The 10 Most Miserable States to Live in America, According to a New Study
A recent study looked at all 50 states across 30 different metrics related to social, physical, economic, and emotional health. Some states, sadly, didn’t rank so well. If you live in one of these states and feel less than stellar, maybe it’s not too late to move to a more chipper state. Or better yet, encourage these places to make some changes so they’re ideal for living, working, and enjoying life!
I don’t know about you, but sometimes I feel like my brain is in overdrive with everything I’m trying to manage. It’s this constant juggle of work, family, finances, a social life, self-care, and the never-ending pile of laundry. Even scrolling through social media, which used to be a fun distraction, seems to just add more stress than relaxation lately.
While chasing your dreams, finding a good work-life balance, and having a solid emotional support network are great ways to boost happiness, but where you live is just as important. Living in the wrong place can really drag you down.
Now, let’s see what the least happy states are in the U.S., according to a new study by WalletHub.
Louisiana
Louisiana is a fascinating mix of cultures, where the language, delicious food, and lively music create an experience like no other. However, it’s hard to ignore the recent news: Louisiana has been labeled the unhappiest state in America.
With over 26% of adults facing depression and a life expectancy of just 73 years, challenges abound. On top of that, Louisiana ranks as the least safe state, with poor working conditions and low physical and emotional well-being.
Arkansas
Who would want to live in a state ranked worst for emotional and physical well-being? Arkansas is facing its own struggles as the second unhappiest state.
It’s a shame, especially since it’s called The Natural State for its beautiful forests, mountains, and rivers. Unfortunately, the stunning outdoors can’t mask the high depression rates and low life expectancy. To make matters even worse, the median household income in Arkansas is 25% lower than the national average.
West Virginia
West Virginia may have decent community and environmental rankings, but it still comes in as one of the more depressed spots in the nation. Why? It suffers from the worst work environment and ranks fourth for physical and emotional well-being.
Things aren’t looking great, especially with West Virginia labeled the worst state for mental health. The state’s poverty rate hit 16.7%—more than five percent higher than the national average and the fourth highest among all 50 states. It’s hard to thrive when so many challenges weigh you down.
Tennessee
Tennessee may be the birthplace of cotton candy, but things aren’t looking so sweet lately. The state ranks fifth for physical and emotional well-being and is the fourth unhappiest state overall. It has the highest adult depression rate in the country, and around 11.1% of people under 65 lack health insurance.
On top of that, the violent crime rate in Tennessee sits at 622 per 100,000 residents each year—63% higher than the national average.
New Mexico
The Land of Enchantment may not be so enchanting after all. With low scores for emotional and physical well-being and the fourth-worst work environment, the state struggles with mental health issues and has the highest divorce rate in the country.
New Mexico needs stronger social connections and more community involvement, especially among seniors. Unfortunately, rural areas lack easy access to cultural amenities like theaters, museums, and galleries, limiting opportunities for residents to engage in fun events and activities.
Alaska
It is very hard to stay happy when you’re struggling financially, which can lead to stress and anxiety. Alaska is famous for its high cost of living, especially when it comes to food and transportation. The state also has the third-worst work environment, the longest hours, and the lowest income growth.
Despite the fact that the northern lights are visible here, Alaska’s vast size and limited infrastructure can leave many communities feeling isolated. Some towns, like Kodiak and Dutch Harbor, are only reachable by plane or boat.
Alabama
Alabama’s hot and humid summers can be a real challenge if you’re not used to them. Unfortunately, the weather isn’t the only issue. The state ranks seventh in emotional and physical well-being, struggling in community and environmental aspects as well.
With a depression rate of 24%, many residents struggle to find support. Small towns often lack recreational resources, like museums, art galleries, and theaters, which can leave people feeling isolated or deprived.
Oklahoma
The Sooner State has one of the most brutal tornado seasons and has a high poverty rate, which might contribute to its ranking as one of the unhappiest states. With higher-than-average rates of depression and obesity, it’s clear the state struggles with physical and emotional well-being.
While Oklahoma’s cost of living is low, high state and local taxes can quickly cancel that out. Rural towns tend to be safe, but Oklahoma City and Tulsa have the highest crime rates. The city even ranks 45th in education and 40th in child well-being. There’s definitely room for improvement here.
Mississippi
Walking through Tishomingo State Park is a joy, with its beautiful rock formations and trees, but Mississippi still needs to overcome some big hurdles. It’s one of the less happy states, with the lowest sports and workforce participation rates in the country.
Did you know Mississippi can be a dangerous place to drive, too? With so many rural roads—four times more dangerous than city roads—the state has a higher risk for accidents. While the scenery might be lovely, the state has a lot to work on for its residents’ well-being.
Kentucky
Kentucky ranks low for quality of life, with poor scores in emotional well-being, physical health, and work environment. It’s concerning that 25.8% of adults here have been diagnosed with a depressive disorder. Large entertainment venues, like concert arenas or pro sports stadiums, are mostly found in bigger cities, leaving smaller towns out of luck.
Long work hours, low wages, and limited job opportunities make achieving a healthy work-life balance tough. The Bluegrass State is also prone to natural disasters like floods, tornadoes, and earthquakes. And don’t forget—you’ll need to bundle up for those harsh winters!
Source: WalletHub
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