As Americans gradually return to their office routines post-pandemic, the reality of commuting—often a significant daily time commitment—is becoming increasingly burdensome in certain cities. A recent study by Smart Asset, which utilizes data from the U.S. Census Bureau has highlighted the American cities where commuting can feel like a nightmare due to long travel times and heavy traffic.
The Most Challenging Commutes in the U.S.
1. Stockton, California
Stockton, California tops the list as the city with the most challenging commute. The average travel time for workers here is 33 minutes, with over 17% of the workforce enduring commutes longer than an hour. The past five years have seen a 6.21% increase in commute times, signaling worsening conditions.
2. Bakersfield, California
Bakersfield, California follows closely, with an average commute time of 24 minutes and the highest five-year increase in average travel time at 10.5%. This city exemplifies the growing trend of extended travel times in urban centers.
3. Garland, Texas
Garland, Texas sees 86.1% of its workers commuting, and 9.1% of them spend over an hour traveling to work. The city recorded a 2.37% increase in average commute time from 2016 to 2021.
4. Glendale, Arizona
Glendale, Arizona has about 10% of its workers commuting for more than an hour, and an average commute time of just over 28 minutes.
5. Orlando, Florida
Orlando, Florida, famous for its major tourist attractions, sees its commuters battling significant traffic, with an average commute time of 26 minutes. Fortunately, less than 5% of the workforce experiences commutes longer than an hour.
6. Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas, Nevada reports nearly 87% of its workforce commuting by car with an average travel time of 25.7 minutes. The city’s vibrant tourism significantly impacts daily traffic flows.
7. El Paso, Texas
El Paso, Texas stands out not just for its high percentage of commuters (89.9%) but also for the substantial portion of income (14.13%) that residents spend on transportation.
8. Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Baton Rouge, Louisiana sees over 6% of its workers commuting for more than an hour, with average travel times just under 23 minutes. Commuters here spend about 12.24% of their yearly income on transportation.
9. Aurora, Colorado
Aurora, Colorado features a notable commute time of 28.5 minutes, with 6.8% of workers traveling for over an hour to reach their workplaces.
1o. Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Winston-Salem, North Carolina rounds out the top ten, with 85% of its workforce commuting and an average commute time of 21.6 minutes. The travel time for commuters here has increased by 6% over the past five years.
Health Implications of Long Commutes
The impact of long commutes extends beyond the frustration of sitting in traffic. According to a Gallup poll cited by Smart Asset, lengthy commutes can significantly affect health. For instance, individuals commuting for more than 90 minutes one way reported a lower health index score compared to those with shorter commutes. Furthermore, long-distance commuters are more likely to suffer from recurrent neck or back pain and have higher instances of high cholesterol.
The Way Forward
The cities listed represent a growing trend of increasing commute times across the United States. Urban planning and investment in efficient public transportation could be key in alleviating some of these issues. Meanwhile, the rise of remote work offers a potential alternative, reducing the need for daily commutes and potentially enhancing the overall quality of life for many workers.
As we navigate the changing landscape of work and urban life, understanding and addressing the challenges of commuting will be crucial for ensuring the health and well-being of workers across the nation.
Table: Top 10 U.S. Cities with the Most Challenging Commutes
| Rank | City | State | Average Commute Time (Minutes) | % of Workers Commuting >1 Hour | 5-Year Change in Commute Time (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Stockton | California | 33 | 17% | 6.21% |
| 2 | Bakersfield | California | 24 | Not specified | 10.5% |
| 3 | Garland | Texas | 30 | 9.1% | 2.37% |
| 4 | Glendale | Arizona | 28 | 10% | Not specified |
| 5 | Orlando | Florida | 26 | <5% | Not specified |
| 6 | Las Vegas | Nevada | 25.7 | 5% | 0.8% |
| 7 | El Paso | Texas | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified |
| 8 | Baton Rouge | Louisiana | 23 | 6% | Not specified |
| 9 | Aurora | Colorado | 28.5 | 6.8% | Not specified |
| 10 | Winston-Salem | North Carolina | 21.6 | Not specified | 6% |
This table organizes the cities identified as having the most challenging commutes in the United States based on average commute time, the percentage of commuters experiencing long travel times, and changes in these parameters over a recent five-year period.
