West Virginia ranks 40th overall, facing worst highest poverty rate in the nation at 17.1%. The state struggles with a lack of economic opportunities, reflected in a declining population and high unemployment rate.
Additionally, approximately 9.3% of residents are uninsured, contributing to poor health outcomes. It also suffers from a lack of economic opportunities and educational attainment, which negatively impacts the quality of life.
Hawaii boasts beautiful landscapes but has the highest housing costs in the nation, with an average home price of $800,000. This high cost of living leads to a poverty rate of 9.1%, with 6.3% of residents uninsured.
While the state's natural beauty is appealing, the financial strain of living in Hawaii often outweighs the benefits. Furthermore, educational outcomes are mixed, with 92.4% of adults aged 25 and older having a high school diploma, but challenges remain in higher education access.
Alabama is ranked 38th overall, facing significant challenges, including a high poverty rate of 15.2% and a high crime rate of 5,792 incidents per 100,000 people, ranking 48th for safety.
Approximately 17% of the population is uninsured, limiting access to healthcare. Education is also a concern, with only 87% of adults aged 25 and older holding a high school diploma. These socioeconomic factors contribute to a lower quality of life, as many residents struggle to meet basic needs and access essential services.
Kentucky ranks 37th overall, plagued by high poverty rates of and low educational attainment, with only 86% of adults graduating high school. The combination of high unemployment rates and inadequate access to education and healthcare results in a diminished quality of life.
These factors hinder the overall well-being of residents, contributing to low income and poor health outcomes. Additionally, the state has seen stagnant economic growth, making it difficult for residents to escape poverty.
Texas ranks 36th overall, with one of the lowest homeownership rates in the nation at just 62.8%, placing it 46th among states. This reflects the challenges many residents face in affording housing in rapidly growing cities.
The education system also faces hurdles, with only 88% of adults 25 and older holding a high school diploma. These factors contribute to economic instability and lower quality of life for many Texans.
Washington has a mixed reputation, ranking 35th overall. Although it boasts a strong economy, it ranks poorly in affordability, particularly regarding housing costs, which are the 49th highest in the nation.
The average rent in cities like Seattle is over $2,000 per month, making it difficult for residents to maintain financial stability. While employment opportunities may be abundant, the high cost of living often negates these benefits.
Delaware suffers from a high cost of living, with housing expenses ranking among the lowest in affordability. The state’s average home price is around $360,000, which is high relative to the median income of $40,000.
With a poverty rate of 11% and 12% of the population uninsured, many residents struggle to afford basic needs.
Tennessee ranks 33rd overall, struggling with a high crime rate of 5,088 incidents per 100,000 people, which places it 32nd in the nation for safety. The state has a poverty rate of 13.9%.
Educational outcomes are also concerning. These factors combine to diminish the overall well-being of its residents, as many face obstacles in accessing education, healthcare, and safe living environments.
Michigan is ranked 32nd overall, facing a struggling economy with a notably low income growth rate of just 2.8%. The state has a poverty rate of 10%, and around 11.2% of the population is uninsured.
These economic and educational challenges contribute to a lower quality of life, as many residents experience difficulties in accessing quality jobs and essential services, leading to overall dissatisfaction.
Missouri's challenges are primarily seen in its high crime rate, which is ranked 41st nationally at 4,146 incidents per 100,000 people.
While Missouri has a relatively affordable housing market, its healthcare access is concerning, with 14% of the population uninsured. Additionally, the state has a poverty rate of 13%, and educational attainment isn't great.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
