The state you live in doesn’t solely determine your happiness, but it’s much easier to be happy in a tropical paradise (Hawaii) than in the frequently freezing wilderness (Ohio). Researchers weighed a wide range of criteria, including unemployment rates, sleep quality and depression rates, to determine which states were most likely to produce miserable residents.
1. West Virginia
![These are the 15 unluckiest states in the US 2 New River Gorge National Park, West Virginia](https://wealthofgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/IMG_9613-scaled-e1696040406600.jpeg)
As West Virginians take the country roads back to their places, they’d better hope there’s a good therapist in town. The Mountain State has very high unemployment rates, the physical and mental health of its residents is lagging, and there are many cheers where substance abuse is rampant.
West Virginia is a state with beautiful nature and many proud residents. Quality healthcare is lacking and infrastructure is crumbling.and many other issues that undermine national well-being.
2. Louisiana
![Oak Alley Plantation, Louisiana](https://wealthofgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Plantation-Houses-in-Louisiana-oak-alley-plantation-scaled-e1697482674690.jpeg)
![Oak Alley Plantation, Louisiana](https://wealthofgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Plantation-Houses-in-Louisiana-oak-alley-plantation-scaled-e1697482674690.jpeg)
When you think of Louisiana, you might think of Mardi Gras, Cajun food, or a packed Tiger Stadium during the LSU football game on Saturday night. While there’s a lot to enjoy in the Bayou State, the state’s infrastructure is notoriously unreliable (see: Hurricane Katrina) and the economy is lackluster. Cities in that state are full of crime.
3. Tennessee
![Andrews Bald Trail Great Smoky Mountains Tennessee](https://wealthofgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/IMG_9147.jpeg)
![Andrews Bald Trail Great Smoky Mountains Tennessee](https://wealthofgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/IMG_9147.jpeg)
Even though Nashville is one of the fastest growing cities in the country, many Tennesseans need help. In the big picture, the problem is dark urban poverty (Memphis) and dark rural poverty (much of the rest of Tennessee). With this poverty, A lagging educational system, limited career opportunities, and widespread drug abuse.
4. Arkansas
![arkansas](https://wealthofgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Arkansas.jpg)
![arkansas](https://wealthofgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Arkansas.jpg)
I can’t imagine that. Southern states are disproportionately at the top of this list. While many Arkansans are happy picking peaches, earning good wages working at Wal-Mart and Tyson Foods, and enjoying the state’s natural beauty, many live in rural, poorer corners of the state. live.
5. Kentucky
![kentucky](https://wealthofgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Kentucky.jpg)
![kentucky](https://wealthofgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Kentucky.jpg)
Kentuckians look down on West Virginians and vice versa. Each state has its own share of problems, with Kentucky ranking second in adult depression rates (as you might have guessed, West Virginia is the runner-up).
6. Alabama
![Birmingham, Alabama 1](https://wealthofgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Birmingham-Alabama-1.jpg)
![Birmingham, Alabama 1](https://wealthofgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Birmingham-Alabama-1.jpg)
Like many states on this list, Alabama’s problem can be summed up in one word: poverty.Alabamans struggle to make ends meet Proven to be susceptible to predatory lendersIt only exacerbates the cycle of poverty that plagues residents of many southern states.
7. Mississippi
![gulfport](https://wealthofgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Gulfport.jpg)
![gulfport](https://wealthofgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Gulfport.jpg)
Mississippi has the fourth-highest divorce rate, second-lowest safety rating, and lowest recreational sports participation rate. We must view these issues in the context of Mississippi’s poverty rate, which is generally the highest in the nation.
8. Alaska
![alaska](https://wealthofgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/slike-2023-09-08T164657.738.jpg)
![alaska](https://wealthofgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/slike-2023-09-08T164657.738.jpg)
Have you ever braved an Alaskan winter? If so, you’re probably pretty depressed too. One of the most naturally beautiful states in the summer, Alaska becomes a dark tundra in the winter.
9. New Mexico
![The 15 unhappiest states in the United States are: Albuquerque, New Mexico](https://wealthofgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Albuquerque-New-Mexico-e1695486749488.jpg)
![The 15 unhappiest states in the United States are: Albuquerque, New Mexico](https://wealthofgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Albuquerque-New-Mexico-e1695486749488.jpg)
New Mexico has the dubious distinction of having the highest divorce rate of all 50 states. It is also the state with the fourth highest rate of fatal self-harm. The land of enchantment is also the land of traps. Nearly 20% of residents are stuck in a cycle of intergenerational poverty.
10. Oklahoma
![Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA skyline at dusk.](https://wealthofgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/IMG_7801.jpeg)
![Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA skyline at dusk.](https://wealthofgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/IMG_7801.jpeg)
During the Great Depression, “Okies” had a dusty face destroying property in countries hit by economic hardship. The Dust Bowl has subsided, but the Oklahomans haven’t fared well on the Misery Index. The data shows that incomes for Oklahomans are growing more slowly than in all but four other states, which is not surprising given the state’s agriculture-dependent economy.
11. Indiana
![Top 12 Unhappiest States in the United States Indiana Dunes National Park, Michigan City, Indiana](https://wealthofgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/IMG_9584-scaled-e1695950211743.jpeg)
![Top 12 Unhappiest States in the United States Indiana Dunes National Park, Michigan City, Indiana](https://wealthofgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/IMG_9584-scaled-e1695950211743.jpeg)
Addiction is rampant in Indiana. 1 in 12 Hoosiers has a substance use disorder. Rural life may bring to mind cornfields and poverty, but cities like Gary prove that Indiana also has extremely dangerous and decaying urban centers.
12. Texas
![texas memorial stadium](https://wealthofgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Biggest-Stadiums-in-College-Football-Texas-memorial-stadium-scaled-e1695241764638.jpeg)
![texas memorial stadium](https://wealthofgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Biggest-Stadiums-in-College-Football-Texas-memorial-stadium-scaled-e1695241764638.jpeg)
It’s hard to believe that Texas’ population growth rate ranks so high in terms of unhappiness, but the data is true. If you zoom in on many cities and towns in Texas (especially near the southern border), you’ll see large groups of poor Texans. Rapid population growth also contributes to overcrowding, aging infrastructure, and rising costs of living.
13. Oregon
![Top 14 Unhappiest States in the United States Crater Lake National Park, Oregon](https://wealthofgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/IMG_9603-scaled-e1696034862797.jpeg)
![Top 14 Unhappiest States in the United States Crater Lake National Park, Oregon](https://wealthofgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/IMG_9603-scaled-e1696034862797.jpeg)
The Pacific Northwest has become the epitome of a drug abuse epidemic, and the sidewalks of cities like Portland resemble modern-day versions of Great Depression-era Hoovervilles. The weather alone can cause depression, and the high cost of living can also make Oregonians’ funk even worse.
14. Ohio
![The 15 unhappiest states in the United States are: 15 Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio](https://wealthofgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/IMG_9602-scaled-e1696034469897.jpeg)
![The 15 unhappiest states in the United States are: 15 Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio](https://wealthofgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/IMG_9602-scaled-e1696034469897.jpeg)
It’s hard to blame depressed Ohioans, but what about frigid winter weather, manufacturing exports, and tons of toxic chemicals burning in our backyards? At least they have Ohio State football as a consistent source of pride and joy.
15. Wyoming
![Top 16 Unhappiest States in the United States Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming](https://wealthofgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/IMG_9614-scaled-e1696040598869.jpeg)
![Top 16 Unhappiest States in the United States Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming](https://wealthofgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/IMG_9614-scaled-e1696040598869.jpeg)
Wyoming, the least populated state, likely has a higher than average percentage of lonely residents. Getting a date on Tinder can be difficult when your nearest neighbor is 160 miles away. A harsh winter will only exacerbate the sense of isolation Wyoming residents feel.
sauce: wallet hub.