The hardest working town in America, period.

Columbia was given this title in a new Parade Magazine survey released April 16.

“It definitely reflects the work ethic on campus as well as in the city,” sophomore Elizabeth Howard said. “Having such a broad sweep of education opportunities, jobs and so many hospitals have helped keep the people of Columbia employed.”

The survey had Columbia atop a list of 25 potential winners all vying for the top spot. Following Columbia were Hartford, Conn., Norfolk, Va., Bloomington, Ind. and Tuscaloosa, Ala. Rounding out the bottom of the survey were Akron, Ohio, Albany, N.Y., Montgomery, Ala., Baltimore, Md. and Dallas, Texas.

This was the first year Parade conducted the survey, so the editorial board used its creative judgment to determine exactly what constituted a “hardworking city,” according to its website.

The criteria were specific, with certain emphases on four categories: hours worked per week on a per capita basis, willingness to work during personal time, number of dual income homes and the local employment rate.

Though Columbia fared very well overall, it scored extremely well in the employment rate category. Columbia has a 6 percent unemployment rate compared to the national unemployment rate of 8.2 percent, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

“Following the worst economic downturn since the Depression, Columbia has managed to keep its unemployment rate of 6.0 percent, a remarkable feat in a state that has suffered steep job losses elsewhere,” Parade states in the survey.

Additionally, more than 80 percent of households have dual incomes, and the city was ranked second most likely to work on weekends. Norfolk, Va. ranked No. 1 in the likelihood to work weekends category, according to the survey.

Columbia also scored so well due to its six hospitals, which directly affect employment, according to the Parade article. This puts Columbia in second place for most hospital beds per capita in the country.

MU’s 8,000 employees and Columbia’s public education system also help the rating.

“The U.S. Department of Education says the town has more exemplary public schools per capita than any other city in the nation,” according to the Parade article.

To celebrate, Total Cereal and Parade Magazine will give away thousands of samples of Total cereal beginning at 6:30 a.m. April 25 in Flat Branch Park. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Mayor Bob McDavid was unavailable for comment, but his office said he will hand out samples and interact with the public at the event.