New research has revealed England’s most stressed areas, with Norwich coming out on top.
The study by fitness equipment supplier Mirafit analysed the latest survey data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) Health Index to judge 307 local authorities in England on three factors. These factors were based on survey respondents’ answers to questions about feelings of anxiety, general happiness, and life satisfaction.
It found that Norwich is England’s most stressed area. Out of 10, respondents scored an average of 4.04 for feelings of anxiety, 6.88 for general happiness, and 7.5 on average for life satisfaction. These scores combined mean the area comes out on top of the list with a relaxation score of 7.21.
The South London area of Lambeth comes in second on the list. From the survey, respondents scored an average of 3.92 for feelings of anxiety, 6.99 for general happiness, and 7.41 on average for life satisfaction.
Redditch comes in third place. Respondents scored an average of 3.44 for feelings of anxiety, 6.84 for general happiness, which is the lowest in the top ten, and 7.09 for life satisfaction.
The North Yorkshire area of Craven comes in fourth place on the list. Respondents scored an average of 3.87 for feelings of anxiety, 7.03 for general happiness, and 7.43 for life satisfaction.
Rounding out the top five is the Kent area of Thanet. Respondents from the area scored 3.9 out of 10 on average for anxiety, 7.25 for general happiness, and 7.33 for life satisfaction.
It also found that Dartford, located in Kent, is England’s most relaxed area. Respondents scored an average of 1.7 for feelings of anxiety, 7.93 on average for general happiness, and 8.05 for life satisfaction.
England’s top ten most stressed areas
| Rank | Area | The average score
of survey respondents (out of 10), when asked how anxious they felt on the previous day |
The average score
of survey respondents (out of 10), when asked how happy they felt on the previous day |
The average score
of survey respondents (out of 10), when asked how satisfied they are with their life |
Relaxation score (/10) |
| 1 | Norwich | 4.04 | 6.88 | 7.5 | 7.21 |
| 2 | Lambeth | 3.92 | 6.99 | 7.41 | 7.26 |
| 3 | Redditch | 3.44 | 6.84 | 7.09 | 7.28 |
| 4 | Craven | 3.87 | 7.03 | 7.43 | 7.31 |
| 5 | Thanet | 3.9 | 7.25 | 7.33 | 7.34 |
| 6 | Greenwich | 3.65 | 7.11 | 7.24 | 7.35 |
| 7 | Mid Sussex | 3.67 | 7 | 7.41 | 7.36 |
| 8 | Newark and Sherwood | 3.62 | 7.23 | 7.14 | 7.37 |
| 9 | Camden | 3.73 | 7.16 | 7.35 | 7.38 |
| 10 | Chesterfield | 3.71 | 7.2 | 7.33 | 7.40 |
Commenting on the findings, a spokesperson for Mirafit said,
When it comes to measuring the happiness or general mental health of a certain area or group of people, surveys are usually the best way forward. This case shows us an interesting contrast between certain areas in the country based on how residents feel. As new editions of this data and similar studies get released, it will be worth noting whether the same areas sit at the top and bottom.
Joanne is the editor for Workplace Wellbeing Professional and has a keen interest in promoting the safety and wellbeing of the global workforce. After earning a bachelor's degree in English literature and media studies, she taught English in China and Vietnam for two years. Before joining Work Well Pro, Joanne worked as a marketing coordinator for luxury property, where her responsibilities included blog writing, photography, and video creation.