Cheyenne, Anchorage, and D.C. lead as America's hardest-working cities in 2024

A new study by WalletHub has ranked the hardest-working cities in the US. The analysis looked at work hours, commute times, and other factors to determine where residents put in the most effort. Cheyenne, Wyoming, topped the list, followed by Anchorage, Alaska, and Washington, D.C.

Cheyenne took first place with an average workweek of 40.7 hours—the longest in the country. The city also has the fifth-highest share of workers holding multiple jobs. Anchorage came in second, where residents work over 40 hours per week on average, and the employment rate exceeds 96%.

Washington, D.C. ranked third, despite having the highest share of workers who leave vacation time unused—64%. The city also has long commutes, averaging 30 minutes, and a strong culture of volunteerism, with nearly 31% of residents involved in local groups.

The study highlighted key reasons for the high work ethic in these cities. Cheyenne and Anchorage have smaller, more competitive job markets with limited diversity, pushing workers to take on longer hours. Washington, D.C.'s federal workforce and lobbying industry demand extended workweeks in high-pressure environments. In contrast, cities like Dallas and Austin attract younger workers with more flexible, tech-driven work cultures.

Rounding out the top 10 were Sioux Falls, South Dakota; Irving, Texas; Nashville, Tennessee; Dallas, Texas; San Francisco, California; Denver, Colorado; and Austin, Texas.

WalletHub's findings show clear differences in work culture across US cities. While some areas push for long hours and high productivity, others prioritise flexibility and work-life balance. The report also stressed the importance of balancing hard work with personal time to protect physical and mental health.