The Hardest-Working Cities in America
Achieving the American Dream is the goal of many Americans. Work hard, play hard – right? America is a very hard-working country. According to WalletHub, “the average U.S. worker puts in 1,786 hours per year – 106 hours more than the average in Japan, 248 more than the U.K. and 403 more than Germany.”
WalletHub recently ranked the biggest cities across the United States from most to least hardworking. The most surprising find is that New York City and Los Angeles didn’t even make the top 20!
Two key dimensions, “Direct Work Factors” and “Indirect Work Factors”, were used to compare 116 of the most populated cities in the country. At least one city from every state was represented. WalletHub evaluated those dimensions using 11 key metrics. Average workweek hours, employment rate, share of households where no adults work, share of workers leaving vacation time unused, share of engaged workers, and idle youth were the metrics used to evaluate the Direct Work Factors. The Indirect Work Factors WalletHub were average commute time, share of workers with multiple jobs, annual volunteer hours per resident, share of residents who participate in local groups or organizations, and average leisure time spent per day. Each metric used a 100-point scale, with a 100 representing the “hardest working.”
Where do you think your city ranks on the list?
Anchorage, AK
Anchorage, Alaska takes the top spot on this list! Anchorage is home to 42% of Alaska’s population and 47% of the state’s jobs.
Anchorage ranked #4 in direct work factors, meaning average workweek hours and labor-force participation were both extremely high.
Virginia Beach, VA
Virginia Beach is the most populous city in the commonwealth of Virginia.
Tourism is a major contributing factor in the local economy, but the city is also a major port for the United State’s military.
Cheyenne, WY
As the capital and most populous city in Wyoming, Cheyenne makes it into the top 5.
This city has a low overall unemployment rate and it has the shortest average commute time at 14.40 minutes.
Irving, TX
Irving has the lowest share of households where no adults work, 11.75 percent.
This is 3.6 times lower than in Detroit, the city with the highest at 41.87 percent.
San Francisco, CA
San Francisco is considered the commercial and cultural center of northern California.
This city is known for long work weeks due to the innovative startup culture that has emerged.
Norfolk, VA
Norfolk ranks #4 for both the average workweek hours and the annual volunteer hours per resident.
The city is a major military and transportation hub, fostering a strong work ethic among its residents in diverse industries such as defense, shipping, and healthcare
Corpus Christi, TX
Corpus Christi is located in the Gulf region of Texas.
The city thrives in the oil/petrochemical and transportation industries.
Washington, DC
As the United State’s capital city, it should be no surprise Washington, DC made the list.
The federal government accounts for over 29% of the city’s jobs.
Austin, TX
Austin is the fastest growing large city in the United States.
It is also among the top hardest working cities in the country.
Plano, TX
The economy in Plano is thriving.
Plano’s high level of workers over the age of 65 boosted its ranking on this list.
Denver, CO
Denver offers immense economic and employment opportunities.
It is the largest city within 500 miles and is home to many large corporations in the United States.
Dallas, TX
Dallas is home to several large companies including AT&T, Southwest Airlines, and Energy Transfer Equity.
It’s no wonder Dallas made the list!
Nashville, TN
Nashville residents are putting in over 39 hours of work per week.
They also have a higher than average senior workforce at 22.4 percent.
Fort Worth, TX
Texans must work hard! Fort Worth is the sixth city of Texas to make it into the top 20.
Fort Worth earns #14 spot in direct factors but ranks #60 in indirect factors.
Honolulu, HI
Honolulu ranks second for highest employment rate in the United States.
The city’s vibrant tourism industry demands extensive labor across hospitality, services, and cultural sectors.
Sioux Falls, SD
Sioux Falls houses about 30% of South Dakota’s entire population.
The city has transformed from an agriculture-based economy to a diversified service-based economy.
Billings, MT
Billings, Montana earned a spot on this list by ranking #5 in Indirect Work Factors.
The city has a diverse economy centered on agriculture, energy production, and healthcare, which relies on a committed workforce to support its growth and resilience in a challenging environment.
Aurora, CO
Aurora, CO is considered one of the hardest-working cities in America because of its robust economy driven by a mix of industries, including healthcare, aerospace, and technology.
Its residents also have a strong commitment to pursuing opportunities and improving their community.
Chesapeake, VA
Chesapeake, VA is regarded as one of the hardest-working cities in America due to its strategic position in the Hampton Roads region, which supports a diverse economy of agriculture, manufacturing, and logistics.
A dedicated workforce is required to meet the demands of its growing industries.
Portland, ME
Portland, ME comes in at #20 on our list.
The city has a thriving economy anchored in industries such as healthcare, tourism, and the arts, along with a strong commitment from its residents to support local businesses and foster community development.
