New research has revealed the areas of the West Midlands where people worry the most about moneyNew research has revealed the areas of the West Midlands where people worry the most about money (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
New findings have revealed the Midlands areas where people worry the most about money.
Sandwell ranks top of the region for income stress, scoring 9.7 out of 10 according to statistics.
The findings were revealed following a study by Electric Tobacconist.
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Walsall and Wolverhampton also ranked on the top 10 UK list, which measured stress across various subjects such as unemployment, anxiety, green space access and smoking.
Scores were achieved by analysing socioeconomic, geographical, and environmental data.
Top list compiled by Electronic Tobacconist(Image: Electronic Tobacconist)
Sandwell came second overall, achieving a total stress score of 7.3 out of 10.
The Black Country borough’s highest score was for income stress and it scored second highest in that category nationally behind Nottingham.
Sandwell’s other scores included 8.9 for unemployment stress, 9.6 for smoking related stress, while it provided much lower scores of 1.9 for green space access and 0.2 for anxiety.
Wolverhampton came fourth overall earning a total score of 7.1, scoring 9.4 for unemployment stress and 9.3 for income.
Walsall also came joint fourth, scoring 7.1 overall with 9.2 for income stress.
Wendie Ralphs, UK-accredited psychotherapist and stress expert, said: “Stress comes from many directions, but ongoing uncertainty around money, health, and work is one of the biggest drivers.
“In places like Blackpool, Nottingham, and Birmingham, where financial pressure and unemployment are high, people aren’t just facing external challenges; their nervous system stays in survival mode, making it harder to relax, focus, or sleep.”
It comes as households have battled with rising prices amidst the cost of living crisis.