New study reveals America’s most and least stressed states
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Americans hoping to relax on their next trip may want to think twice about where they’re going.
A comparison of all 50 states across 40 stress indicators, including work, money, family and health factors, found that densely populated states with large metropolitan areas did not top the list, according to a new WalletHub study. Instead, states in the South and Southwest were among the most stressed states overall.
According to WalletHub, Louisiana will be the nation’s most stressed state in 2026, followed by Kentucky, New Mexico, West Virginia and Arkansas. Rounding out the top 10 were Nevada, Oklahoma, Oregon, Mississippi and Alabama.
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The results may come as a surprise to travelers who expected New York or Illinois to top the list. Instead, both states ranked lower; New York ranked 18th and Illinois ranked 30th.
Experts say stress levels often depend on economic conditions, access to healthcare and societal factors. (iStock)
Experts say the findings show that stress isn’t just tied to fast-paced city living, but is also linked to broader economic and health problems.
“Where we live can shape how much stress we experience,” Cassandra D. Chaney, a professor at Louisiana State University who studies family stress, wrote on WalletHub. newsletter.
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“These facts remind us that stress is not just an individual problem,” he added. “Broader social and economic environments play a powerful role in shaping daily stressors.”
Louisiana has been ranked as the most stressful state in the United States, according to a new WalletHub study. (AP Photo/Stephen Smith)
Chaney noted that factors such as high poverty rates, limited access to health care and mental health care, and job insecurity contribute to high levels of stress in Louisiana.
About 16 percent of residents skipped medical care because of cost, the report found, and the state ranks among the worst for mental health and depression, while the number of psychologists per capita is relatively small. It also had the eighth-highest average unemployment rate last year and the lowest job security of all states.
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Meanwhile, Kentucky faces significant financial distress, having one of the highest bankruptcy rates and one of the lowest average credit scores in the country.
States with stronger economies and access to better health care tended to be among the less stressed states. (iStock)
“New Mexico…faces high crime rates, financial hardship, and serious family instability,” Chaney added. “Nevada experiences high unemployment and bankruptcy rates, contributing to financial stress among residents.”
The data shows that daily life for travelers to popular destinations like Nevada (No. 6) and California (No. 12) may differ from the experience visitors see.
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Meanwhile, some of the least stressful states may offer tips for those looking for a more relaxing getaway.
South Dakota was the least stressed state in the country, followed by Utah and Minnesota. (iStock)
According to the report, South Dakota was the least stressed state, followed by Utah, Minnesota, New Hampshire and Vermont. These states tend to perform better in areas such as economic stability, access to healthcare, and work-life balance.
They also report higher rates of adequate sleep, an often overlooked factor, linked to lower stress levels, according to the report.
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The top 10 least stressful states were Hawaii, Virginia, Wisconsin, Kansas and North Carolina.
Experts state that stress is affected by multiple factors and can vary from person to person.
The study analyzed all 50 states using 40 measures, including work, financial, family and health-related stress. (iStock)
“While we can’t completely eliminate stress, we can be more intentional about how to manage it,” Chaney said.
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Chip Lupo, an analyst at WalletHub, added in a statement: “There are many small ways to cope with stress, from staying active and pursuing hobbies to taking time off from work and getting help from a mental health professional.”
The analysis compared all 50 states across four key categories (jobs, money, family, and health and safety); It used 40 weighted measures and data from sources such as the U.S. Census Bureau, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
