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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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!
11 of the World’s Worst Tourist Traps You Don’t Want to Spend Your Time and Money On
Millions of people pack their bags, grab their passports, and head off to the most popular destinations in the world expecting to have the time of their lives. But sometimes, these places become less of a paradise and more of a sickening tourist trap, often diluting the culture and experience that visitors truly seek. Travelers in an online forum shared some of these destinations you wouldn’t want to find yourself in.
11 of the World’s Worst Tourist Traps You Don’t Want to Spend Your Time and Money On
Baby On Board: 11 Tips For Traveling Internationally With a Toddler
Sometimes, traveling abroad is already challenging enough on our own. But with a toddler, it can be way more than that yet it’s a truly rewarding experience. For a smooth and stress-free international trip with your little ones, it’s essential to be well-prepared before, during, and after the flight—this sparked a couple’s interest and made them ask for some tips in an online forum.
Baby On Board: 11 Tips For Traveling Internationally With a Toddler
Coastal Campers: The 10 Most Breathtaking Beach Camping Havens in the US
During the summertime, or even during the winter, depending on where you’re located in the United States, many travelers love to explore the outdoors by camping. With many beach sites to choose from, which can include national parks, lakes, and islands, it isn’t easy to choose a camping site. Read on to discover the 10 most breathtaking beach camping havens in the United States.
Coastal Campers: The 10 Most Breathtaking Beach Camping Havens in the US
7 Creepy Hiking and Backpacking Encounters That Will Freak The Heck Out Of You
If you’re out in the woods, there’s a good chance you might run into some strange and downright terrifying things, whether that’s weird lights, unexplainable noises, or ghostly figures. Hikers in an online forum spoke about the creepiest experiences they’ve ever had on a trail, and, well, let’s just say it’ll make you thankful to be in the comfort of your own home.
7 Creepy Hiking and Backpacking Encounters That Will Freak The Heck Out Of You
15 Ultimate Destinations for an All-Out Coast-To-Coast American Adventure
If you’ve ever wondered how to maximize your enjoyment during a coast-to-coast American road trip, wonder no more: You’re about to discover 15 must-do activities for the journey of a lifetime! Recently, men and women met in an online discussion to reveal the best ways to experience the United States in a coast-to-coast fashion. Have you experienced everything on this list?
15 Ultimate Destinations for an All-Out Coast-To-Coast American Adventure