15 Unhappiest States in the US: Check List Here

15 Unhappiest States in the US: In 2023, grappling with economic challenges like soaring inflation has led to stress for over 83% of American adults, highlighting the importance of finding joy through various means such as relationships, hobbies, entertainment, or work satisfaction. However, an often-overlooked factor in achieving happiness is one's living environment.

Surging prices have significantly impacted Americans, with over 75% of those witnessing cost increases in their area reporting substantial levels of stress, ranging from "moderate" to "very." Moreover, only half of the population expresses a high level of satisfaction with their personal life's trajectory.

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Amidst these challenging times, the happiness levels of individuals can greatly vary depending on the state they reside in within the U.S. To explore this further, WalletHub has utilized insights from research on happiness to identify which aspects of one’s environment contribute most to their overall well-being and contentment with life. Historical findings have emphasized the importance of strong economic, emotional, physical, and social health for a life that is both balanced and fulfilling.

To pinpoint where Americans find the optimal mix of these essential factors, the study evaluated all 50 states based on 30 crucial indicators. These metrics included rates of depression, the proportion of adults who feel productive, income growth, and unemployment levels.

WalletHub's 2023 Happiness Report sheds light on this pursuit, revealing the 15 unhappiest states in America. This comprehensive analysis considers a trio of critical dimensions: emotional & physical well-being, work environment, and community & environment.

15 Unhappiest States in the US

Here's a listicle of the 15 Unhappiest States in America based on WalletHub’s 2023 Happiness report:

1. West Virginia

Happiness Score by WalletHub: 35.08

West Virginia, with a population of over 1.78 million, has a concerning happiness score of just 35.08. A key factor contributing to this low score is the state's unhealthy lifestyle choices. With an obesity rate of 41.3% and 5.3 fast-food restaurants per 10,000 residents, unhealthy eating habits are prevalent. McDonald’s, in particular, is highly favoured, with 90 locations across the state.

Furthermore, 21% of adults in West Virginia smoke, exacerbating mental health issues. The state also struggles with high rates of insomnia, a lack of exercise enthusiasts, poor community structure, and environmental challenges. It scores 50 out of 100 in both work environment and emotional and physical well-being and ranks among the top five states with the lowest life expectancy in the US.

2. Louisiana

Happiness Score by WalletHub: 35.86

Louisiana, home to 4.56 million people, ranks as one of America's unhappiest states. The state faces significant economic challenges, with 18.6% of its population living below the poverty line, leading to a score of 49 out of 100 in the work environment. Additionally, safety concerns are prominent, as Louisiana has the second-highest homicide rate in the country.

This contributes to its scores of 42 in emotional and physical well-being and 43 in community and environment, indicating struggles in both areas. High crime rates exacerbate the situation, with 30.7% of residents feeling unsafe, further impacting the state's overall happiness and security.

3. Tennessee

Happiness Score by WalletHub: 38.30

Tennessee, a rapidly growing southern state with over 7 million residents, faces significant challenges in happiness and well-being. Memphis, its major city, is ranked as the 6th unhappiest city in the US by WalletHub. Despite hosting major employers like FedEx, which offers an average hourly wage of $18.28, the state still grapples with a 13.3% poverty rate and a high rate of adult depression at 37.3%.

Tennessee scored only 45 in emotional well-being, influenced by prevalent poor health outcomes, chronic conditions, and premature deaths. In the work environment, it ranks 38 out of 100, further burdened by issues like substance abuse, high crime rates, and severe weather threats.

4. Arkansas

Happiness Score by WalletHub: 39.72

Arkansas, with a population of over 3.67 million, is among the unhappiest states in the US, scoring just 39.72 on WalletHub’s happiness scale. The state has the highest rate of adult depression nationally, exacerbated by factors such as limited access to healthy food, high poverty rates, and scarce public transportation.

As one of the poorest states, 16.8% of its population lives below the poverty line. Arkansas’s work environment scores 42 out of 100, while its community and environment category ranks at a low 18, reflecting poor natural and work environments. Additionally, a 2022 KIDS Count study highlighted that over 23% of Arkansas children face food insecurity, indicating significant challenges in child well-being.

5. Kentucky

Happiness Score by WalletHub: 40.58

Kentucky, known as the bluegrass state and home to over 4.52 million people, faces significant health and environmental challenges. Famous for being the birthplace of KFC, with over 115 locations, the state has a high obesity rate: 42% among adults and 24% in children. While KFC isn't the sole contributor, it is indicative of broader unhealthy eating trends in the state.

Kentucky ranks low in physical activity, coming in at 50th on WalletHub’s exercise-enthusiast measure, and has a depression rate of 27.6%. Additionally, with a poverty rate of 14.90% and poor scores in the work environment (41) and community and environment (26), Kentucky grapples with issues like poverty, pollution, and waste management.

6. Alabama

Happiness Score by WalletHub: 40.82

Alabama, often called the "Heart of Dixie" or the "Cotton State," has a population of over 5.11 million but ranks low in happiness, with a score of 40.82 according to WalletHub. The state faces significant challenges, including a high rate of insomnia and one of the poorest healthcare systems in the nation. Financially, the situation is grim, with 9.85% of Alabamians uninsured as of 2020.

Social issues, such as the opioid crisis, high crime rates, and racial injustice, further impact the state's well-being. Additionally, Alabama's prisons, like the notorious Holman Correctional Facility, are among the worst in the country. In specific categories, Alabama scored 44 in well-being and work environment, and 42 in community and environment.

7. Mississippi

Happiness Score by WalletHub: 41.42

Mississippi, the Magnolia State with a population of 2.93 million, ranks as the seventh unhappiest state in America with a happiness score of 41.42. The state's challenges are reflected in its high divorce rate of 14.1%. In specific categories, Mississippi scored 42 in emotional and physical well-being, 41 in community and environment, and 47 in the work environment.

Factors contributing to these low scores include rising obesity rates, widespread poverty, limited employment opportunities, and issues of racial injustice. These issues collectively impact the overall quality of life and happiness of Mississippi's residents.

8. Alaska

Happiness Score by WalletHub: 42.20

Alaska, with its modest population of 732,000, ranks among the least populated states in the U.S., with only Vermont and Wyoming having fewer residents. The state's unique geography means that for many, the nearest grocery store is an hour or more away, a factor that contributes to residents' unhappiness and stress.

Alaska's severe weather conditions also pose challenges for driving and daily life. The state's economy is heavily reliant on labour-intensive industries such as fishing, mining, and oil extraction. These combined factors lead to Alaska's low score of 42.20 on WalletHub’s happiness list.

9. New Mexico

Happiness Score by WalletHub: 43.49

New Mexico, home to over 2.1 million people, grapples with several issues that affect its residents' happiness. Environmental challenges, such as frequent wildfires, water shortages, and ongoing drought conditions, significantly impact life in the state. Additionally, New Mexico ranks low in education compared to other states in the U.S.

These factors contribute to its high suicide rate, leading to a score of just 43rd in the emotional and physical well-being category. The state also suffers from poorly maintained roads, which result in substantial costs for drivers, amounting to approximately $2.7 billion annually in vehicle repairs.

10. Oklahoma

Happiness Score by WalletHub: 44.09

Oklahoma, with a population of 4.53 million and known for its oil and agricultural industries, faces significant socio-economic challenges. It has the country's eighth-highest poverty rate, largely due to underemployment and inequality. The state also struggles with food insecurity, ranking 10th nationwide, with 14.3% of its population affected, partly due to limited access to healthy food options for low-income residents.

Consequently, Oklahoma scored just 46 in the emotional and physical well-being category and a lower 42 in the work environment category. In 2023, the state experienced a 3.4% increase in unemployment, which coincided with a rise in violent crime rates.

11. Indiana

Happiness Score by WalletHub: 46.48

Indiana, with a population exceeding 8.67 million, has a low happiness score of 46.48. A key factor contributing to this is the state's significant homelessness issue, with over 4,000 individuals without homes in 2023. Drug addiction is a major driver of homelessness in Indiana, affecting nearly one in every 12 residents and is closely linked to poor mental health outcomes.

This has resulted in the state scoring just 40 in the emotional and physical well-being category. Additionally, the rising homelessness can be attributed to the shortage of affordable housing, as 71% of Indiana's population comprises low-income renters.

12. Texas

Happiness Score by WalletHub: 47.66

Texas, the second-most populous state in the U.S. with over 30.5 million residents, unfortunately, holds the record for the highest number of prisons, surpassing even its number of colleges, with over 313 correctional facilities. The state's incarceration rate is significant, with approximately 2.19 million people in prisons.

In WalletHub’s happiness report, Texas scored only 50 out of 100 in the work and environment category and achieved a total happiness score of 47.66. Texas also struggles with food insecurity and health issues; it has a high child hunger rate and ranks as the 12th most obese state. Additionally, Forbes has identified Texas as having the poorest mental healthcare, with a notably low number of mental health centres.

13. Oregon

Happiness Score by WalletHub: 47.67

Oregon, home to over 4.23 million people and celebrated for its stunning lakes and mountains, has a relatively low total happiness score of 47.67. The state faces significant challenges with affordable housing, contributing to it having the fourth-highest homelessness rate in the U.S. This issue is a key factor in Oregon's low score of 31 out of 100 in the community and environment category.

Additionally, the cost of living in Oregon is 23% above the national average. Compounding these problems, the state is grappling with increasing drug abuse, further impacting its social environment and overall happiness levels.

14. Ohio

Happiness Score by WalletHub: 47.77

Ohio, despite being the seventh most populous state with over 11 million residents, ranks low in terms of happiness. According to WalletHub's report, it scored a mere 35 out of 100 in emotional and physical well-being. The state has experienced a rise in mental health issues, with a study by NAMI Ohio revealing that 1 in 5 Ohioans suffer from severe mental illness.

Additionally, Ohio faces significant infrastructure challenges. Over 1,000 of its bridges are in poor condition, contributing to an overall infrastructure grade of C- and a score of 34 out of 100 in the community and environment category.

15. Wyoming

Happiness Score by WalletHub: 48.06

With a population of just 578,803, Wyoming holds the title of being the least populated state in the United States. The state is characterized by its tough landscape, notably its cold climate, and expansive, tree-sparse basins. In the emotional and well-being category, Wyoming received a low score of only 38 out of 100. This could be partly attributed to the severe winter conditions prevalent in the state. Research has indicated that colder temperatures and reduced sunlight exposure are factors that can contribute to depression.

The relatively small size of Wyoming means that residents often face lengthy drives to reach destinations, even for routine tasks like grocery shopping. This necessity for extended travel, coupled with the state's challenging weather conditions and the sense of isolation that comes with living in a sparsely populated area, are factors that exacerbate the feelings of unhappiness among its residents.

Methodology

To identify which states in America are the happiest to unhappiest, WalletHub conducted a comparison of all 50 states, focusing on three essential dimensions: 1) Emotional & Physical Well-Being, 2) Work Environment, and 3) Community & Environment.

This comparison involved 30 specific metrics, each assigned a particular weight. These metrics were measured on a scale up to 100 points, where 100 points denote the highest level of happiness.

The final step in this analysis was to calculate a weighted average for each state based on these metrics. This calculation resulted in an overall score for each state, which was then used to rank the states in order of happiness.

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