America’s Most Stressed States

From the rollercoaster housing market to the rising costs of groceries, stress seems to be a common experience for many people. However, where you live can also play a role in the level of stress you experience, according to a new report.

Earlier this year, WalletHub ranked America’s “most and least stressed” states by comparing them across 41 different metrics, including unemployment rate, income growth, mental health, and affordability of healthcare. The final ranking was based on four key dimensions: work-related stress, money-related stress, family-related stress, and health and safety-related stress.

Using data from various agencies, such as the U.S. Census Bureau and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, WalletHub determined the results. The study also ranked states in individual categories like average hours of sleep per night and psychologists per capita.

Mississippi emerged as the most stressed out state in the U.S., with the highest rate of money-related stress. Despite having a low cost of living, Mississippi struggles with low education levels, worker productivity, and migration rates.

On the other hand, states like Utah, Connecticut, and South Dakota were among the least stressed, despite Hawaii and Florida being previously named some of the happiest states.

The Least Stressed State in America: Minnesota

According to WalletHub’s report, Minnesota is the least stressed state in the United States. Residents of Minnesota claim to experience the least amount of money- and family-related stress. The state also boasts the second highest average hours of sleep per night, just behind Colorado.

Minnesota, known as the “Land of 10,000 Lakes,” has been recognized as one of the top states to live and work in according to AsumeTech’s annual study.

The 10 Least Stressed States in America

1. Minnesota
2. Utah
3. New Hampshire
4. South Dakota
5. Massachusetts
6. Iowa
7. New Jersey
8. Connecticut
9. North Dakota
10. Virginia

Utah claims the second spot on the list. The state has the fewest average hours worked per week, lowest poverty rates, and lowest divorce rate in the country. Utah was also named the happiest state in America in a separate WalletHub study, with the highest volunteer rate.

Rounding out the top three is New Hampshire, which boasts the lowest percentage of adults in fair/poor health, one of the highest credit scores, and low crime rates. Nashua, a city in New Hampshire, was named the safest city in America and is considered one of the best places to live in the state.

New Hampshire is also among the wealthiest and most educated states in the U.S., with no income tax on wages and salaries and no sales tax.