Americans are facing increasing mental health challenges, with 1 in 5 experiencing a mental health illness, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness.[1] The most common conditions include anxiety disorders and major depressive episodes. Major contributing factors are suspected to impact the population at large, including the COVID-19 pandemic, social media use and lack of access to mental health resources.
We looked at a variety of location-specific factors to find the saddest cities in the U.S. We considered some of the factors that lead to saddness including divorce[2], lower income[3] and rainy weather conditions[4]. We also considered measures of overall well being.
Here are five data points we used to rank the 50 most populous MSAs in the U.S.
- Percent of adults having a major depressive episode: Depression can encompass a number of emotional and physical symptoms, including sadness, anger, tiredness, headaches and more.[5]
- Divorce rate: One study showed that individuals who get divorced in a non-conflict marriage are no happier than married individuals. In fact, 66% of unhappy marriages that stuck it out became happy within five years.[6]These statistics, of course, do not apply to spouses in violent relationships. [The National Domestic Violence Hotline is available at 800-799-7233].
- Wellbeing Index rating: The Gallup Wellbeing Index ranks MSAs based on career, social, financial, community and physical satisfaction.
- Annual inches of precipitation: Ongoing rain limits the amount of sunlight, which impacts a number of physiological responses in the body. It can disrupt your sleep quality and lower your production of serotonin and dopamine — known as the body's "feel-good" chemicals.
- Average household income: Money may not buy happiness directly, but people do seem to think it can make life easier. The results of a 2023 study found that Americans are unhappier as income decreases — at least up to $100,000 in annual earnings. After that, there was no correlation between higher levels of happiness and incomes.[7]
Did your city make the list as one of the saddest in America? Scroll down to find out.
Methodology
The Zebra pulled five data points to analyze the top 50 MSAs (by population) in the U.S. related to mental health and quality of life factors.
- Percent of adults having a major depressive episode[9]
- Divorce rate (by state)[10]
- Wellbeing Index Rating[11]
- Annual inches of precipitation[12]
- Average household income[13]
MSA data was used where applicable, and we sometimes substituted county data as necessary.