California’s hardest working cities revealed in new ranking
San Franciscans have been recognized as some of the hardest workers in the United States, according to a recent WalletHub ranking. The study found that residents of San Francisco put in a lot of effort, landing them at an impressive No. 8 spot on the nationwide list. Nearby Fremont also made a strong showing, coming in at No. 13, while San Jose and Oakland fell to 53rd and 56th place, respectively.
The top spot on the list went to Cheyenne, Wyoming, followed by Anchorage, Alaska; Washington, D.C.; Sioux Falls, South Dakota; and Irving, Texas rounding out the top five. However, Southern California cities did not fare as well in the rankings, with Santa Ana coming in at No. 70 and San Diego at No. 71. Los Angeles, known for its vibrant lifestyle and entertainment industry, ranked at a disappointing 86th place, just behind nearby Long Beach.
It’s no surprise that Los Angeles has consistently ranked low in terms of employment rates since 2009, with only a slight increase between 2016-2018. Cities in California’s Central Valley, such as Bakersfield, Stockton, and Fresno, also ranked poorly at 101, 102, and 107, respectively.
To determine the rankings, WalletHub considered factors such as average hours worked per week, employment rate, vacation time, commute time, share of workers with multiple jobs, and average leisure time per day. The study revealed that Americans work 25% more hours than their European counterparts, highlighting the strong work ethic prevalent in the US.
While hard work is essential for the country’s economic success, it’s important to strike a balance and avoid overworking, as it can have negative effects on physical and mental health. Americans often leave vacation time unused, with between 40% and 64% of workers not taking all their allotted time off. Finding a way to work hard without sacrificing well-being is crucial for long-term success.
In conclusion, San Franciscans have proven themselves to be among the hardest workers in the nation, showcasing their dedication and work ethic. While Southern California cities may have some catching up to do in terms of work ethic, it’s clear that a balance between hard work and self-care is essential for overall well-being.



