New Hampshire is renowned for its natural beauty, low crime rates, and high quality of life. However, not all areas within the Granite State share the same level of tranquility and contentment. Some cities and towns experience higher stress factors, including extended commutes, elevated rent, lower income, and insufficient health insurance.
According to a study by Zippia, a career website, Farmington emerges as the most stressed place in New Hampshire.
Study Methodology:
Zippia utilized data from the U.S. Census’ American Community Survey for 2010-2014 to assess the 40 places in New Hampshire with a population over 2,000. The study focused on six criteria reflecting common stressors:
- Percentage of the population with a long commute (over 30 minutes)
- Unemployment rate
- Hours worked
- Population density
- Percentage of income spent on rent
- Percentage of the population without health insurance
The study ranked each place based on these criteria, with Zippia calculating an average rank for each location. The final stress score was derived from these averages, identifying the lowest score as the most stressed place in New Hampshire.
Why Farmington Tops the Stress Chart:
Farmington, a town with 3,562 residents in Strafford County, earned the lowest stress score of 5.83 out of 40. Key factors contributing to Farmington’s stress include:
- The highest percentage of people with a long commute (49.2%)
- The second-highest percentage of people without health insurance (17.8%)
- The third-highest percentage of income spent on rent (71.7%)
- The fourth-highest unemployment rate (7.4%)
Other Stressed Places in New Hampshire:
Apart from Farmington, other stressed places in New Hampshire, according to Zippia’s top 10 list, include:
- Newmarket (stress score: 7.67)
- Suncook (stress score: 8.33)
- Hillsborough (stress score: 9.17)
- Manchester (stress score: 9.33)
- Milford (stress score: 9.67)
- Derry (stress score: 10.17)
- Tilton Northfield (stress score: 10.33)
- Franklin (stress score: 10.5)
- Belmont (stress score: 11.17)
Reducing Stress in New Hampshire:
While stress is inevitable, it can be managed by improving well-being and happiness. Consider the following tips to reduce stress in New Hampshire:
- Seek professional help for mental health concerns through resources like the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services and the New Hampshire Community Behavioral Health Association.
- Engage in relaxation activities such as meditation, yoga, exercise, hobbies, or spending time with friends and family.
- Explore the natural beauty of New Hampshire, including the White Mountains, Lakes Region, Seacoast, and historic towns.
- Seek financial assistance or advice from programs and organizations like the New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority and the New Hampshire Legal Assistance.
- If possible, consider moving to less stressed places in New Hampshire. According to Zippia, Lebanon has the lowest stress score, followed by Hanover, Durham, Portsmouth, and Hampton.
By prioritizing self-care and seeking support when needed, individuals can overcome challenges and enjoy the benefits of living in New Hampshire, where stress doesn’t have to define life.
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