WalletHub conducted a study to compare 50 American states in three categories: community and environment, work environment, and emotional and physical well-being.
These categories were quantified using nearly 30 metrics, like share of adult depression, life expectancy, unemployment, commute time, divorce rate, etc., to find the best and worst performing states. While many states performed well on several metrics, the following 12 states scored the lowest, becoming the most miserable states in the USA.
Louisiana
Louisiana is the most miserable American state, ranking second-to-last in terms of work environment and emotional & physical well-being. The study found that Louisiana has one of the worst adequate sleep rates and one of the highest working hours. It also had the third-highest rate of divorce compared to other American states. The study has also rated Louisiana as the least safe state for Americans.
Arkansas
Securing a total score of 37.09, Arkansas ranks as the second most miserable state to live in the USA. It ranks last for emotional & physical well-being, hinting at the overall degraded quality of life. Arkansas is among the five American states with the highest share of adult depression and the lowest adequate sleep rate. Out of the 50 American states, it grabbed the 43rd rank for its work environment, which is concerning. Arkansas is among the five least safe states for Americans, raising questions about state efforts to provide adequate security.
West Virginia
West Virginia is the third most miserable state to live in the USA. It ranks last on the list for its work environment, highlighting the state’s problematic work culture. Out of the 50 American states, West Virginia is positioned at 47th rank for its emotional and physical well-being category, reflecting citizen’s poor quality of life. The state has one of the highest shares of adult depression, the lowest sports participation rate, and the lowest adequate sleep rate.
Tennessee
Tennessee is the fourth most miserable American state, with a total score of 40.32. While the state’s work environment is comparatively good, earning the 24th rank out of 50, it performs poorly on emotional & physical well-being metrics. The study reveals that Tennessee has the highest share of adult depression compared to any other state, placing it at 46th rank for emotional & physical well-being. Its community and environment condition is moderate, earning Tennessee the 34th position.
New Mexico
New Mexico is the fifth most miserable American state, especially for people who prefer good health and a favorable work environment. According to the study, New Mexico is among the bottom five American states with the worst work environments and emotional & physical well-being. It even reported one of the highest suicide rates and divorce rates compared to other American states. New Mexico also has one of the lowest volunteering rates, raising questions about citizens’ health and work-life balance.
Alaska
Alaska is the sixth most miserable American state to live in. Securing a total score of 41.44, it ranks among the bottom five for its poor work environment and emotional & physical well-being. The state reportedly has one of the worst working hours and amongst the highest suicide rates. It also ranks last for its income growth, reflecting citizens’ unsatisfactory quality of life.
Alabama
When it comes to citizens’ emotional & physical well-being and community & environment metrics, Alaska doesn’t perform well. The state ranks third-to-last for its work environment and sixth-to-last for environment & community metrics. These scores make Alabama the seventh most miserable state in the USA. The toxic work environment has resulted in the state reporting one of the lowest adequate sleep rates, affecting their overall health. It can also be a potential reason behind Alabama’s low volunteering rates and sports participation rates.
Oklahoma
Oklahoma is America’s eighth most miserable state, with a collective score of 41.74. Out of the 50 American states, Oklahoma grabs 48th rank for its citizens’ emotional & physical well-being. The poor condition of residents’ overall health can be seen as a probable reason why Oklahoma is one of the five American states with the highest share of adult depression and the lowest sports participation rate. Its income growth graph is also low and stagnant.
Mississippi
Mississippi is the ninth most miserable American state for people to live in, with an overall score of 41.83. Out of all 50 American states, Mississippi holds the 41st rank for the emotional & physical well-being of its citizens. It holds the 40th position regarding the work environment, reflecting the questionable work culture affecting peoples’ quality of life. The state also reports the lowest sports participation rates from its citizens and ranks second as the least safe American state. Its divorce rate is also amongst the highest of other participating states.
Kentucky
10th on the list is Kentucky. It is the tenth worst state to live in because of its toxic work environment and the poor emotional & physical well-being of state citizens. Kentucky is among the bottom five states known for its poor work environment. It holds the 46th rank out of 50 for its work environment and 44th for its citizens’ emotional & physical well-being.
Ohio
Ohio is the eleventh worst American state to live in. It has earned the 40th rank for its emotional & physical well-being. People living in Ohio have one of the lowest adequate sleep rates compared to other states, which is possibly affecting their overall health and quality of life. Its performance in the work environment, community, and environment metrics isn’t impressive either, with a 35th rank for the work environment and 36th for community & environment.
Oregon
Oregon is the twelfth most miserable state to the USA, primarily for its environmental and community factors. The state ranks 43rd for community and environment, making it an unfavorable choice for people who love living in socially interactive and community-driven environments. While its work environment is slightly better, Oregon’s rank at 35th position for emotional and physical well-being indicates a subpar quality of life.
