A recent WalletHub study reveals a concerning trend: America's most stressed-out cities are predominantly governed by Democrats. The study, encompassing 180 cities and utilizing 39 metrics – ranging from unemployment to suicide rates – paints a stark picture of the challenges facing these urban centers.

The top five cities grappling with the highest stress levels are Cleveland, Detroit, Baltimore, Birmingham, and Philadelphia. All but one of these cities have Democratic mayors, highlighting a potential correlation between political leadership and urban well-being.

Cleveland, for instance, faces a dire situation with the second-highest poverty rate among large cities and a crime rate significantly exceeding state and national averages. Despite promises to bolster police presence, the city's police force has dwindled since 2020, exacerbating safety concerns.

Detroit's second-place ranking is largely attributed to its alarming crime statistics. Residents are considerably more likely to experience violent crime compared to the national average. Similarly, Baltimore, Birmingham, and Philadelphia are also grappling with elevated crime and murder rates under Democratic leadership.

The WalletHub study comes amidst the lingering impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and persistent inflation, both of which contribute significantly to stress levels. The rising cost of living, particularly for essential goods like groceries and gas, is a major concern for many Americans.

While recent data indicates a gradual decline in inflation from its peak, a substantial portion of Americans continue to feel its effects. A survey by the American Psychological Association reveals that 83% of Americans are stressed about inflation, and 75% are stressed about violence and crime.

WalletHub's methodology involved assigning weights to each metric based on its contribution to stress levels, culminating in an overall score for each city. The metrics were categorized under four key areas: work stress, financial stress, family stress, and health and safety stress.

The study identified Washington, D.C., as the most stressful city for work, Cleveland for financial stress, Fresno, California for family stress, and Detroit for health and safety stress.