Three Texas Cities Top Burnout Risk Ranking for 2026

San Antonio, Austin, and Fort Worth named among U.S. cities most likely to experience burnout next year

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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A new study from Sana Lake Recovery, a Missouri-based rehab facility, has ranked the top 25 U.S. cities most at risk for burnout in 2026, with three Texas cities - San Antonio, Austin, and Fort Worth - claiming spots in the top 10. The rankings were based on factors like commute time, median work hours, cost of living, mental health access, and green space availability.

Why it matters

The findings highlight the growing issue of burnout, especially in major Texas cities where long work weeks, extensive commute times, and limited access to restorative spaces like parks and mental health resources can take a significant toll on residents' well-being. This is particularly concerning for those in recovery, as burnout can increase the risk of relapse.

The details

According to the study, San Antonio ranked 4th on the list, with residents working an average of 43.2 hours per week and spending 43 hours annually stuck in traffic. Austin came in at 7th, with similar work hours and 46 hours per year spent commuting, while Fort Worth placed 8th, with residents working 43.4 hours per week and spending 46 hours annually in traffic. Other major Texas cities like Houston and Dallas also made the top 25, with Houston residents working 43.6 hours per week and spending 70 hours per year in traffic, and Dallas residents working 43.4 hours per week and spending 44 hours annually commuting.

  • The Sana Lake Recovery study ranked the top 25 U.S. cities most at risk for burnout in 2026.

The players

Sana Lake Recovery

A rehab facility in Missouri that produced the rankings of U.S. cities most at risk for burnout in 2026.

San Antonio

A Texas city that ranked 4th on the list of U.S. cities most at risk for burnout in 2026, due to long work weeks and limited access to restorative spaces.

Austin

A Texas city that ranked 7th on the list of U.S. cities most at risk for burnout in 2026, with residents working long hours and spending significant time commuting.

Fort Worth

A Texas city that ranked 8th on the list of U.S. cities most at risk for burnout in 2026, with residents working long hours and spending significant time commuting.

Houston

A major Texas city that ranked 12th on the list of U.S. cities most at risk for burnout in 2026, with residents working long hours and spending a significant amount of time stuck in traffic.

Dallas

A major Texas city that ranked 13th on the list of U.S. cities most at risk for burnout in 2026, with residents working long hours and spending a significant amount of time commuting.

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The takeaway

The findings from this study underscore the growing issue of burnout, particularly in major Texas cities where long work hours, extensive commute times, and limited access to restorative spaces can take a significant toll on residents' mental health and well-being. As the risk of burnout increases, it's crucial for individuals, employers, and policymakers to prioritize strategies that promote work-life balance, improve transportation infrastructure, and expand access to mental health resources to support the overall health and resilience of these communities.