New Study Reveals the Most Stressed-Out Cities in Florida

Floridia might be known for sunshine and palm trees, but some cities in the Sunshine State are feeling the heat in more ways than one. A new report by WalletHub has ranked the most and least stressed cities in the U.S. for 2025—and several Florida metros didn’t escape the stress radar.

The annual study analyzed over 180 U.S. cities using 39 metrics, including work hours, unemployment rates, divorce rates, crime levels, and access to health care. While the nation’s most stressed cities were mostly concentrated in the Rust Belt and Deep South—with Detroit, Cleveland, and Baltimore claiming the top three spots—Florida wasn’t exactly lounging by the stress-free pool either.

Florida Cities: Ranked by Stress

Here’s how Florida’s major cities stacked up in WalletHub’s national ranking, where No. 1 is the most stressed and No. 182 is the least:

• Miami: No. 41
• Jacksonville: No. 45
• Hialeah: No. 46
• Tampa: No. 80
• Port St. Lucie: No. 81
• Orlando: No. 97
• Fort Lauderdale: No. 99
• Tallahassee: No. 109
• Cape Coral: No. 91
• Pembroke Pines: No. 113
• St. Petersburg: No. 115

Miami: Florida’s Most Stressed

Miami ranked as the most stressed city in Florida, placing 41st nationally. High health and safety stress (ranked 112th out of 182) contributed heavily to its score, along with above-average family-related stress. Though the city offers culture and economic opportunities, rising housing costs, congestion, and crime continue to weigh on residents’ mental well-being.

Jacksonville & Hialeah Not Far Behind

Jacksonville (No. 45) and Hialeah (No. 46) weren’t far behind. Jacksonville had a particularly poor showing in health and safety stress, while Hialeah struggled with financial and family stressors.

Meanwhile, Tallahassee may be the state capital, but its stress score wasn’t the best—it ranked 109th nationally and was among the cities with the fewest average weekly work hours, a potential reflection of local economic conditions.

Bright Spots: St. Pete, Pembroke Pines, Cape Coral

On the flip side, St. Petersburg (No. 115), Pembroke Pines (No. 113), and Cape Coral (No. 91) fared better than many of their Florida peers. These cities reported lower stress levels across several categories, including work-related pressures and public safety.

National Picture: Why It Matters

According to the American Psychological Association, more than 70% of Americans report stress about the economy and the nation’s future. While stress is a universal experience, WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo says location matters more than people think.

“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,” Lupo explained.

For residents considering relocation, evaluating a city’s stress profile could be just as important as job prospects or cost of living.

Takeaway

Florida may not be home to the most stressed cities in America, but stress levels vary widely depending on where you live in the state. Whether you’re dealing with traffic in Miami or adjusting to slower job growth in Tallahassee, the pressures of daily life in the Sunshine State are very real.

You can view the full WalletHub report here.