Ranking: #50 Community and Environment
For some people, the remote wilderness of Alaska seems like a dream come true. For most of its residents, it’s a heavy burden. In Alaska, kids struggle to get through high school.
Their crime rates are higher than average. The unemployment rates resemble those of America struggling after the 2008 recession. It’s not quite the dream come true so many people wish it were.
Ranking: #32 Affordability
Wisconsin’s depression prevalence stands at 20.1%, slightly above the national median. Contributing factors include the long, cold winters that can lead to seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and a significant rural population where access to mental health services is limited.
Even worse, economic hardships in certain areas contribute to stress and anxiety among residents. Cheese isn't going to solve their problems, especially if you're lactose intolerant!
Ranked: #44 Quality of Life
Rhode Island reports a depression prevalence of 21.0%, which is in line with the national median. Despite being a smaller state, Rhode Island faces challenges such as economic disparities and urban stressors that contribute to mental health issues. Access to mental health services is relatively better compared to more rural states, but there are still gaps that need to be addressed.
The state is focusing on integrating mental health services into primary care and increasing funding for mental health programs. Efforts to reduce stigma and promote mental well-being are also underway, aiming to encourage individuals to seek help when needed.
Ranking: #30 Affordability
Florida’s depression prevalence is relatively moderate at 19.9%, right at the national median. Despite its sunny reputation, the state grapples with mental health challenges stemming from a mix of economic and environmental factors.
The high cost of living, particularly in urban areas like Miami and Orlando, places financial stress on residents. Additionally, hurricanes and other natural disasters create ongoing anxiety for some communities.
Ranking: #46 Work Environment
Mississippi’s list of problems is about as long as its name. They have extremely high divorce rates. People don’t get out and volunteer, which is a good measure for community engagement. They have the worst crime rates in the nation, and their education is terrible.
Along with all those qualifiers, Mississippi is also known as the fattest state, with over a third of the population considered obese. It is third in the least number of insured people and has the seventh high rate of underemployment. Every time Mississippi comes up to bat, it strikes out.
Ranking: #38 Physical & Emotional Well-Being
South Carolina is not the best state to move to if you’re trying to be a healthy person. The state ranks horribly when it comes to residents getting their immunizations. Sure, you might get your flu shot, but if everybody doesn’t get their shots, you’re still at risk. So few South Carolinians get their shots that everybody’s at risk.
Besides low immunization, South Carolina also has a high violent crime rate—the tenth highest in the nation. The typical household also earns nearly $10,000 less than the national median household income. That's sure to lead to some stress and unhappiness.
Ranking: #48 Emotional & Physical Well-Being
Kentucky’s low ranking on the list of happiest states is interesting. They sit in the 48th spot for healthy people, but they rank extremely well when it comes to work environments and community health. If you take care of yourself, it’s the type of place people can thrive in. Sadly, most Kentuckians don’t take care of themselves.
Some studies argue that Kentucky should be ranked as the saddest state in America. It is ranked number 49 for depression, 48 for adequate sleep, and 47 for the lowest sports participation rate. It sounds like bad news for anyone choosing to live there.
Ranking: #42 Economy
Michigan has a depression prevalence of 21.4%, aligning closely with the national median. Economic challenges, particularly in post-industrial areas, contribute to mental health issues among residents. Additionally, the state's climate, with long, harsh winters, may impact mood and contribute to seasonal affective disorder.
Efforts in Michigan to address depression include expanding access to mental health services, particularly in economically disadvantaged areas.
Ranking: #41 Emotional & Physical Well-Being
In Tennesse, drug-related death rates aren’t the worst around, but they’re still pretty bad. And that’s a depressing sentence if we ever saw one. On the plus side, the volunteer state is a great place to work in!
While Tennessee may have one of the country's friendliest cities, the state is not a happy one. One interesting study showed that when asked to report happiness, Tennesseans were among the top seven—however, when asked to self-report personal satisfaction with life, they ranked 46th. There's definitely some disconnect there.
Ranking: #50 Safety
Washington state's depression prevalence is 21.5%, slightly above the national median. Contributing factors include the state's climate, with long periods of overcast weather potentially affecting mood, and economic disparities in certain regions. Access to mental health services varies, with rural areas facing more significant challenges.
To combat depression, Washington is investing in mental health infrastructure and expanding telehealth services to reach underserved populations. Public health campaigns focus on raising awareness and reducing stigma associated with mental health issues.
Ranked: #43 for Economy
Indiana has a depression prevalence of 21.9%, slightly above the national median. Contributing factors include economic challenges, such as unemployment and poverty, which are prevalent in certain areas of the state. Additionally, limited access to mental health care, especially in rural regions, exacerbates the issue.
To address these concerns, Indiana is working to expand mental health services and integrate them into primary care settings. Programs aimed at increasing mental health awareness and reducing stigma are also being implemented.
Ranking: #50 Emotional & Physical Well-Being
Out of the 50 U.S. states, Arkansas fares the worst when it comes to physical and emotional health. The residents aren’t very active, leading to higher-than-average rates of obesity. Depression rates rank as some of the nation’s worst.
To cope with it all, many Arkansans have turned to drinking and smoking, leading to some of the worst rates there as well. Although it's the "Natural State", there's nothing natural about how poorly it is ranked.
Ranking: #38 for Quality of Life
New Hampshire reports a depression prevalence of 21.8%, aligning closely with the national median. While not among the highest, this rate still reflects a significant portion of the population affected by depression.
The state's mental health challenges are influenced by factors such as rural demographics, which can lead to social isolation, and economic stressors in certain communities.
Ranking: #36 Work Environment
Ohio is a fairly middle-of-the-road state, both in terms of geography and the health of its residents. Well, they’re middle of the road until you consider their extremely serious drug problem, which is actually one of our nation’s worst.
Ohio ranked fifth lowest for residents who actually like what they do every day. Residents also lack strong social relationships, which has a strong effect on happiness. A large share of the people of Ohio lack a sense of purpose. That's enough to put them on the list of saddest states.
Ranking: #35 for Affordability
Maine has experienced a notable increase in depression rates among its residents. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the age-standardized prevalence of depression in Maine is 23.5%, placing it among the states with higher depression rates. This prevalence is above the national median of 19.9%, indicating a significant mental health concern within the state.
Several factors contribute to Maine's elevated depression rates. The state's rural landscape can lead to social isolation, a known risk factor for depression. Additionally, limited access to mental health services in remote areas poses challenges for residents seeking care.
Ranking: #30 Quality of Life
Utah's depression prevalence stands at 21.2%, which is above the national median. Factors contributing to this include cultural pressures, high altitude, and a significant rural population that may experience social isolation. Additionally, there is a noted stigma surrounding mental health issues, which can deter individuals from seeking help.
Efforts in Utah to combat depression focus on increasing mental health resources and accessibility, particularly in rural areas. Public health campaigns aim to reduce stigma and encourage open discussions about mental health. Community support programs are also being developed to provide assistance and resources to those in need.
Ranking: #46 Emotional & Physical Well-Being
In the lovely state of Alabama, a quarter of children live in poverty. The state’s healthcare is sub-par, to say the least, smokers are everywhere, and violent crime is found in every corner of the state. It’s not the type of state you’re likely to call a sweet home.
Alabama ranked highest in the percentage of residents with diabetes and nearly last in exercise. It's also among the lowest ranked for job creation and is near the top for businesses firing employees. Are you packing your bags to move here any time soon?
Ranking: #36 Safety
Montana has one of the highest depression rates in the nation, with a prevalence of 23.5%. The state's vast rural areas contribute to social isolation and limited access to mental health services. Economic factors, including lower income levels and higher rates of poverty in certain regions, also play a role in the high depression rates.
To address these challenges, Montana is working to expand telehealth services to reach remote areas and provide mental health care. Community initiatives aim to build support networks and reduce the stigma associated with seeking help. Economic development programs are also being implemented to improve financial stability for residents, which can positively impact mental health.
Ranking: #48 Community and Environment
In Vermont, there’s a lot of excessive drinking, but otherwise, it’s a really, really healthy state. One of the healthiest, in fact! But it’s hard to discredit the whole drinking problem…
While it may be one of the healthiest states, you may still be surprised to learn that nearly 60% of Vermont adults do not exercise regularly, the 6th largest share of any state. It seems they stay healthy based on their diet and maintaining strong social relationships.
Ranking: #45 Emotional & Physical Well-Being
It makes sense that the state that sounds like the word “Misery” is on the list of saddest states. If you drive through the state, you’ll be baffled by its beauty. If you look at its residents, you’ll find that they are unhealthy.
If you step into an office, you’ll see it’s a very middle-of-the-road place to work. The state is currently at a 2.5% unemployment rate. We’re hoping Missouri can step away from its depressing name sometime soon.
Ranking: #50 Emotional & Physical Well-Being
While West Virginia ranks lowest in the emotional and physical well-being category, it also ranks lowest for nearly every sub-category. The state ranks last in healthy behavior, life evaluation, emotional health, physical health, and basic access to necessities.
The number of adults with poor mental health is extremely high, which may be a factor contributing to the state's rising credit card debt—they rank 37 out of 50. West Virginia ranks one of the highest when it comes to poverty levels and substance abuse. Get it together West Virginia!
Ranking: #50 Work Environment
If you’re visiting New Orleans or looking to participate in Mardi Gras, you’ll probably have a great time. If you live in Louisiana, though, you won’t. They have the worst working environment in the nation.
The working environment is not helped by their excessive work hours. They also rank among the worst states when it comes to having an encouraging community and general well-being. Doesn't sound like a state I would like to live in.
Ranking: #43 Emotional & Physical Well-Being
In Oregon, the rainy weather catches up with its residents. The state has the highest number of adult residents struggling with depression—as high as one in four people. High school graduation rates are also poor.
Homelessness, lack of health insurance, and poverty likely add to the high amounts of depression. In all that dreariness, however, if you get a job here, you might still consider taking it! It’s ranked as the 4th best state to work in.
Ranking: #47 Work Environment
The acclaimed TV show Breaking Bad picked a great state to film its bleak, drug-filled episodes in. New Mexico has horribly high rates of violence and drug-related deaths, divorce is frequent, and income growth is lower than the national average. It’s a state as rough as its terrain.
The unemployment rate in New Mexico is currently 4.5% with a total of 43,000 unemployed residents. Along with these numbers, the poverty rate is nearly 20%—the third highest in the nation. When asked, not even 60% of residents in the state are proud of where they live.
Ranking: #47 Emotional & Physical Well-Being
Poor physical health often leads to poor mental health, and in Oklahoma, health problems are everywhere. Children struggle to get the help they need. Adults struggle with high obesity rates and cardiovascular issues.
The state doesn’t just have health issues, though. Its high levels of crime make it a less-than-fun place to live. Oklahomans tend to work more hours than in other states and the state has an incredibly low sports participation rate.
