Stress is a universal aspect of life, and its prevalence can vary across different locations. According to a recent study conducted by Leafwell, a health and wellness company, East Stroudsburg emerges as the most stressed city in Pennsylvania.
The study employed seven key metrics to assess stress levels in each city, encompassing factors such as Google searches for stress-related terms, unemployment rates, commute durations, household incomes, fluctuations in housing prices, and the count of uninsured residents.
Each city received a maximum stress score of 80, based on its ranking in each metric. This article delves into the factors contributing to this ranking, along with an exploration of other cities featured in the list of both the most and least stressed locations in the state and the country.
About East Stroudsburg’s Stress Rate
East Stroudsburg obtained a stress score of 59.8 out of 80, ranking it as the most stressed city in Pennsylvania and the 12th most stressed city in the nation.
According to the study, East Stroudsburg had the highest Google search volume for terms like ‘anxiety’ and ‘anxiety symptoms’ in the state, along with the ninth-longest commute time at 28.5 minutes.
Additionally, the city exhibited a relatively low median income of $40,000, in contrast to the state average of $67,587.
Other Stressed Cities in Pennsylvania
Other Pennsylvania cities that registered high stress levels included York, Norristown, Johnstown, and Somerset. Conversely, State College emerged as the least stressed city in the state, boasting a score of 33.9 out of 80.
State College showcased several factors contributing to its low-stress environment, such as the lowest unemployment rate at 2.4 percent, the briefest commute time of 14.6 minutes, and the highest median income of $75,000. The study uncovered intriguing patterns regarding the causes and repercussions of stress nationwide.
As an illustration, Detroit, Michigan, topped the list as the most stressed city in the US, scoring 66.7 out of 80, followed by Cleveland, Ohio, and Newark, New Jersey. In contrast, Madison, Wisconsin, claimed the title of the least stressed city with a score of 25.8 out of 80, followed by Lincoln, Nebraska, and Boise, Idaho.
Furthermore, the study highlighted popular stress-related Google searches, with terms like ‘stress relief,’ ‘stress remedies,’ and ‘stress management’ being the most common. This suggests a widespread interest in finding ways to cope with stress.
The research also indicated a correlation between higher stress scores and lower housing prices, reduced incomes, and increased rates of uninsured citizens in cities, hinting at a connection between stress and economic factors.
According to Mitch Doucette, Ph.D., the study’s head of research, “The results from this study offer revealing insights into how causes of stress can range widely from each area.” He continued, “We hope that by highlighting the most and least stressed cities in each state, we can help people better understand their own stress levels and find ways to improve their well-being.”
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To Conclude
This Leafwell study explores the factors influencing stress levels in various cities across Pennsylvania and the United States. East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, stands out as the most stressed city in the state, attributed to factors such as elevated anxiety searches, long commutes, and relatively low income.
On the flip side, State College offers a low-stress environment marked by low unemployment, short commutes, and high income.
At the national level, Detroit, Michigan, holds the title of the most stressed city, while Madison, Wisconsin, claims the distinction of being the least stressed.
The research highlights a potential connection between stress and economic factors, with higher stress scores associated with lower housing prices, reduced incomes, and increased rates of uninsured residents.
Overall, the study aims to raise awareness about stress levels in different locations and encourages individuals to explore ways to manage and enhance their well-being.
