Ever wonder which states are kicking back and relaxing a little too much? A recent study ranked all 50 states to determine which ones have the hardest-working residents and which ones... don't. Using metrics like average workweek hours, employment rates, volunteer hours, and even how much leisure time people have, we've compiled a list of the 25 laziest states in the country.
Let's see if your home state made the cut.
25. South Carolina
Kicking off the list is South Carolina. The state scores a respectable 21st when it comes to direct work factors, meaning people show up and get the job done. However, things take a more relaxed turn with indirect factors like volunteering or holding multiple jobs, where the state lands at a leisurely 42nd.
24. Idaho
Idaho proves it works hard...ish. The state ranks 30th in direct work factors, suggesting that long hours and skipping vacation might not be the top priority. But where Idahoans truly shine is in indirect work, coming in at an impressive 6th place for community spirit, volunteering, and helping neighbors.
23. Utah
Utah presents a story of two extremes. Ranking 35th in direct work factors, the Beehive State sometimes hits the snooze button before getting to work. On the flip side, Utah scores an amazing 3rd place for indirect work factors like volunteering, showing a strong commitment to community over extra shifts.
22. Arkansas
Arkansas lands in the middle of the road, ranking 22nd overall. The state shows a solid work ethic with a 20th place ranking in direct work factors. But when it comes to indirect factors like moonlighting or volunteering, Arkansas is dead last at 50th, suggesting extra effort is reserved for the job and not much else.
21. Florida
Florida ranks quite low when it comes to life outside the workplace. The state has some of the lowest volunteer rates and a lot of leisure time. While a large retiree population might influence these numbers, metrics based on the working-age population still show a weaker performance compared to other states.
20. Vermont
Sliding into the 20th spot, Vermont embodies a "work-hard, nap-harder" lifestyle. It ranks 49th for average workweek hours, leaving plenty of time for other pursuits. Despite the chill vibe, the state boasts a solid 3rd place ranking in employment rate, so nearly everyone is occupied with something.
19. Arizona
Arizona’s unemployment rate of 4.9% is higher than the national average of 3.9%, pushing it onto this list. Like Florida, it has a large retiree population. The good news is that the state is one of the best for job growth and its residents tend to be more physically active.
18. Wisconsin
Wisconsin is the Goldilocks of effort, landing right in the middle of the pack. The average workweek is a respectable 38.6 hours, and the employment rate is decent. It seems Wisconsinites have found a balance between punching the clock and enjoying their tailgates and bratwurst.
17. Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania was ranked poorly for its workplaces, with employees not being particularly engaged. This might make you think The Office was set there for a reason. On the bright side, residents are more engaged in their communities, ranking in the top half of states for indirect work factors like volunteering.
16. Washington
Who wants to be productive when you could be exploring Olympic National Park? Washington is a state of extremes, ranking in the bottom quarter for average work hours and the share of people with multiple jobs. At the same time, it's in the top quarter for volunteering and has low rates of idle youth.
15. Delaware
Delaware's spot on the list is due to its low average workweek hours and employment rate. These numbers suggest a more laid-back work culture where a slower pace and work-life balance are prioritized over long hours and constant hustle.
14. Kentucky
The Bluegrass State makes the list partly because of its community engagement—or lack thereof. Kentucky residents have the lowest volunteer hours of any state. Many residents also work second and third jobs to make ends meet, which is a recurring theme in several Southern states.
13. Massachusetts
Massachusetts struggles with metrics like average workweek hours and employment rate. However, the state performs well in other areas, tying for third place for its low idle youth rate. This suggests a long-term investment in education and skill-building over immediate productivity.
12. California
The Golden State seems to prefer sunsets over long workdays. With a low employment rate and plenty of leisure time, Californians appear to be mastering the art of work-life balance. Who needs to work harder when you have beaches, Hollywood, and avocado toast?
11. Illinois
As the 5th most populated state, having Illinois on this list means a lot of people are doing a whole lot of nothing. The state places a lowly 38th for average work hours. It also ranks in the bottom half for indirect work factors like volunteer hours and idle youth rate.
10. Oregon
Oregon has more problems in the workplace than most states, scoring poorly on working hours, unemployment rates, and unused vacation time. The state fares a bit better with indirect work factors, landing in the top half for higher-than-average volunteer rates and outdoor activity.
9. Ohio
Ohio is middle-of-the-road in almost everything—not bad, but not making a splash. Its poor ranking comes from a 45th place finish for average working hours and a low share of workers with more than one job. A 31st place ranking for factors like volunteering and youth idleness averages out to the 9th laziest state.
8. New Jersey
The "Garden State" might want to plant some seeds of hustle. Ranking 8th, New Jersey seems to prefer a slower pace, with a low employment rate and unimpressive workweek hours. Perhaps all those beach days and boardwalk strolls are cutting into work time.
7. Rhode Island
Statistically, Rhode Islanders do less than most. They have more daily leisure time than most Americans but some of the lowest volunteer hours. The state ranks 46th out of 50 for direct work factors and 48th for indirect factors like volunteer hours and idle youth rate.
6. Nevada
Nevada’s Achilles' heel is wasted leisure time. It’s no coincidence that the state known for Las Vegas struggles in this area. Its last-in-the-nation ranking for indirect work factors is only slightly offset by its more moderate direct work factor score, which benefits from strong worker unions in Las Vegas.
5. Connecticut
Connecticut’s shortfalls are centered in the workplace. Unemployment rates are higher than the national average, and those with jobs aren't seen as very engaged. The state also ranks 10th worst for direct work factors, including a low number of average workweek hours.
4. New Mexico
New Mexico makes the list because there is just so little going on. It is sparsely populated, and it has the second-lowest employment rate in the nation. This trend seems to start early, as the state also has the second-highest rate of idle youth in the country.
3. Michigan
Michigan may be one of the laziest states, but residents seem to be living their best lives. Their only real "problems" are spending too much time relaxing and not enough time in the office. While many Americans feel overworked, it seems Michigan is taking a stand for balance.
2. New York
According to a 2025 WalletHub study, New York ranks 2nd laziest. The state scored low on both direct and indirect work factors, including employment rate and average workweek hours. Despite its bustling economy, New York's ranking reflects challenges in work engagement and productivity compared to other states.
1. West Virginia
Sadly, West Virginia tops the list of laziest states. The real kicker is that this trend appears to be passing to the next generation, as the state has some of the idlest youth anywhere in the U.S. West Virginia also has the third-lowest employment rate for its working-age population and performs poorly on indirect factors like volunteer hours.
