63 | 7 | 5 | 1 |
5 | Shreveport, LA | 57.745 | 99 | 4 | 8 | 3 |
6 | Gulfport, MS | 56.899 | 156 | 17 | 1 | 7 |
7 | Philadelphia, PA | 56.609 | 5 | 9 | 33 | 26 |
8 | Jackson, MS | 56.028 | 39 | 6 | 37 | 10 |
9 | Akron, OH | 55.143 | 35 | 18 | 9 | 22 |
10 | St. Louis, MO | 54.598 | 24 | 8 | 67 | 13 |
The methodology can be found on the full version of the article on WalletHub.
