Louisiana ranked at the bottom of WalletHub’s list, most notably for having the second-highest poverty rate in the country and one of the lowest income growth rates.
Education is another clear issue in the country, with the fourth-lowest percentage of the 25+ population having a high school diploma or higher. And it seems many are turning to crime in Louisiana as an alternative, as Louisiana has the fourth-highest crime rate.
New Mexico is the second worst-run state in the country, with the third-highest percentage of the population living in poverty. It also has the fifth-lowest percentage of the 25-and-up population who have a high school diploma or higher.
And as a reflection of its poverty level and education struggles, it has the highest crime rate in the entire country.
Arkansas takes the number three spot thanks to its high crime rate and for having the fifth-highest percentage of the population living in poverty.
While the state ranks among the top ten in affordability, its economy suffers, ranking 45th in the country. Education and quality of life are other areas where Arkansas continues to suffer in the poorly run state.
Alaska certainly has a fair share of issues as it offers the lowest quality of life out of all 50 states, according to WalletHub. Education and safety are just some of the major concerns.
But perhaps the worst issues with Alaska is that it’s overworked with not much purpose to any of it. It has the third-lowest income growth even though Alaskans are working more hours per week on average than anyone else in the country. And relaxing with the family at a restaurant at the end of the week? Not really an option when it has the fewest restaurants per capita.
While not as bad as New York and California, Nevada residents are finding it nearly impossible to afford a home. It has the third-lowest homeownership rate in the country due to high housing costs and a crippling economy.
Tied with New Mexico, the state has the fifth-lowest percentage of the population who are educated. However, in terms of quality of life, Nevada does fair, ranking 22nd in that regard, even if they aren’t living the American dream.
Nobody knows poverty better than Mississippi, as it has the highest poverty rate in the United States. Education is also a huge concern as it has the third-lowest population of 25+ year old persons with a high school diploma or higher.
Furthermore, Mississippi residents aren’t getting insured it seems as it has the fifth lowest percentage of insured individuals. And to add insult to injury, the state has the second-lowest quality of life, behind Alaska.
Oklahoma has the lowest education rate in the United States, ranking 50th overall. Its suffering economy may be one of the biggest reasons for this.
And while it’s not the very worst when it comes to most other metrics, it still ranks in the bottom half of the country for everything other than affordability.
South Carolina has the fifth-worst ranking in the country and the 10th-lowest education rank. Its economy and quality of life are also not much to brag about.
The only area where it performs well is affordability and that’s likely because people aren’t really wanting to live there in the first place.
Oregon ranks even lower than South Carolina in safety, coming in as the third-worst in that regard. But unlike South Carolina, Oregon is not affordable, ranking 41st in affordability.
Its strongest area was quality of life, likely due to its air quality and natural beauty. When it comes to its economy, it ranks in the middle.
Arizona’s biggest issues are safety and education, but they’re big enough issues that make it qualify as the 10th worst-run state in the country.
Although its economy, quality of life, and affordability are decent, they are nowhere near the top 10. Arizona still has much work to do get itself out of its rut.
