Seattle hosts an annual summer festival that runs for 10 weeks and features over 40 events. This is the 75th year for the Seafair Festival which kicked off on June 29th and includes fireworks on July 4th, the Torchlight Parade on July 27th, and Seattle Fleet Week from July 29 to August 4th. Popular community events, such as the Seafair Festival, are part of what contributes to earning Seattle the title of America’s most laid-back city.
24/7 Wall St. reviewed FinanceBuzz’s report, The Most Laid-Back Cities Across the U.S. (2024), to find the most laid-back cities in the country. We ranked 50 cities beginning from least laid back to most using the overall laid back score from the report. Scores ranged from 0 to 100 and were averaged from ratings in livability, economic factors, well-being, and leisure activities. We’ve added supplemental information to the list including population, bachelor’s degree attainment rate, and median household income from the Census Bureau 2022 American Community Survey five-year estimates.
Cities at the top of the list, those considered the most laid-back, tend to be well off economically with plenty of leisure activities. They also have easier commutes than more stressed-out cities with people reporting more sleep and higher wellness scores. (Also see: 40 US Cities With Booming Downtowns.)
On the contrary, cities considered less laid back and more stressful to live in scored lower in livability (higher commute times, noise pollution, lower walkability) and had fewer leisure activities for residents to engage in. They also had more people living below the poverty line and lower overall wellness scores. Houston topped the list of the least laid back partly due to its lack of leisure activities and long work hours.
Why This Matters
Although not everyone would like to live in a “laid-back city,” these types of cities offer benefits for residents’ well-being, such as more outdoor activities, less stressful commutes, and healthy economies. For people looking for a more balanced lifestyle, (perhaps including the ability to work from home or shorter commutes,) a laid-back city might be exactly what is needed.
50. Houston, Texas
- Laid back score: 37.3 out of 100
- Best performing category: Economic factors (14.5 out of 25)
- Worst performing category: Leisure activities (1.7 out of 25)
- Median household income, 2022: $60,440 compared to $75,149 nationwide
- Bachelor's degree attainment, 2022: 35.2% compared to 34.3% nationwide
- Population, 2022: 2,296,253
49. Memphis, Tennessee
- Laid back score: 37.7 out of 100
- Best performing category: Economic factors (16.3 out of 25)
- Worst performing category: Leisure activities (2.6 out of 25)
- Median household income, 2022: $48,090 compared to $75,149 nationwide
- Bachelor's degree attainment, 2022: 27.9% compared to 34.3% nationwide
- Population, 2022: 630,027
47. Detroit, Michigan
- Laid back score: 41.2 out of 100
- Best performing category: Economic factors (13.2 out of 25)
- Worst performing category: Well-being (4.8 out of 25)
- Median household income, 2022: $37,761 compared to $75,149 nationwide
- Bachelor's degree attainment, 2022: 16.9% compared to 34.3% nationwide
- Population, 2022: 636,787
47. San Antonio, Texas
- Laid back score: 41.2 out of 100
- Best performing category: Economic factors (19.8 out of 25)
- Worst performing category: Leisure activities (1.5 out of 25)
- Median household income, 2022: $59,593 compared to $75,149 nationwide
- Bachelor's degree attainment, 2022: 27.7% compared to 34.3% nationwide
- Population, 2022: 1,445,662
46. Dallas, Texas
- Laid back score: 42.7 out of 100
- Best performing category: Economic factors (15.5 out of 25)
- Worst performing category: Leisure activities (3.6 out of 25)
- Median household income, 2022: $63,985 compared to $75,149 nationwide
- Bachelor's degree attainment, 2022: 36.5% compared to 34.3% nationwide
- Population, 2022: 1,300,642
45. Indianapolis, Indiana
- Laid back score: 42.8 out of 100
- Best performing category: Economic factors (18.6 out of 25)
- Worst performing category: Leisure activities (3.5 out of 25)
- Median household income, 2022: $59,110 compared to $75,149 nationwide
- Bachelor's degree attainment, 2022: 33.4% compared to 34.3% nationwide
- Population, 2022: 882,006
44. New York, New York
- Laid back score: 43.9 out of 100
- Best performing category: Economic factors (15.3 out of 25)
- Worst performing category: Leisure activities (1.6 out of 25)
- Median household income, 2022: $76,607 compared to $75,149 nationwide
- Bachelor's degree attainment, 2022: 40.2% compared to 34.3% nationwide
- Population, 2022: 8,622,467
43. Jacksonville, Florida
- Laid back score: 45.1 out of 100
- Best performing category: Economic factors (18.0 out of 25)
- Worst performing category: Leisure activities (3.0 out of 25)
- Median household income, 2022: $64,138 compared to $75,149 nationwide
- Bachelor's degree attainment, 2022: 31.0% compared to 34.3% nationwide
- Population, 2022: 950,203
42. Columbus, Ohio
- Laid back score: 45.3 out of 100
- Best performing category: Economic factors (18.2 out of 25)
- Worst performing category: Leisure activities (3.4 out of 25)
- Median household income, 2022: $62,994 compared to $75,149 nationwide
- Bachelor's degree attainment, 2022: 38.3% compared to 34.3% nationwide
- Population, 2022: 902,449
41. Los Angeles, California
- Laid back score: 45.6 out of 100
- Best performing category: Economic factors (17.1 out of 25)
- Worst performing category: Leisure activities (2.7 out of 25)
- Median household income, 2022: $76,244 compared to $75,149 nationwide
- Bachelor's degree attainment, 2022: 36.7% compared to 34.3% nationwide
- Population, 2022: 3,881,041
40. Birmingham, Alabama
- Laid back score: 46.4 out of 100
- Best performing category: Livability (14.1 out of 25)
- Worst performing category: Well-being (5.7 out of 25)
- Median household income, 2022: $42,464 compared to $75,149 nationwide
- Bachelor's degree attainment, 2022: 29.4% compared to 34.3% nationwide
- Population, 2022: 200,431
39. Cleveland, Ohio
- Laid back score: 47 out of 100
- Best performing category: Economic factors (14.6 out of 25)
- Worst performing category: Well-being (6.1 out of 25)
- Median household income, 2022: $37,271 compared to $75,149 nationwide
- Bachelor's degree attainment, 2022: 20.3% compared to 34.3% nationwide
- Population, 2022: 370,365
38. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Laid back score: 47.2 out of 100
- Best performing category: Economic factors (16.5 out of 25)
- Worst performing category: Leisure activities (5.5 out of 25)
- Median household income, 2022: $57,537 compared to $75,149 nationwide
- Bachelor's degree attainment, 2022: 33.6% compared to 34.3% nationwide
- Population, 2022: 1,593,208
37. Phoenix, Arizona
- Laid back score: 47.8 out of 100
- Best performing category: Economic factors (17.4 out of 25)
- Worst performing category: Leisure activities (4.0 out of 25)
- Median household income, 2022: $72,092 compared to $75,149 nationwide
- Bachelor's degree attainment, 2022: 31.2% compared to 34.3% nationwide
- Population, 2022: 1,609,456
36. Louisville, Kentucky
- Laid back score: 48.1 out of 100
- Best performing category: Economic factors (18.9 out of 25)
- Worst performing category: Leisure activities (4.6 out of 25)
- Median household income, 2022: $63,114 compared to $75,149 nationwide
- Bachelor's degree attainment, 2022: 32.9% compared to 34.3% nationwide
- Population, 2022: 629,176 (data for Louisville/Jefferson County, Kentucky)
35. Chicago, Illinois
- Laid back score: 48.7 out of 100
- Best performing category: Economic factors (17.9 out of 25)
- Worst performing category: Leisure activities (3.1 out of 25)
- Median household income, 2022: $71,673 compared to $75,149 nationwide
- Bachelor's degree attainment, 2022: 42.4% compared to 34.3% nationwide
- Population, 2022: 2,721,914
34. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
- Laid back score: 48.9 out of 100
- Best performing category: Economic factors (19.1 out of 25)
- Worst performing category: Leisure activities (5.7 out of 25)
- Median household income, 2022: $64,251 compared to $75,149 nationwide
- Bachelor's degree attainment, 2022: 33.2% compared to 34.3% nationwide
- Population, 2022: 681,088
33. Kansas City, Missouri
- Laid back score: 49.8 out of 100
- Best performing category: Economic factors (18.3 out of 25)
- Worst performing category: Leisure activities (6.7 out of 25)
- Median household income, 2022: $65,256 compared to $75,149 nationwide
- Bachelor's degree attainment, 2022: 37.1% compared to 34.3% nationwide
- Population, 2022: 505,958
32. Charlotte, North Carolina
- Laid back score: 50.2 out of 100
- Best performing category: Economic factors (18.3 out of 25)
- Worst performing category: Leisure activities (3.9 out of 25)
- Median household income, 2022: $74,070 compared to $75,149 nationwide
- Bachelor's degree attainment, 2022: 46.6% compared to 34.3% nationwide
- Population, 2022: 875,045
31. New Orleans, Louisiana
- Laid back score: 50.4 out of 100
- Best performing category: Livability (17.6 out of 25)
- Worst performing category: Leisure activities (8.0 out of 25)
- Median household income, 2022: $51,116 compared to $75,149 nationwide
- Bachelor's degree attainment, 2022: 40.7% compared to 34.3% nationwide
- Population, 2022: 380,408
30. Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Laid back score: 51 out of 100
- Best performing category: Economic factors (18.3 out of 25)
- Worst performing category: Leisure activities (8.3 out of 25)
- Median household income, 2022: $49,733 compared to $75,149 nationwide
- Bachelor's degree attainment, 2022: 26.1% compared to 34.3% nationwide
- Population, 2022: 573,299
29. Austin, Texas
- Laid back score: 52.1 out of 100
- Best performing category: Well-being (17.2 out of 25)
- Worst performing category: Leisure activities (4.0 out of 25)
- Median household income, 2022: $86,556 compared to $75,149 nationwide
- Bachelor's degree attainment, 2022: 56.5% compared to 34.3% nationwide
- Population, 2022: 958,202
28. Nashville, Tennessee
- Laid back score: 52.4 out of 100
- Best performing category: Economic factors (17.8 out of 25)
- Worst performing category: Leisure activities (4.3 out of 25)
- Median household income, 2022: $71,328 compared to $75,149 nationwide
- Bachelor's degree attainment, 2022: 45.5% compared to 34.3% nationwide
- Population, 2022: 684,103 (data for Nashville-Davidson, Tennessee)
27. San Diego, California
- Laid back score: 52.9 out of 100
- Best performing category: Economic factors (16.0 out of 25)
- Worst performing category: Leisure activities (6.0 out of 25)
- Median household income, 2022: $98,657 compared to $75,149 nationwide
- Bachelor's degree attainment, 2022: 48.7% compared to 34.3% nationwide
- Population, 2022: 1,383,987
26. Las Vegas, Nevada
- Laid back score: 53.8 out of 100
- Best performing category: Economic factors (19.2 out of 25)
- Worst performing category: Well-being (9.2 out of 25)
- Median household income, 2022: $66,356 compared to $75,149 nationwide
- Bachelor's degree attainment, 2022: 26.3% compared to 34.3% nationwide
- Population, 2022: 644,835
25. Baltimore, Maryland
- Laid back score: 55.1 out of 100
- Best performing category: Economic factors (18.2 out of 25)
- Worst performing category: Leisure activities (10.0 out of 25)
- Median household income, 2022: $58,349 compared to $75,149 nationwide
- Bachelor's degree attainment, 2022: 34.9% compared to 34.3% nationwide
- Population, 2022: 584,548
24. Virginia Beach, Virginia
- Laid back score: 55.6 out of 100
- Best performing category: Economic factors (19.4 out of 25)
- Worst performing category: Leisure activities (5.2 out of 25)
- Median household income, 2022: $87,544 compared to $75,149 nationwide
- Bachelor's degree attainment, 2022: 39.8% compared to 34.3% nationwide
- Population, 2022: 457,900
23. Miami, Florida
- Laid back score: 56.5 out of 100
- Best performing category: Leisure activities (18.2 out of 25)
- Worst performing category: Well-being (10.5 out of 25)
- Median household income, 2022: $54,858 compared to $75,149 nationwide
- Bachelor's degree attainment, 2022: 34.2% compared to 34.3% nationwide
- Population, 2022: 443,665
22. San Jose, California
- Laid back score: 56.8 out of 100
- Best performing category: Well-being (21.3 out of 25)
- Worst performing category: Leisure activities (4.8 out of 25)
- Median household income, 2022: $136,010 compared to $75,149 nationwide
- Bachelor's degree attainment, 2022: 46.0% compared to 34.3% nationwide
- Population, 2022: 1,001,176
21. Sacramento, California
- Laid back score: 57.5 out of 100
- Best performing category: Economic factors (19.9 out of 25)
- Worst performing category: Leisure activities (8.4 out of 25)
- Median household income, 2022: $78,954 compared to $75,149 nationwide
- Bachelor's degree attainment, 2022: 35.8% compared to 34.3% nationwide
- Population, 2022: 523,600
20. Riverside, California
- Laid back score: 57.8 out of 100
- Best performing category: Economic factors (19.6 out of 25)
- Worst performing category: Well-being (7.9 out of 25)
- Median household income, 2022: $83,448 compared to $75,149 nationwide
- Bachelor's degree attainment, 2022: 24.4% compared to 34.3% nationwide
- Population, 2022: 316,076
19. Buffalo, New York
- Laid back score: 58.2 out of 100
- Best performing category: Economic factors (19.6 out of 25)
- Worst performing category: Well-being (7.0 out of 25)
- Median household income, 2022: $46,184 compared to $75,149 nationwide
- Bachelor's degree attainment, 2022: 30.0% compared to 34.3% nationwide
- Population, 2022: 276,688
18. Cincinnati, Ohio
- Laid back score: 58.7 out of 100
- Best performing category: Leisure activities (17.2 out of 25)
- Worst performing category: Well-being (9.7 out of 25)
- Median household income, 2022: $49,191 compared to $75,149 nationwide
- Bachelor's degree attainment, 2022: 40.5% compared to 34.3% nationwide
- Population, 2022: 308,870
17. Tampa, Florida
- Laid back score: 58.8 out of 100
- Best performing category: Economic factors (17.1 out of 25)
- Worst performing category: Well-being (11.0 out of 25)
- Median household income, 2022: $66,802 compared to $75,149 nationwide
- Bachelor's degree attainment, 2022: 43.3% compared to 34.3% nationwide
- Population, 2022: 388,768
16. Raleigh, North Carolina
- Laid back score: 59 out of 100
- Best performing category: Economic factors (19.6 out of 25)
- Worst performing category: Leisure activities (8.0 out of 25)
- Median household income, 2022: $78,631 compared to $75,149 nationwide
- Bachelor's degree attainment, 2022: 52.7% compared to 34.3% nationwide
- Population, 2022: 465,517
15. Richmond, Virginia
- Laid back score: 60.8 out of 100
- Best performing category: Livability (18.2 out of 25)
- Worst performing category: Well-being (11.1 out of 25)
- Median household income, 2022: $59,606 compared to $75,149 nationwide
- Bachelor's degree attainment, 2022: 44.1% compared to 34.3% nationwide
- Population, 2022: 227,171
14. Hartford, Connecticut
- Laid back score: 61.2 out of 100
- Best performing category: Leisure activities (22.4 out of 25)
- Worst performing category: Well-being (6.4 out of 25)
- Median household income, 2022: $41,841 compared to $75,149 nationwide
- Bachelor's degree attainment, 2022: 17.5% compared to 34.3% nationwide
- Population, 2022: 121,057
13. San Francisco, California
- Laid back score: 62.5 out of 100
- Best performing category: Well-being (23.1 out of 25)
- Worst performing category: Leisure activities (9.1 out of 25)
- Median household income, 2022: $136,689 compared to $75,149 nationwide
- Bachelor's degree attainment, 2022: 59.8% compared to 34.3% nationwide
- Population, 2022: 851,036
12. Boston, Massachusetts
- Laid back score: 64.1 out of 100
- Best performing category: Well-being (17.7 out of 25)
- Worst performing category: Leisure activities (13.5 out of 25)
- Median household income, 2022: $89,212 compared to $75,149 nationwide
- Bachelor's degree attainment, 2022: 53.4% compared to 34.3% nationwide
- Population, 2022: 665,945
11. St. Louis, Missouri
- Laid back score: 66 out of 100
- Best performing category: Livability (18.9 out of 25)
- Worst performing category: Well-being (12.5 out of 25)
- Median household income, 2022: $52,941 compared to $75,149 nationwide
- Bachelor's degree attainment, 2022: 38.6% compared to 34.3% nationwide
- Population, 2022: 298,018
10. Denver, Colorado
- Laid back score: 66.2 out of 100
- Best performing category: Well-being (20.0 out of 25)
- Worst performing category: Leisure activities (12.9 out of 25)
- Median household income, 2022: $85,853 compared to $75,149 nationwide
- Bachelor's degree attainment, 2022: 54.2% compared to 34.3% nationwide
- Population, 2022: 710,800
9. Washington, District of Columbia
- Laid back score: 66.5 out of 100
- Best performing category: Well-being (21.9 out of 25)
- Worst performing category: Leisure activities (10.8 out of 25)
- Median household income, 2022: $101,722 compared to $75,149 nationwide
- Bachelor's degree attainment, 2022: 62.6% compared to 34.3% nationwide
- Population, 2022: 670,587
8. Orlando, Florida
- Laid back score: 67.7 out of 100
- Best performing category: Leisure activities (22.8 out of 25)
- Worst performing category: Well-being (12.6 out of 25)
- Median household income, 2022: $66,292 compared to $75,149 nationwide
- Bachelor's degree attainment, 2022: 41.7% compared to 34.3% nationwide
- Population, 2022: 307,738
7. Providence, Rhode Island
- Laid back score: 68 out of 100
- Best performing category: Leisure activities (21.7 out of 25)
- Worst performing category: Well-being (10.2 out of 25)
- Median household income, 2022: $61,365 compared to $75,149 nationwide
- Bachelor's degree attainment, 2022: 34.5% compared to 34.3% nationwide
- Population, 2022: 189,715
6. Atlanta, Georgia
- Laid back score: 69.6 out of 100
- Best performing category: Leisure activities (20.3 out of 25)
- Worst performing category: Livability (15.4 out of 25)
- Median household income, 2022: $77,655 compared to $75,149 nationwide
- Bachelor's degree attainment, 2022: 57.3% compared to 34.3% nationwide
- Population, 2022: 494,838
5. Salt Lake City, Utah
- Laid back score: 70.2 out of 100
- Best performing category: Leisure activities (20.1 out of 25)
- Worst performing category: Well-being (14.7 out of 25)
- Median household income, 2022: $72,357 compared to $75,149 nationwide
- Bachelor's degree attainment, 2022: 50.2% compared to 34.3% nationwide
- Population, 2022: 201,269
4. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Laid back score: 70.5 out of 100
- Best performing category: Leisure activities (20.9 out of 25)
- Worst performing category: Well-being (14.3 out of 25)
- Median household income, 2022: $60,187 compared to $75,149 nationwide
- Bachelor's degree attainment, 2022: 46.7% compared to 34.3% nationwide
- Population, 2022: 303,843
3. Portland, Oregon
- Laid back score: 71.2 out of 100
- Best performing category: Well-being (20.1 out of 25)
- Worst performing category: Leisure activities (13.3 out of 25)
- Median household income, 2022: $85,876 compared to $75,149 nationwide
- Bachelor's degree attainment, 2022: 52.5% compared to 34.3% nationwide
- Population, 2022: 646,101
2. Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Laid back score: 71.5 out of 100
- Best performing category: Economic factors (19.1 out of 25)
- Worst performing category: Livability (16.6 out of 25)
- Median household income, 2022: $76,332 compared to $75,149 nationwide
- Bachelor's degree attainment, 2022: 53.5% compared to 34.3% nationwide
- Population, 2022: 426,877
1. Seattle, Washington
- Laid back score: 71.8 out of 100
- Best performing category: Well-being (23.0 out of 25)
- Worst performing category: Leisure activities (12.4 out of 25)
- Median household income, 2022: $116,068 compared to $75,149 nationwide
- Bachelor's degree attainment, 2022: 66.7% compared to 34.3% nationwide
- Population, 2022: 734,603
Seattle hosts an annual summer festival that runs for 10 weeks and features over 40 events. This is the 75th year for the Seafair Festival which kicked off on June 29th and includes fireworks on July 4th, the Torchlight Parade on July 27th, and Seattle Fleet Week from July 29 to August 4th. Popular community events, such as the Seafair Festival, are part of what contributes to earning Seattle the title of America’s most laid-back city.
24/7 Wall St. reviewed FinanceBuzz’s report, The Most Laid-Back Cities Across the U.S. (2024), to find the most laid-back cities in the country. We ranked 50 cities beginning from least laid back to most using the overall laid back score from the report. Scores ranged from 0 to 100 and were averaged from ratings in livability, economic factors, well-being, and leisure activities. We’ve added supplemental information to the list including population, bachelor’s degree attainment rate, and median household income from the Census Bureau 2022 American Community Survey five-year estimates.
Cities at the top of the list, those considered the most laid-back, tend to be well off economically with plenty of leisure activities. They also have easier commutes than more stressed-out cities with people reporting more sleep and higher wellness scores. (Also see: 40 US Cities With Booming Downtowns.)
On the contrary, cities considered less laid back and more stressful to live in scored lower in livability (higher commute times, noise pollution, lower walkability) and had fewer leisure activities for residents to engage in. They also had more people living below the poverty line and lower overall wellness scores. Houston topped the list of the least laid back partly due to its lack of leisure activities and long work hours.
Why This Matters
Although not everyone would like to live in a “laid-back city,” these types of cities offer benefits for residents’ well-being, such as more outdoor activities, less stressful commutes, and healthy economies. For people looking for a more balanced lifestyle, (perhaps including the ability to work from home or shorter commutes,) a laid-back city might be exactly what is needed.
50. Houston, Texas
- Laid back score: 37.3 out of 100
- Best performing category: Economic factors (14.5 out of 25)
- Worst performing category: Leisure activities (1.7 out of 25)
- Median household income, 2022: $60,440 compared to $75,149 nationwide
- Bachelor's degree attainment, 2022: 35.2% compared to 34.3% nationwide
- Population, 2022: 2,296,253
49. Memphis, Tennessee
- Laid back score: 37.7 out of 100
- Best performing category: Economic factors (16.3 out of 25)
- Worst performing category: Leisure activities (2.6 out of 25)
- Median household income, 2022: $48,090 compared to $75,149 nationwide
- Bachelor's degree attainment, 2022: 27.9% compared to 34.3% nationwide
- Population, 2022: 630,027
47. Detroit, Michigan
- Laid back score: 41.2 out of 100
- Best performing category: Economic factors (13.2 out of 25)
- Worst performing category: Well-being (4.8 out of 25)
- Median household income, 2022: $37,761 compared to $75,149 nationwide
- Bachelor's degree attainment, 2022: 16.9% compared to 34.3% nationwide
- Population, 2022: 636,787
47. San Antonio, Texas
- Laid back score: 41.2 out of 100
- Best performing category: Economic factors (19.8 out of 25)
- Worst performing category: Leisure activities (1.5 out of 25)
- Median household income, 2022: $59,593 compared to $75,149 nationwide
- Bachelor's degree attainment, 2022: 27.7% compared to 34.3% nationwide
- Population, 2022: 1,445,662
46. Dallas, Texas
- Laid back score: 42.7 out of 100
- Best performing category: Economic factors (15.5 out of 25)
- Worst performing category: Leisure activities (3.6 out of 25)
- Median household income, 2022: $63,985 compared to $75,149 nationwide
- Bachelor's degree attainment, 2022: 36.5% compared to 34.3% nationwide
- Population, 2022: 1,300,642
45. Indianapolis, Indiana
- Laid back score: 42.8 out of 100
- Best performing category: Economic factors (18.6 out of 25)
- Worst performing category: Leisure activities (3.5 out of 25)
- Median household income, 2022: $59,110 compared to $75,149 nationwide
- Bachelor's degree attainment, 2022: 33.4% compared to 34.3% nationwide
- Population, 2022: 882,006
44. New York, New York
- Laid back score: 43.9 out of 100
- Best performing category: Economic factors (15.3 out of 25)
- Worst performing category: Leisure activities (1.6 out of 25)
- Median household income, 2022: $76,607 compared to $75,149 nationwide
- Bachelor's degree attainment, 2022: 40.2% compared to 34.3% nationwide
- Population, 2022: 8,622,467
43. Jacksonville, Florida
- Laid back score: 45.1 out of 100
- Best performing category: Economic factors (18.0 out of 25)
- Worst performing category: Leisure activities (3.0 out of 25)
- Median household income, 2022: $64,138 compared to $75,149 nationwide
- Bachelor's degree attainment, 2022: 31.0% compared to 34.3% nationwide
- Population, 2022: 950,203
42. Columbus, Ohio
- Laid back score: 45.3 out of 100
- Best performing category: Economic factors (18.2 out of 25)
- Worst performing category: Leisure activities (3.4 out of 25)
- Median household income, 2022: $62,994 compared to $75,149 nationwide
- Bachelor's degree attainment, 2022: 38.3% compared to 34.3% nationwide
- Population, 2022: 902,449
41. Los Angeles, California
- Laid back score: 45.6 out of 100
- Best performing category: Economic factors (17.1 out of 25)
- Worst performing category: Leisure activities (2.7 out of 25)
- Median household income, 2022: $76,244 compared to $75,149 nationwide
- Bachelor's degree attainment, 2022: 36.7% compared to 34.3% nationwide
- Population, 2022: 3,881,041
40. Birmingham, Alabama
- Laid back score: 46.4 out of 100
- Best performing category: Livability (14.1 out of 25)
- Worst performing category: Well-being (5.7 out of 25)
- Median household income, 2022: $42,464 compared to $75,149 nationwide
- Bachelor's degree attainment, 2022: 29.4% compared to 34.3% nationwide
- Population, 2022: 200,431
39. Cleveland, Ohio
- Laid back score: 47 out of 100
- Best performing category: Economic factors (14.6 out of 25)
- Worst performing category: Well-being (6.1 out of 25)
- Median household income, 2022: $37,271 compared to $75,149 nationwide
- Bachelor's degree attainment, 2022: 20.3% compared to 34.3% nationwide
- Population, 2022: 370,365
38. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Laid back score: 47.2 out of 100
- Best performing category: Economic factors (16.5 out of 25)
- Worst performing category: Leisure activities (5.5 out of 25)
- Median household income, 2022: $57,537 compared to $75,149 nationwide
- Bachelor's degree attainment, 2022: 33.6% compared to 34.3% nationwide
- Population, 2022: 1,593,208
37. Phoenix, Arizona
- Laid back score: 47.8 out of 100
- Best performing category: Economic factors (17.4 out of 25)
- Worst performing category: Leisure activities (4.0 out of 25)
- Median household income, 2022: $72,092 compared to $75,149 nationwide
- Bachelor's degree attainment, 2022: 31.2% compared to 34.3% nationwide
- Population, 2022: 1,609,456
36. Louisville, Kentucky
- Laid back score: 48.1 out of 100
- Best performing category: Economic factors (18.9 out of 25)
- Worst performing category: Leisure activities (4.6 out of 25)
- Median household income, 2022: $63,114 compared to $75,149 nationwide
- Bachelor's degree attainment, 2022: 32.9% compared to 34.3% nationwide
- Population, 2022: 629,176 (data for Louisville/Jefferson County, Kentucky)
35. Chicago, Illinois
- Laid back score: 48.7 out of 100
- Best performing category: Economic factors (17.9 out of 25)
- Worst performing category: Leisure activities (3.1 out of 25)
- Median household income, 2022: $71,673 compared to $75,149 nationwide
- Bachelor's degree attainment, 2022: 42.4% compared to 34.3% nationwide
- Population, 2022: 2,721,914
34. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
- Laid back score: 48.9 out of 100
- Best performing category: Economic factors (19.1 out of 25)
- Worst performing category: Leisure activities (5.7 out of 25)
- Median household income, 2022: $64,251 compared to $75,149 nationwide
- Bachelor's degree attainment, 2022: 33.2% compared to 34.3% nationwide
- Population, 2022: 681,088
33. Kansas City, Missouri
- Laid back score: 49.8 out of 100
- Best performing category: Economic factors (18.3 out of 25)
- Worst performing category: Leisure activities (6.7 out of 25)
- Median household income, 2022: $65,256 compared to $75,149 nationwide
- Bachelor's degree attainment, 2022: 37.1% compared to 34.3% nationwide
- Population, 2022: 505,958
32. Charlotte, North Carolina
- Laid back score: 50.2 out of 100
- Best performing category: Economic factors (18.3 out of 25)
- Worst performing category: Leisure activities (3.9 out of 25)
- Median household income, 2022: $74,070 compared to $75,149 nationwide
- Bachelor's degree attainment, 2022: 46.6% compared to 34.3% nationwide
- Population, 2022: 875,045
31. New Orleans, Louisiana
- Laid back score: 50.4 out of 100
- Best performing category: Livability (17.6 out of 25)
- Worst performing category: Leisure activities (8.0 out of 25)
- Median household income, 2022: $51,116 compared to $75,149 nationwide
- Bachelor's degree attainment, 2022: 40.7% compared to 34.3% nationwide
- Population, 2022: 380,408
30. Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Laid back score: 51 out of 100
- Best performing category: Economic factors (18.3 out of 25)
- Worst performing category: Leisure activities (8.3 out of 25)
- Median household income, 2022: $49,733 compared to $75,149 nationwide
- Bachelor's degree attainment, 2022: 26.1% compared to 34.3% nationwide
- Population, 2022: 573,299
29. Austin, Texas
- Laid back score: 52.1 out of 100
- Best performing category: Well-being (17.2 out of 25)
- Worst performing category: Leisure activities (4.0 out of 25)
- Median household income, 2022: $86,556 compared to $75,149 nationwide
- Bachelor's degree attainment, 2022: 56.5% compared to 34.3% nationwide
- Population, 2022: 958,202
28. Nashville, Tennessee
- Laid back score: 52.4 out of 100
- Best performing category: Economic factors (17.8 out of 25)
- Worst performing category: Leisure activities (4.3 out of 25)
- Median household income, 2022: $71,328 compared to $75,149 nationwide
- Bachelor's degree attainment, 2022: 45.5% compared to 34.3% nationwide
- Population, 2022: 684,103 (data for Nashville-Davidson, Tennessee)
27. San Diego, California
- Laid back score: 52.9 out of 100
- Best performing category: Economic factors (16.0 out of 25)
- Worst performing category: Leisure activities (6.0 out of 25)
- Median household income, 2022: $98,657 compared to $75,149 nationwide
- Bachelor's degree attainment, 2022: 48.7% compared to 34.3% nationwide
- Population, 2022: 1,383,987
26. Las Vegas, Nevada
- Laid back score: 53.8 out of 100
- Best performing category: Economic factors (19.2 out of 25)
- Worst performing category: Well-being (9.2 out of 25)
- Median household income, 2022: $66,356 compared to $75,149 nationwide
- Bachelor's degree attainment, 2022: 26.3% compared to 34.3% nationwide
- Population, 2022: 644,835
25. Baltimore, Maryland
- Laid back score: 55.1 out of 100
- Best performing category: Economic factors (18.2 out of 25)
- Worst performing category: Leisure activities (10.0 out of 25)
- Median household income, 2022: $58,349 compared to $75,149 nationwide
- Bachelor's degree attainment, 2022: 34.9% compared to 34.3% nationwide
- Population, 2022: 584,548
24. Virginia Beach, Virginia
- Laid back score: 55.6 out of 100
- Best performing category: Economic factors (19.4 out of 25)
- Worst performing category: Leisure activities (5.2 out of 25)
- Median household income, 2022: $87,544 compared to $75,149 nationwide
- Bachelor's degree attainment, 2022: 39.8% compared to 34.3% nationwide
- Population, 2022: 457,900
23. Miami, Florida
- Laid back score: 56.5 out of 100
- Best performing category: Leisure activities (18.2 out of 25)
- Worst performing category: Well-being (10.5 out of 25)
- Median household income, 2022: $54,858 compared to $75,149 nationwide
- Bachelor's degree attainment, 2022: 34.2% compared to 34.3% nationwide
- Population, 2022: 443,665
22. San Jose, California
- Laid back score: 56.8 out of 100
- Best performing category: Well-being (21.3 out of 25)
- Worst performing category: Leisure activities (4.8 out of 25)
- Median household income, 2022: $136,010 compared to $75,149 nationwide
- Bachelor's degree attainment, 2022: 46.0% compared to 34.3% nationwide
- Population, 2022: 1,001,176
21. Sacramento, California
- Laid back score: 57.5 out of 100
- Best performing category: Economic factors (19.9 out of 25)
- Worst performing category: Leisure activities (8.4 out of 25)
- Median household income, 2022: $78,954 compared to $75,149 nationwide
- Bachelor's degree attainment, 2022: 35.8% compared to 34.3% nationwide
- Population, 2022: 523,600
20. Riverside, California
- Laid back score: 57.8 out of 100
- Best performing category: Economic factors (19.6 out of 25)
- Worst performing category: Well-being (7.9 out of 25)
- Median household income, 2022: $83,448 compared to $75,149 nationwide
- Bachelor's degree attainment, 2022: 24.4% compared to 34.3% nationwide
- Population, 2022: 316,076
19. Buffalo, New York
- Laid back score: 58.2 out of 100
- Best performing category: Economic factors (19.6 out of 25)
- Worst performing category: Well-being (7.0 out of 25)
- Median household income, 2022: $46,184 compared to $75,149 nationwide
- Bachelor's degree attainment, 2022: 30.0% compared to 34.3% nationwide
- Population, 2022: 276,688
18. Cincinnati, Ohio
- Laid back score: 58.7 out of 100
- Best performing category: Leisure activities (17.2 out of 25)
- Worst performing category: Well-being (9.7 out of 25)
- Median household income, 2022: $49,191 compared to $75,149 nationwide
- Bachelor's degree attainment, 2022: 40.5% compared to 34.3% nationwide
- Population, 2022: 308,870
17. Tampa, Florida
- Laid back score: 58.8 out of 100
- Best performing category: Economic factors (17.1 out of 25)
- Worst performing category: Well-being (11.0 out of 25)
- Median household income, 2022: $66,802 compared to $75,149 nationwide
- Bachelor's degree attainment, 2022: 43.3% compared to 34.3% nationwide
- Population, 2022: 388,768
16. Raleigh, North Carolina
- Laid back score: 59 out of 100
- Best performing category: Economic factors (19.6 out of 25)
- Worst performing category: Leisure activities (8.0 out of 25)
- Median household income, 2022: $78,631 compared to $75,149 nationwide
- Bachelor's degree attainment, 2022: 52.7% compared to 34.3% nationwide
- Population, 2022: 465,517
15. Richmond, Virginia
- Laid back score: 60.8 out of 100
- Best performing category: Livability (18.2 out of 25)
- Worst performing category: Well-being (11.1 out of 25)
- Median household income, 2022: $59,606 compared to $75,149 nationwide
- Bachelor's degree attainment, 2022: 44.1% compared to 34.3% nationwide
- Population, 2022: 227,171
14. Hartford, Connecticut
- Laid back score: 61.2 out of 100
- Best performing category: Leisure activities (22.4 out of 25)
- Worst performing category: Well-being (6.4 out of 25)
- Median household income, 2022: $41,841 compared to $75,149 nationwide
- Bachelor's degree attainment, 2022: 17.5% compared to 34.3% nationwide
- Population, 2022: 121,057
13. San Francisco, California
- Laid back score: 62.5 out of 100
- Best performing category: Well-being (23.1 out of 25)
- Worst performing category: Leisure activities (9.1 out of 25)
- Median household income, 2022: $136,689 compared to $75,149 nationwide
- Bachelor's degree attainment, 2022: 59.8% compared to 34.3% nationwide
- Population, 2022: 851,036
12. Boston, Massachusetts
- Laid back score: 64.1 out of 100
- Best performing category: Well-being (17.7 out of 25)
- Worst performing category: Leisure activities (13.5 out of 25)
- Median household income, 2022: $89,212 compared to $75,149 nationwide
- Bachelor's degree attainment, 2022: 53.4% compared to 34.3% nationwide
- Population, 2022: 665,945
11. St. Louis, Missouri
- Laid back score: 66 out of 100
- Best performing category: Livability (18.9 out of 25)
- Worst performing category: Well-being (12.5 out of 25)
- Median household income, 2022: $52,941 compared to $75,149 nationwide
- Bachelor's degree attainment, 2022: 38.6% compared to 34.3% nationwide
- Population, 2022: 298,018
10. Denver, Colorado
- Laid back score: 66.2 out of 100
- Best performing category: Well-being (20.0 out of 25)
- Worst performing category: Leisure activities (12.9 out of 25)
- Median household income, 2022: $85,853 compared to $75,149 nationwide
- Bachelor's degree attainment, 2022: 54.2% compared to 34.3% nationwide
- Population, 2022: 710,800
9. Washington, District of Columbia
- Laid back score: 66.5 out of 100
- Best performing category: Well-being (21.9 out of 25)
- Worst performing category: Leisure activities (10.8 out of 25)
- Median household income, 2022: $101,722 compared to $75,149 nationwide
- Bachelor's degree attainment, 2022: 62.6% compared to 34.3% nationwide
- Population, 2022: 670,587
8. Orlando, Florida
- Laid back score: 67.7 out of 100
- Best performing category: Leisure activities (22.8 out of 25)
- Worst performing category: Well-being (12.6 out of 25)
- Median household income, 2022: $66,292 compared to $75,149 nationwide
- Bachelor's degree attainment, 2022: 41.7% compared to 34.3% nationwide
- Population, 2022: 307,738
7. Providence, Rhode Island
- Laid back score: 68 out of 100
- Best performing category: Leisure activities (21.7 out of 25)
- Worst performing category: Well-being (10.2 out of 25)
- Median household income, 2022: $61,365 compared to $75,149 nationwide
- Bachelor's degree attainment, 2022: 34.5% compared to 34.3% nationwide
- Population, 2022: 189,715
6. Atlanta, Georgia
- Laid back score: 69.6 out of 100
- Best performing category: Leisure activities (20.3 out of 25)
- Worst performing category: Livability (15.4 out of 25)
- Median household income, 2022: $77,655 compared to $75,149 nationwide
- Bachelor's degree attainment, 2022: 57.3% compared to 34.3% nationwide
- Population, 2022: 494,838
5. Salt Lake City, Utah
- Laid back score: 70.2 out of 100
- Best performing category: Leisure activities (20.1 out of 25)
- Worst performing category: Well-being (14.7 out of 25)
- Median household income, 2022: $72,357 compared to $75,149 nationwide
- Bachelor's degree attainment, 2022: 50.2% compared to 34.3% nationwide
- Population, 2022: 201,269
4. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Laid back score: 70.5 out of 100
- Best performing category: Leisure activities (20.9 out of 25)
- Worst performing category: Well-being (14.3 out of 25)
- Median household income, 2022: $60,187 compared to $75,149 nationwide
- Bachelor's degree attainment, 2022: 46.7% compared to 34.3% nationwide
- Population, 2022: 303,843
3. Portland, Oregon
- Laid back score: 71.2 out of 100
- Best performing category: Well-being (20.1 out of 25)
- Worst performing category: Leisure activities (13.3 out of 25)
- Median household income, 2022: $85,876 compared to $75,149 nationwide
- Bachelor's degree attainment, 2022: 52.5% compared to 34.3% nationwide
- Population, 2022: 646,101
2. Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Laid back score: 71.5 out of 100
- Best performing category: Economic factors (19.1 out of 25)
- Worst performing category: Livability (16.6 out of 25)
- Median household income, 2022: $76,332 compared to $75,149 nationwide
- Bachelor's degree attainment, 2022: 53.5% compared to 34.3% nationwide
- Population, 2022: 426,877
1. Seattle, Washington
- Laid back score: 71.8 out of 100
- Best performing category: Well-being (23.0 out of 25)
- Worst performing category: Leisure activities (12.4 out of 25)
- Median household income, 2022: $116,068 compared to $75,149 nationwide
- Bachelor's degree attainment, 2022: 66.7% compared to 34.3% nationwide
- Population, 2022: 734,603
Top Gaining Stocks
Top Losing Stocks