Cleveland, OH

Most Stressed U.S. Cities: Cleveland, Detroit continue to struggle in 2024

Published

2 years ago

July 9, 2024

Most Stressed U.S. Cities: Cleveland, Detroit continue to struggle in 2024

Cleveland, Ohio (Photo by DJ Johnson on Unsplash)

WASHINGTON — Stress is unavoidable in life. Whether it’s money troubles, family issues, or just the simple annoyances of everyday life, it’s almost guaranteed that something is going to stress us out at some point. However, a new poll finds that where you live plays a massive role in how you’re feeling. Unfortunately, for Americans living in two major Rust Belt cities, local living conditions are sending their stress levels off the charts.

Researchers with WalletHub compared over 180 U.S. cities based on 39 key factors that can lead to stress. These include financial stress, workplace stress, family conflicts, health issues, and local crime.

The study revealed that Americans in Cleveland, Ohio are dealing with more stress than anyone else in the nation. Cleveland residents have one of the country’s lowest average household incomes once you adjust for the current cost of living (under $41,000). The city also ranked second overall in terms of health and safety stress.

Cleveland finished second in terms of the local poverty rate, divorce rate, and each resident getting the least amount of sleep. The only city worse than Cleveland in each of these categories was Detroit, Michigan.

Detroit finished second on this year’s list of the most stressed U.S. cities, narrowly missing out on the top spot by less than one point in WalletHub’s calculations.

Rounding out the top five stressed cities were Baltimore, Maryland (3rd), Memphis, Tennessee (4th), and Gulfport, Mississippi (5th). Unfortunately, it’s more of the same for the top three stressed cities, which finished in the same order on last year’s list.

“Some stress is out of our control, due to issues with family, friends or employers. However, where you live can play a big role in how stressed you are. 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,” says WalletHub Analyst Cassandra Happe in a statement.

Rush hour traffic jam in a city — Major cities have an endless number of factors that can cause residents stress, from crime to gridlock traffic. (Photo by Fishman64 on Shutterstock)

Researchers note that money, health, and the economy are still Americans’ top stressors. However, three in five talk don’t about their stress with the main reason being that they don’t want to burden others. Estimates also show that stress in the workplace costs the economy more than $300 billion each year.

At the other end of the spectrum, Fremont, California (182nd), South Burlington, Vermont (181st), and Fargo, North Dakota (180th) finished at the bottom of 2024’s list — meaning they rank as the least-stressed cities in America.

Elsewhere, Miami and Hialeah, Florida recorded the lowest unemployment rate in the country. For comparison, unemployment was 5.9 times lower in these cities than in Detroit.

Portland, Maine appears to be one of the healthiest places in America, having the lowest share of adults in fair or poor health. In comparison, there were 2.5 times fewer people in poor health in Portland, Maine than there were in Huntington, West Virginia, the city with the highest number of residents in poor health.

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	Cleveland, OH	60.37	55	1	12	2
2	Detroit, MI	59.72	44	9	4	1
3	Baltimore, MD	58.30	5	2	16	38
4	Memphis, TN	57.12	53	4	15	6
5	Gulfport, MS	57.12	28	13	5	22
6	Philadelphia, PA	56.03	12	12	31	9
7	Birmingham, AL	55.96	57	18	11	3
8	Akron, OH	54.86	108	16	6	8
9	New Orleans, LA	54.02	25	3	65	20
10	Jackson, MS	53.43	68	10	41	14
11	St. Louis, MO	53.38	35	5	69	16
12	Montgomery, AL	53.10	114	6	40	7
13	Indianapolis, IN	52.41	19	17	42	37
14	Shreveport, LA	52.29	81	7	61	13
15	Newark, NJ	51.35	9	15	35	92
16	Mobile, AL	51.23	65	8	84	27
17	Milwaukee, WI	50.92	60	45	13	34
18	Houston, TX	50.92	13	72	36	17
19	San Bernardino, CA	50.83	112	35	2	53
20	San Antonio, TX	50.43	92	47	18	11
21	Baton Rouge, LA	50.02	69	23	70	15
22	Augusta, GA	49.80	89	21	39	29
23	Cincinnati, OH	49.45	41	31	48	36
24	Las Vegas, NV	49.11	32	37	29	76
25	Wilmington, DE	49.05	43	30	34	62
26	Toledo, OH	49.03	78	19	90	26
27	North Las Vegas, NV	48.87	128	32	3	84
28	Columbus, GA	48.80	150	11	47	55
29	Fresno, CA	48.58	139	39	1	117
30	Huntington, WV	48.54	180	20	79	5
31	Vancouver, WA	48.52	4	100	33	63
32	Fayetteville, NC	48.43	136	43	24	30
33	Chicago, IL	48.12	8	36	93	85
34	Salem, OR	47.74	117	113	21	12
35	Spokane, WA	47.68	107	107	7	54
36	New York, NY	47.59	6	51	75	105
37	Fort Smith, AR	47.57	147	27	80	10
38	Laredo, TX	47.44	181	22	14	57
39	Dover, DE	47.28	67	28	98	31
40	Modesto, CA	47.21	101	84	8	107
41	Dallas, TX	47.08	21	87	81	35
42	Los Angeles, CA	46.76	29	61	37	103
43	Little Rock, AR	46.74	88	14	119	50
44	Tucson, AZ	46.73	134	68	25	45
45	Rochester, NY	46.68	121	60	27	56
46	Washington, DC	46.65	15	99	28	108
47	Corpus Christi, TX	46.65	166	41	45	23
48	Charleston, WV	46.64	62	150	63	4
49	Louisville, KY	46.54	20	33	137	41
50	Buffalo, NY	46.52	64	78	51	43
51	Bridgeport, CT	46.32	7	34	101	140
52	Winston-Salem, NC	46.06	100	71	23	75
53	Newport News, VA	46.05	157	49	19	79
54	Richmond, VA	45.88	38	48	86	73
55	Kansas City, MO	45.79	47	91	103	19
56	Oklahoma City, OK	45.58	95	67	64	40
57	Knoxville, TN	45.50	153	65	72	21
58	Tacoma, WA	45.33	46	125	20	81
59	Norfolk, VA	45.30	138	46	60	48
60	Jacksonville, FL	45.30	118	38	59	67
61	El Paso, TX	45.21	158	44	43	61
62	Tulsa, OK	45.18	152	54	87	24
63	Bakersfield, CA	44.89	111	58	30	115
64	Ontario, CA	44.75	133	63	17	130
65	Fort Wayne, IN	44.54	84	64	82	66
66	Moreno Valley, CA	44.51	149	59	9	123
67	Columbus, OH	44.42	61	75	107	46
68	Fort Worth, TX	44.37	63	118	46	59
69	Worcester, MA	44.36	123	102	10	128
70	New Haven, CT	44.35	116	26	83	102
71	Brownsville, TX	44.12	167	40	55	65
72	Miami, FL	44.09	151	24	67	96
73	Hialeah, FL	44.07	168	29	32	127
74	Sacramento, CA	44.00	103	76	22	129
75	Arlington, TX	43.90	120	93	54	51
76	Columbia, SC	43.78	172	25	96	47
77	Phoenix, AZ	43.72	122	82	58	58
78	Grand Prairie, TX	43.63	51	104	73	64
79	Atlanta, GA	43.54	39	81	116	69
80	Denver, CO	43.44	1	122	150	86
81	Long Beach, CA	43.37	48	56	62	151
82	Portland, OR	43.35	10	130	102	106
83	Glendale, AZ	43.34	144	55	76	77
84	Albuquerque, NM	43.30	97	106	53	71
85	Springfield, MO	43.30	125	57	145	18
86	Greensboro, NC	43.22	113	83	56	93
87	Stockton, CA	42.88	104	62	66	119
88	Garland, TX	42.65	105	90	77	74
89	Reno, NV	42.65	110	129	49	70
90	West Valley City, UT	42.55	162	100	26	72
91	Chattanooga, TN	42.52	173	66	113	28
92	Aurora, CO	42.45	23	77	120	111
93	Oceanside, CA	42.20	22	116	74	159
94	Las Cruces, NM	42.15	119	52	108	97
95	Fontana, CA	42.02	161	69	38	136
96	Oakland, CA	41.95	11	141	68	149
97	Wichita, KS	41.85	129	74	130	44
98	Riverside, CA	41.68	148	73	57	118
99	Oxnard, CA	41.54	93	114	44	157
100	Henderson, NV	41.44	49	98	78	145
101	Nashville, TN	41.26	33	95	144	80
102	Glendale, CA	41.20	24	70	97	171
103	Tampa, FL	41.04	90	92	88	125
104	Tallahassee, FL	41.04	171	42	106	89
105	Colorado Springs, CO	40.89	142	132	52	99
106	Lubbock, TX	40.86	178	50	132	32
107	Port St. Lucie, FL	40.67	99	133	117	60
108	Des Moines, IA	40.54	58	97	135	91
109	Casper, WY	40.42	56	149	155	25
110	Santa Clarita, CA	40.37	31	53	123	172
111	Santa Ana, CA	40.13	140	108	71	126
112	Salt Lake City, UT	40.08	135	105	91	109
113	Charlotte, NC	39.98	42	137	99	139
114	Amarillo, TX	39.95	176	96	118	42
115	Peoria, AZ	39.79	59	94	127	124
116	Cape Coral, FL	39.78	85	80	129	132
117	Boston, MA	39.42	30	103	147	142
118	Pittsburgh, PA	39.19	131	86	143	82
119	Irving, TX	39.16	155	143	92	78
120	Mesa, AZ	39.06	163	109	94	104
121	Orlando, FL	39.04	177	79	95	101
122	Anaheim, CA	39.00	83	111	89	164
123	Garden Grove, CA	38.92	126	124	50	167
124	Providence, RI	38.82	96	88	134	131
125	Missoula, MT	38.56	127	139	142	52
126	Fort Lauderdale, FL	38.40	124	89	141	110
127	Rancho Cucamonga, CA	38.32	102	115	115	143
128	Huntsville, AL	38.07	175	131	126	49
129	Austin, TX	38.02	40	158	128	134
130	San Diego, CA	37.91	70	117	111	176
131	Chula Vista, CA	37.83	66	134	85	177
132	Pembroke Pines, FL	37.75	36	123	138	158
133	Anchorage, AK	37.70	79	167	114	113
134	Santa Rosa, CA	37.70	91	140	109	163
135	Lewiston, ME	37.66	159	120	163	39
136	Aurora, IL	37.63	54	136	133	141
137	Tempe, AZ	37.46	182	112	100	90
138	Billings, MT	37.26	130	152	166	33
139	Lexington-Fayette, KY	37.07	73	85	174	87
140	San Francisco, CA	37.00	3	169	140	179
141	St. Petersburg, FL	36.98	109	138	146	114
142	Cheyenne, WY	36.95	26	159	168	68
143	Honolulu, HI	36.92	76	121	124	175
144	Yonkers, NY	36.81	14	135	154	170
145	Chesapeake, VA	36.73	143	128	125	138
146	Seattle, WA	36.68	34	179	104	154
147	Omaha, NE	36.57	87	110	164	122
148	Jersey City, NJ	36.41	16	126	152	173
149	Huntington Beach, CA	36.21	50	165	112	166
150	Nampa, ID	36.02	154	119	162	88
151	St. Paul, MN	35.99	98	146	148	135
152	Pearl City, HI	35.93	2	155	157	174
153	Raleigh, NC	35.61	80	175	110	165
154	Juneau, AK	35.50	27	178	159	94
155	Warwick, RI	35.49	17	156	175	116
156	Chandler, AZ	35.46	160	144	121	146
157	Grand Rapids, MI	35.44	156	145	160	98
158	Cedar Rapids, IA	35.40	82	147	167	112
159	Minneapolis, MN	35.26	106	160	156	121
160	Scottsdale, AZ	35.12	52	153	158	162
161	Virginia Beach, VA	34.96	115	151	139	160
162	Manchester, NH	34.67	137	161	161	95
163	Durham, NC	34.60	164	170	105	144
164	Gilbert, AZ	33.75	170	127	151	155
165	Plano, TX	33.59	77	172	153	153
166	Columbia, MD	33.48	37	171	122	181
167	Irvine, CA	32.51	71	166	136	180
168	San Jose, CA	32.19	45	180	131	178
169	Charleston, SC	31.80	141	163	173	120
170	Madison, WI	31.67	145	174	149	168
171	Burlington, VT	31.64	179	154	171	100
172	Rapid City, SD	31.19	132	162	178	83
173	Overland Park, KS	30.95	72	168	169	169
174	Portland, ME	30.76	94	157	176	150
175	Nashua, NH	30.57	146	176	172	133
176	Boise, ID	30.03	174	173	165	147
177	Sioux Falls, SD	29.98	86	148	182	148
178	Bismarck, ND	29.49	74	177	179	137
179	Lincoln, NE	28.77	165	142	181	156
180	Fargo, ND	27.93	169	164	177	152
181	South Burlington, VT	27.81	75	182	180	161
182	Fremont, CA	27.52	18	181	170	182

Notes: *1=Most Stressed
With the exception of “Total Score,” all of the columns in the table above depict the relative rank of that city, where a rank of 1 represents the worst conditions for that metric category.

Methodology

In order to determine the most and least stressed cities in America, WalletHub compared 182 cities — including the 150 most populated U.S. cities, plus at least two of the most populated cities in each state — across four key dimensions: 1) Work Stress, 2) Financial Stress, 3) Family Stress, and 4) Health & Safety Stress. The sample considers only the city proper in each case and excludes cities in the surrounding metro area.

Researchers evaluated the four dimensions using 39 relevant metrics, which are listed below with their corresponding weights. Each metric was graded on a 100-point scale, with a score of 100 representing the highest levels of stress. Data for metrics marked with an asterisk (*) were available at the state level only.

Finally, researchers determined each city’s weighted average across all metrics to calculate its overall score and used the resulting scores to rank-order our sample.

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Cleveland, OH

Northeast Ohio drag performers speak out against HB 249

Published

5 hours ago

March 26, 2026

Press Room

Northeast Ohio drag performers speak out against HB 249

CLEVELAND — For Kyle Burnett, drag is more than just a hobby, discovering the art form after falling into a deep depression during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Burnett, who is nonbinary, has been living in Ohio for more than a decade and has performed as “Zoey Zegai” for five of those years.

What You Need To Know

2025 is considered one of the most dangerous years on record for LGBTQ+ Americans, according to GLAAD

The nonprofit reports that more than 930 anti-LGBTQ incidents were recorded last year, ranging from hate speech to threats and physical violence

Ohio is now one of several U.S. states at the center of political debate over LGBTQ rights

House Bill 249, widely referred to as the “drag ban,” is now heading to the Ohio Senate after passing in the House this week

“It was a tough time … I found drag not only as a way of entertainment, but embracing myself as a queer member of the LGBTQ+ community,” said Burnett, who uses he/they pronouns.

While Burnett has been met with substantial support, he said, he’s noticed a recent shift in societal attitudes toward the LGBTQ+ community over the last year.

“I had my purse and was wearing short shorts because Ohio gets hot in the summertime, and I had a beer bottle thrown at me from outside of someone’s car window,” Burnett said.

“Zoey Zegai,” which Burnett said, is influenced by old-school divas like Joan Crawford and newer divas like Jinkx Monsoons.

According to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), 500 anti-LGBTQ bills have been proposed during the 2026 legislative session nationwide.

One of these bills is HB 249, or the “Indecent Exposure Modernization Act,” which would restrict drag performances to adult entertainment venues. The policy also changes the definition of public indecency to include “performers or entertainers who exhibit a gender identity that is different from the performer’s or entertainer’s biological sex using clothing, makeup, prosthetic or imitation genitals or breasts, or other physical markers.”

TransOhio Executive Director Dara Adkison said the bill uses broad language and could criminalize gender-diverse expression.

“It’s really making a statute that law enforcement professionals get to enforce their personal ideas about what is and isn’t appropriate gender representation, what is and isn’t performance. You know, is it singing karaoke? Is it being and drag queen? I know, is it a trans person walking down?” said Adkison, who uses they/them pronouns.

While many Ohioans are expressing concerns about the bill targeting transgender people and drag performers, nonprofit Equality Ohio said, the legislation’s impact expands to athletes and countless others.

The bill revises a previous code banning the exposure of “private parts” to now ban the exposure of “private areas,” said Dwayne Steward, Executive Director of Equality Ohio.

“Because the language they use is so vague, it really can apply to anyone, really. The language has been shifted from ‘obscenity’ … someone showing their genitals … to anyone showing their ‘genital area’, which could mean anyone who’s wearing a sports bra, a cheerleader who may be showing their midriff. “

Supporters of HB 249 said the bill is meant to protect children, while others have said this argument reinforces a harmful narrative surrounding drag performances.

“People, immediately when they see drag, they think that it is something that is sexual, something that is trying to indoctrinate children, to expose them to sexual content. And that’s not the case in any capacity,” Olivia Kowslowski.

Kowslowski is born and raised in northeast Ohio, now performing as “Monica Mod.”

Kowslowski, who started first started performing drag in Jan. 2022.

“I think that my perspective is important because it just shows that the bill is harmful to many people, including people that they were not expecting to be impacted by this,” she said. “… Most people don’t realize that when I’m in drag, I am, I’m a cisgender woman.”

While she’s become well known around her college campus’ drag scene, Kowslowski said, she and other performers are facing additional barriers.

“I have found that finding bookings is much more difficult because many venues are a lot more hesitant to host drag events at their spaces, or even support drag entertainers and their venues. Mainly from HB 249,” she said.

The Democratic Society of America’s Cleveland chapter recently announced it is launching a Gender Freedom Policy Petition that would go against “recent legislation calling to limit and ban drag performances,” calling it, “an injustice to not only the drag scene but also the broader Cleveland community.”

The petitions also includes provisions “that safeguard drag performers” and call for city-backed gender-affirming care services.

HB 249 now remains under review by the Ohio Senate and would require the governor’s signature before going into effect.

While the future remains uncertain, Burnett said, he and others in the drag community are hoping to build wider solidarity across all Ohio populations.

“We’re all just trying to live the same day-to-day life, get groceries, pay bills, drive to-and-from work. But there’s no room for hate,” Burnett said. “There’s no room for violence. We just want to feel like Ohio citizens.”

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Cleveland, OH

Cleveland Guardians Legend Announces Retirement From MLB Before Opening Day

Published

17 hours ago

March 26, 2026

Press Room

Cleveland Guardians Legend Announces Retirement From MLB Before Opening Day

Getty

CLEVELAND, OH – NOVEMBER 01: Roberto Perez #55 of the Cleveland Indians reacts after Addison Russell #27 of the Chicago Cubs , hit a two-run RBI double during the first inning in Game Six of the 2016 World Series at Progressive Field on November 1, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)

On Thursday evening, the Cleveland Guardians will play their first game of the 2026 regular season when they visit the Mariners in Seattle.

Before Opening Day, a franchise legend announced that he is calling it quits on his baseball career.

Cleveland Guardians Legend Announces Retirement

GettyCLEVELAND, OHIO – APRIL 10: Roberto Perez #55 of the Cleveland Indians hits a two-run home run against the Detroit Tigers in the second inning during a game at Progressive Field on April 10, 2021 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)

Roberto Perez (who last played in 2023) announced his retirement from baseball (h/t MLB Trade Rumors).

Perez wrote (via Instagram): “After much thought and reflection, I have decided to officially retire from baseball. This game has been a major part of my life and has shaped me both on and off the field. Through baseball, I’ve learned discipline, resilience, teamwork, and the importance of commitment. I am deeply grateful for every coach, teammate, trainer, and supporter who helped me along the way and believed in me throughout my journey. While this decision was not an easy one, I feel confident that it is the right time to step away and begin the next chapter of my life. I leave the game with nothing but respect and appreciation for everything it has given me. Thank you to everyone who has been part of this experience and for the opportunities, lessons, and memories that will stay with me forever. Sincerely, Roberto Bebo Perez🙏🏻⚾️”

Perez’s MLB Career

GettyCHICAGO, IL – OCTOBER 29: Roberto Perez #55 of the Cleveland Indians walks across the field in the first inning against the Chicago Cubs in Game Four of the 2016 World Series at Wrigley Field on October 29, 2016 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Perez was picked in the 33rd round of the 2008 MLB Draft.

He spent the first eight seasons of his career with the Guardians.

In that span, the 37-year-old won two Gold Glove Awards (and helped the franchise reach the World Series).

GettyMINNEAPOLIS, MN – JULY 31: Roberto Perez #55 and Brad Hand #33 of the Cleveland Indians hug at the mound after defeating the Minnesota Twins 6-2 at Target Field on July 31, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images)

Perez also spent the final two seasons of his ten-year career with the Pittsburgh Pirates and San Francisco Giants.

Over 516 career games, he batted .207 with 55 home runs, 193 RBI’s and 165 runs.

GettyNEW YORK, NY – MARCH 30: Roberto Perez #1 of the San Francisco Giants hits a single during the fifth inning against the New York Yankees on Opening Day at Yankee Stadium on March 30, 2023 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)

Current Guardians

GettyCLEVELAND, OHIO – SEPTEMBER 30: Manager Stephen Vogt #12 of the Cleveland Guardians speaks with the media following game one of the American League Wild Card Series against the Detroit Tigers at Progressive Field on September 30, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)

The Guardians are coming off a season where they won the AL Central with an 88-74 record.

They lost to the Detroit Tigers in the Wild Card Round.

Ben Stinar Ben Stinar has been covering the NBA for over seven years.

He has written for OnSI, Forbes, Amico Hoops, The Big Lead and had a podcast with former All-Star Jameer Nelson. More about Ben Stinar

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Cleveland, OH

Cavs vs. Heat: How to watch, odds, and injury report

Published

1 day ago

March 25, 2026

Press Room

Cavs vs. Heat: How to watch, odds, and injury report

Who: Cleveland Cavaliers (45-27) vs. Miami Heat (38-34)

Where: Rocket Arena – Cleveland, OH

When: Wed., March 25 at 7:30 PM

TV: FanDuel Sports Network Ohio, FanDuel Sports App, NBA League Pass

Point spread: Cavs -2.5

Cavs injury report: Max Strus – OUT (injury management), Dean Wade – QUESTIONABLE (ankle), Jaylon Tyson – OUT (toe), Jarrett Allen – OUT (knee), Craig Porter Jr. – OUT (groin), Larry Nance Jr. – QUESTIONABLE (illness), Olivier Sarr – OUT (G League)

Heat injury report: Terry Rozier – OUT (not with team), Vladislav Goldin – OUT (G League), Trevor Keels – OUT (G League), Jahmir Young – OUT (G League)

Cavs expected starting lineup: James Harden, Donovan Mitchell, Keon Ellis, Sam Merrill, Evan Mobley

Heat expected starting lineup: Davion Mitchell, Tyler Herro, Pelle Larsson, Andrew Wiggins, Bam Adebayo

Previous matchup: The shorthanded (and later fined) Cavs defeated the Heat 130-116 on Nov. 12.

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