12 Unhappiest States in the US Ranked, According to Latest Analysis
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What is behind the rankings of the unhappiest states in the US? Not all US states are equal when it comes to happiness.
High prices, inflation, environmental extremes, and nonstop doom and gloom on news and social media. It is no wonder the US dropped several points in the 2023 World Happiness Report. However, some states are feeling the drop in happiness more than others.
According to Wallet Hub’s latest report on happiness in the US, these are the 12 unhappiest states. To get their data, Wallet Hub gave each state an average score weighing well-being, happiness at work, environment, and sense of community.
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West Virginia
West Virginia received a happiness score of 35.08 from Wallet Hub. The score reflects the state’s high unemployment rate and health issues.
In many communities, the mountainous state suffers from poor infrastructure. Industries such as coal have caused higher rates of illness from pollution.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Protection (CDC) state data, almost 42% of adults are obese. It also has one of the highest rates of smoking in the country.
Job scarcity has led to high unemployment. The state has the highest number of deaths related to fentanyl overdoses in the country, at around 61 per 100k people.
Read also: Happiest States in America
Louisiana
Louisiana received a low score of 35.86, the second lowest in the country, according to Wallet Hub’s 2023 report. Poverty, lack of healthcare, and high crime are the biggest factors contributing to the state’s low score.
Around 18.6% of its 4.56 million population lives below the poverty line. The state also has one of the highest murder and robbery rates in the country.
Environmental disasters such as Hurricane Katrina in 2005 damaged its infrastructure and displaced thousands of people. This has made unemployment and lack of security even worse for the state.
Read also: Wealthiest States in the U.S.
Tennessee
Tennesse earned a low score of 38.30. Roughly 13.3% of its 7 million people live below the poverty line. Lack of high-paying jobs and modern industries have helped keep this number high.
Unemployment and high crime, especially in Memphis, keep people’s sense of safety and security low. The state’s crime rate is roughly 672.70 per 100,000, the fourth highest in the country.
Like other neighboring states, Tennessee is one of the states hardest hit by the fentanyl crisis. Among societal problems, this has led to deaths from overdose and strain on the state’s healthcare system.
Read also: America’s Lowest Income States
Arkansas
Arkansas scored a low 39.72 on Wallet Hub’s happiness index. In addition to issues like poor healthcare, crime, and poverty, it suffers from the highest rate of depression in the US.
The state has one of the highest obesity rates in the country. From poor access to healthy ingredients to high numbers of fast-food restaurants, people in Arkansas often have few options for healthy eating.
Around 16.8% of its 3.67 million inhabitants live below the poverty line. According to the USDA, almost 19% of the state’s population suffers from food insecurity.
Read also: America’s Most Secure Cities
Kentucky
At 40.58, Kentucky scored the fifth lowest on Wallet Hub’s report, making it one of the unhappiest states in the US. The state’s 4.52 million people live with one of the highest obesity rates in the country, at over 42% for adults and 24% for children.
Kentucky suffers from a poverty rate of 14.90%, which is fueled by a lack of high-paying jobs. In addition to a lack of employment opportunities, the state has one of the highest rates of fentanyl overdoses in the country.
According to Wallet Hub, Kentucky has the lowest exercise rate of any state. Roughly 27.6% of people suffer from depression, especially in rural parts of the state.
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Alabama
Alabama scored 40.82 on Wallet Hub’s report, slightly above Kentucky. The state’s low score reflects several factors related to health and wellness, unemployment, and crime.
The state’s healthcare system frequently ranks among the lowest in the nation. To make matters worse, almost 10% of people are uninsured.
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Crime is also high in Alabama, leading to the daily threat of insecurity. The state continues to suffer from racial injustice, ranking as one of the lowest in the country. This has led to mass incarceration and socioeconomic problems.
Read also: America’s Most Hazardous States
Alaska
Alaska ranked 42.20 on Wallet Hub’s rankings, making the northernmost state the eighth unhappiest in the US. One of the main factors is environmental. Much of the state lies in or near the Arctic Circle, receiving less than five hours of sunlight during the winter.
Poor infrastructure and access to healthcare are other factors. Many of Alaska’s 732,000 people travel huge distances to buy groceries or receive medical attention. This adds to food and medical insecurities.
The lack of high-paying jobs keeps Alaska’s population working in high-risk environments. Industries such as fishing and oil come with high stress and high risk. All these factors combined have led to Alaska’s low happiness score.
Read also: Best Cities To Live in America
New Mexico
New Mexico earned a score of 43.49 from Wallet Hub. The desert environment, lack of resources, and natural disasters contribute to the low score.
The state’s 2.1 million people live in some of the most rural regions in the country. Many areas lack access to water and experience significant droughts. Wildfires and floods also affect local economies and make many people feel unsafe.
New Mexico suffers from one of the country’s lowest education rates. Most high-paying jobs are only located in New Mexico’s cities, leaving the rural parts of the state dependent on the fickle tourism industry.
Read also: Greenest Cities in the U.S.
Oklahoma
Oklahoma ranks as the 10th unhappiest state in the US, with a low score of 44.09. High obesity, lack of employment opportunities, and poor infrastructure have damaged the state’s overall happiness index.
According to Wallet Hub, Oklahoma scored a low 46 in physical and emotional well-being. Limited access to adequate healthcare has kept many people feeling insecure.
The state is one of the ten poorest in the country. Roughly 15.4% of households suffer from food insecurity. For many communities, available food is primarily fast food, leading to the state’s high obesity rate.
Read also: American Cities to Experience Luxury
Indiana
Indiana received a score of 46.48 on Wallet Hub, making it one of the unhappiest states in the US. One of the main contributing factors to its low score is its high rate of drug addiction. Indiana is one of the states most affected by the fentanyl crisis.
In addition to its high rates of drug abuse, the state has high food insecurity and low job security. It has a high unemployment rate compared to surrounding states.
Another factor in Indiana’s low score is its racial inequality and lack of employment opportunities. It continually ranks low for racial equality in the workforce, leading many families to feel insecure about opportunities and safety.
Read also: Underrated Places To Visit in the US
Mississippi
Mississippi scored a low 41.42, just above Alabama. The state’s 2.94 million people suffer from low physical and mental well-being scores along with high crime rates, obesity, and poor health care.
One of the causes of Mississippi’s struggles is its limited access to high-paying jobs. Racial injustice is another cause that continues to be one of the most severe in the country.
According to the Mississippi State Department of Health, the state has the second-highest obesity rate in the country at 37.3%. This has taxed the state’s already poorly functioning healthcare system, leaving many people unable to get the treatment they need.
Read also: Most Beautiful Cities in the U.S.
Texas
Texas received a score of 47.66, making it the 12th most unhappy state in the US. The Lone Star State suffers from many socioeconomic challenges that affect the mental health of its population.
More people are incarcerated in Texas than in any other state. There are also more prisons than any other state, at 313. Racial injustice and socio-economic problems in the state continue to fuel its high incarceration rates.
Many of the state’s 30 million people live with severe food insecurity, affecting almost 17% of adults. Limited access to mental healthcare and healthy food options has also contributed to Texas’ low happiness score.
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