These 4 Ohio cities are the worst New Year’s resolution keepers, new study says. Here’s why
The annual tradition of New Year’s resolutions usually peaks with optimism and fizzles fast. However, new data from Wallethub’s Best & Worst Cities for Keeping Your New Year’s Resolutions suggests where you live plays a role in your success.
Some cities proved far better at follow-through than others, with four Ohio cities appearing on the list and one falling into the bottom third.
Most popular New Year’s resolutions for 2026
The data collection website, Statista, asked 539 consumers, ages 18 to 80 years old “What are your New Year’s resolutions?”
The most common answers:
- Exercise more (42%)
- Save more money (52%)
- Eat healthier (46%)
- Spend more time with family and friends (33%)
- Lose weight (37%)
- Do more for the environment (17%)
- Improve performance on the job (16%)
- Reduce stress on the job (16%)
- Spend less time on social media (19%)
- Quit smoking (22%)
Ohio was among the top states for searches relating to resolution, and the most common resolutions for the state concerned career and financial goals.
How the rankings are calculated
WalletHub ranked 182 cities using 57 metrics across five categories, scored out of 100 and weighted into a final average.
- Health: Gyms per capita, obesity rates, healthy eateries (heaviest weight for fitness resolutions).
- Financial: Debt levels, credit scores, income growth (key for budgeting goals).
- School & Work: Employment rates, school quality (supports career resolutions).
- Bad Habits: Smoking, drinking, sleep stats (targets vice-quitting).
- Relationships: Divorce rates, social opportunities (for personal growth
Akron ranked 157
Atlanta lands the 25th worst spot among 182 cities, with an overall score of 47.01, making it one of the least likely spots for follow through on their resolutions.
The resolution rankings:
- Health: 163
- Financial: 98
- School and work: 164
- Bad habits: 137
Other ranked Ohio cities
Three other Ohio cities made the list, but neither fared as poorly as Akron for New Year-follow through.
Total scores:
- 144 - Cleveland: 49.53
- 82- Cincinnati: 54.12
- 78 - Columbus: 54.50
Did you make any resolutions this year? How well do you stick to them? I want to hear from you.
Email me at srose@ledger-enquirer.com or find me on social media.