The Country’s Most Stressed-Out Cities Are All Run by Democrats, Study Shows
A recent study conducted by WalletHub has found that the country’s five most stressed-out cities are all run by Democratic mayors. WalletHub analyzed 39 metrics, including unemployment rates and suicide rates, to compare over 180 cities across the United States. The study included the country’s 150 most populous cities, with the aim of determining where Americans experience the most and least stress.
According to WalletHub’s findings, blue cities governed by Democrats dominated the top of the list for carrying the most stress. The top five cities on the list are Cleveland, Ohio; Detroit, Michigan; Baltimore, Maryland; Birmingham, Alabama; and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. These cities are experiencing high crime and murder rates, well above the national average.
Cleveland, which has the second-highest poverty rate among large cities in the country, also grapples with a crime rate that is significantly higher than both the state and national averages. Democrat Mayor Justin Morris Bibb has promised to increase the city’s police force following a recent mass shooting. However, City Council member Michael Polensek expressed his frustration at a public meeting, stating that Cleveland is currently down 313 police officers compared to the previous year.
Detroit ranked second on the list primarily due to its high crime rates. Recent statistics reveal that residents of Detroit are about four times more likely to become victims of violent crime compared to Americans living elsewhere.
The cities of Baltimore, Birmingham, and Philadelphia also face significant challenges related to crime and murder rates under Democratic mayors.
WalletHub’s study comes at a time when the nation is grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic and historically high inflation rates. Inflation, in particular, has been a major source of stress for Americans. Eric Weiser, Chair of the Department of Psychology at Curry College, highlighted that inflation is the top financial stressor in 2023. Recent polls indicate that the majority of Americans believe the nation’s economy is performing poorly, and inflation is a primary basis for this perception. Weiser emphasized that the cost of everyday necessities, such as groceries and gas, has become staggering, significantly impacting consumers’ financial well-being.
While inflation has been progressively dropping from its peak last year, a survey by the American Psychological Association reveals that 83% of Americans feel stressed about inflation, and 75% feel stressed about violence and crime.
To determine the rankings, WalletHub assigned a score to each metric on a 100-point scale, considering the importance of each metric in relation to stress. The study then calculated each city’s weighted average across all metrics to determine its overall score. The study categorized the metrics into four broader categories: work stress, financial stress, family stress, and health and safety stress.
Washington, D.C., ranked as the most stressful city in terms of work, while Cleveland topped the list for financial stress. Fresno, California, ranked highest for family stress, and Detroit was found to have the most stress related to health and safety.
The findings of WalletHub’s study shed light on the significant challenges and stressors faced by residents of different cities across the United States. As cities continue to grapple with issues such as crime, poverty, and the economic impact of inflation, it is crucial for local leaders to address these concerns and prioritize the well-being of their communities.
