Regarding happiness, several internal and external factors are taken into consideration. While it’s easy to influence happiness from the people you spend time with and the activities you participate in, high inflation, high unemployment rates, and poor sleep are enough to make anyone miserable. According to a 2023 research report released by WalletHub, these are the 10 saddest states in the United States, ranked.
10. Oklahoma
- Image Credit: Shutterstock.
According to WalletHub, Oklahoma has a poor ranking when it comes down to physical well-being (ranked 46th) and work environment (ranked 43rd). Even though its community has a higher ranking with an inviting environment for its locals, it has the fifth-lowest income growth rating in the United States. In addition, Oklahoma has major issues within its society that include teen pregnancy, drug usage, and high rankings in childhood hunger, which sets up its adults for high depression rates.
9. New Mexico
- Image Credit: Shutterstock.
New Mexico ranks ninth as one of the unhappiest states in the US, and with its fourth-highest suicide rate, you can see why. It also has the highest divorce rate and low community participation among its residents. Whatever is in the air in New Mexico seems to spread like wildfire when it comes to the happiness of its residents.
8. Alaska
-
- Image Credit: Shutterstock.
We don’t know if the weather is a contributing factor, but Alaska clocks in more working hours than any other state in the US, but surprisingly, it has a low-income growth. Alaskan residents are overworked and unpaid, which is enough for anyone to feel blue. In addition, the second-largest contributor to the unhappiness of its locals is due to the lack of daylight.
7. Mississippi
-
- Image Credit: Shutterstock.
Mississippi ranks second in having the lowest safety rating and ranks fourth in having the highest divorce rating. With its miserable rankings, this also explains why it’s one of the most obese states and has such a poor healthcare system. In addition, more than a quarter of residents in Mississippi took a survey and stated they didn’t have enough money for food, while even more said they didn’t have enough funds for efficient healthcare.
6. Alabama
-
- Image Credit: Shutterstock.
Alabama has one of the poorest ratings when it comes to its residents receiving adequate sleep. Sweet home Alabama isn’t so sweet when you factor in its low safety rating and its disinterest in professional sports, with the exception of The University of Alabama. If Alabama wants to improve its happiness rating, it should focus on its education, residential programs, and development within the community.
5. Kentucky
-
- Image Credit: Shutterstock.
Coming in at the bottom of the barrel, you’ll, surprisingly, find Kentucky as one of the most miserable states in the nation. There are several factors that come into play, such as poor mental health, low income, insufficient sleep rates, high divorce rates, and high working hours. Kentucky has a gloomy rating, ranking 45 out of 50, with its work environment, long commute times, life expectancy, and job satisfaction being additional major factors.
4. Arkansas
-
- Image Credit: Shutterstock.
Even though it’s known for its lakes and diamond mines, Arkansas comes in at 48th as one of the unhappiest states in the US. With the combination of poor physical well-being and depression among its adults, Arkansas is less than ideal for Millennials who are already overloaded with stress, hoping to call this place home. In addition to its low rating in emotional well-being, Arkansas is also one of the least safe places to live in the nation.
3. Tennessee
-
- Image Credit: Shutterstock.
If you’re thinking of packing up and moving to Tennessee to start a family, you may want to reconsider. According to WalletHub, Tennessee has above-average commute times, a high unemployment rating, and a high suicide rate. In addition, it also places in the top five when it comes to natural disasters and risks among its communities.
2. Louisiana
-
- Image Credit: Shutterstock.
According to recent studies, Louisiana comes in at the bottom of the list when it comes to happiness and ranks among the top in having a shockingly high homicide rate. While New Orleans attracts a significant amount of tourism, the state of Louisiana has poor mental illness rates, a low life expectancy rating, low household income, and a poor poverty rating. In addition, Louisiana only has a 46% marriage rating when compared to other states, coming in dead last.
1. West Virginia
-
- Image Credit: Shutterstock.
As the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted many lives, a mental health crisis has been on the rise, and West Virginia has been the most affected, with four in 10 adults suffering from anxiety or depression. Other factors that came into play include poor sleep behavior, physical well-being, and high unemployment rates. Country road, take me…anywhere but West Virginia!
More From Savoteur
Am I the only one who sometimes questions the American dream? With issues like expensive healthcare and rampant homelessness, believing you’re living the dream life is hard. Someone on an internet travel platform asked Americans for common things that Europe residents have that they consider a luxury. Here are their best answers.
10 Things Europeans Have Everyday That Americans See as a Luxury
10 Cities People Refuse to Ever Visit Again
Fargo, North Dakota, is somewhere I will never visit again. The food is delicious, especially the wild rice soup, but Red River Zoo gives me the creeps. I felt like I was entering a cult considering all the head mounts of deer and buffalo decorating the walls as we peered into the enclosure of red pandas. Travelers on a popular internet forum share their least favorite travel experiences below.
10 Cities People Refuse to Ever Visit Again
Top 10 Countries With the Absolute Worst Cuisine in the World
Have you encountered a country of terrible foods in your traveling endeavors? You’re not alone. After someone asked travelers, “What country has the worst cuisine overall?” These are the top-voted responses.
Top 10 Countries With the Absolute Worst Cuisine in the World
15 of the Worst Cities in America To Avoid at All Costs
The United States is home to many of the most beautiful natural wonders of the world. Unfortunately, it’s also home to cities in steep decline due to increases in poverty, homelessness, and violent and property crimes.
While there are many safe towns and cities in the U.S., some online users from a social media discussion board believe there are some you should avoid.
15 of the Worst Cities in America To Avoid at All Costs
The Most Famous Person In Your State Will Surprise You
When you think of certain states, famous residents immediately come to mind. From The Oracle of Omaha to Jon Bon Jovi, Prince, or Will Smith, their names are synonymous with their home states. But what about the other states in America? Take a look at The Most Iconic Person from Each State to see if you agree with our picks!
The Most Iconic Person From Each State
