News Summary
According to a WalletHub study, Anchorage, Alaska, has been crowned the hardest-working city in the United States as of February 26, 2025. This accolade was earned due to the city’s impressive employment rate of nearly 97%, with many residents working multiple jobs. The city stands out among the nation’s largest urban areas, where work-life balance appears to be skewed in favor of extended working hours. Other hard-working cities include Washington, D.C., and Irving, Texas. Despite the recognition, concerns about work-life balance and its health impacts linger.
Anchorage Crowned as the Hardest-Working City in America!
In a recent study by WalletHub, Anchorage, Alaska has made waves by earning the title of the hardest-working city in the United States as of February 26, 2025. It’s not just about the scenic views; the residents of this vibrant city put in some serious hours to earn that accolade!
Setting the Stage: How the Rankings Were Formed
The WalletHub study looked closely at 116 of the largest cities across the nation based on a variety of factors that impact work life. It’s a detailed analysis, taking into account both direct and indirect work elements to gauge how much effort people really put into their jobs. While the average American worker clocks in about 1,799 hours each year, it turns out that Anchorage residents are working even harder!
In fact, the U.S. average is significantly higher than in other countries. Americans work about 188 hours more than those in Japan, 275 hours more than in the United Kingdom, and a whopping 456 hours more than in Germany. Clearly, a strong work ethic is woven into the fabric of American life!
Why Anchorage is Leading the Pack
Anchorage took the top spot primarily due to its exceptional employment rate, boasting a nearly 97% employment rate. Additionally, around 7.6% of workers juggle multiple jobs to make ends meet. Not only that, but it seems that leisure time is at a premium, as Anchorage residents enjoy the 8th lowest amount of leisure time compared to other cities in the study.
It’s just a part of the lifestyle in Anchorage, where putting in over 40 hours per week isn’t unusual. It’s clear that the spirit of hard work thrives in this northern urban landscape.
Spotlight on Other Hard-Working Cities
Following closely behind Anchorage, Washington, D.C. seized the second position. This bustling city has a staggering 64% of its workforce leaving vacation days on the table! D.C. also ranks fourth when it comes to hours worked weekly, and residents contend with average commute times of over 30 minutes, further underscoring the dedication of its workforce. To top it off, nearly 31% of D.C. residents are actively participating in volunteer groups, showcasing their commitment to not only work but community engagement.
Irving, Texas, clinched the third spot, benefiting from the lowest percentage of households without working adults, and ranking sixth in average hours worked per week. Engaged workers? Irving has the third-highest percentage of them! The commitment among its workforce is palpable.
The list continues with notable mentions like Cheyenne, Wyoming (5th), Denver, Colorado (7th), Virginia Beach, Virginia (8th), and San Francisco, California (9th). Meanwhile, Tampa, Florida, represented the Sunshine State, coming in at 30th.
A Closer Look: The Not-So-Great Side of Hard Work
While it’s impressive to see cities like Anchorage working hard, there’s also a cautionary tale here. The WalletHub analysis highlighted the potential negative impacts of a strong work ethic, suggesting that it can take a toll on both physical and mental health. It’s a balance that’s crucial to strike; after all, a little downtime goes a long way!
Ranking Aside: The Bottom of the Barrel
And if you were wondering which city came in last, that would be Burlington, Vermont, sitting at the bottom of the list. It serves as a reminder that not all cities share the same work culture and ethos.
In conclusion, while Anchorage may have taken the title of hardest-working city, each place has its charm and challenges. Here’s hoping that as folks roll up their sleeves, they also find a moment to kick back and enjoy what life has to offer!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Click Orlando
- Newsweek
- Fox News
- Newser
- Quartz
- Wikipedia: Work Ethic
- Google Search: Hardest Working Cities in America
- Google Scholar: Hardest Working Cities in the U.S.
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hard Work
- Google News: Hardest Working Cities
Author: STAFF HERE TAMPA WRITER
The TAMPA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETampa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tampa, Hillsborough County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Gasparilla Pirate Festival, Florida State Fair, and Tampa Riverfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce and United Way Suncoast, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and technology that power the local economy such as BayCare Health System, Grow Financial Federal Credit Union, and KnowBe4. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERESTPetersburg.com, and HERETallahassee.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
