The 11 Unhappiest States in the USA

What does happiness imply at a societal level, and how can officials design urban spaces to help their citizens live happier lives? Defining and then measuring happiness has been a subject of research among experts for years. The Corporate Finance Institute identifies several key factors in happiness economics, including economic security, work quality, consumption quality, leisure time, relationships, environmental conditions, and personal freedom and control. Sometimes, unexpected results raise more significant questions about public policy and quality of life.

Based on analysis from WalletHub and other sources, here are the 11 unhappiest states (from the least to the most unhappy). These rankings are based on emotional and physical well-being, the quality of the work environment, and the community. 

Indiana

Key factors:

• Depression rates are slightly above the national average (32.9% of adults).
• A work environment ranking in the bottom half for employment rates and economic stability.
• Limited access to recreational opportunities and natural spaces impacts community satisfaction.

Indiana’s struggles with mental health and economic security highlight gaps in addressing social support and economic equality.

Oklahoma

Key factors:

• It has among the highest rates of adult depression at 26.9%.
• Below-average life expectancy of 74.1 years.
• Higher-than-average weekly work hours contribute to stress and lower work-life balance.

Despite its strong sense of community, health, and work environment, challenges place Oklahoma here.

Alaska

Key factors:

• Most extended average work hours (41.6 per week).
• Low-income growth and economic opportunities.
• High prevalence of seasonal affective disorder due to long winters and limited daylight.

Alaska’s geographical and climate-driven challenges compound its economic issues, contributing to unhappiness.

Mississippi

Key factors:

• It has the lowest life expectancy in the U.S. at 71.9 years.
• High unemployment rate of 54.3%.
• Residents report long work hours (average of 39.5 hours per week), particularly for men (41.7 hours weekly).

Mississippi also has the country’s lowest sports participation rate, suggesting fewer physical health and recreation opportunities.

Alabama

Key factors:

• High depression rates affect 24% of adults.
• Low ranking in social determinants of health, like healthcare access and housing quality.
• The employment environment is tracking close to national averages but is hampered by low volunteerism.

Alabama faces systemic public health issues while communities struggle to engage and thrive.

Kentucky 

Key factors:

• Nearly 23% of adults are diagnosed with depression.
• Life expectancy at birth is 73.5 years, one of the lowest in the nation.
• The employment rate is 57.4%, which is below the national average.

While Kentucky excels slightly in community support, these numbers pull the state into the bottom rankings for happiness.

Michigan 

Key factors:

• Above-average unemployment rate in urban hubs like Detroit.
• Widespread seasonal depression due to harsh winters.
• Aging infrastructure impacts community satisfaction and safety.
• Continued regional economic challenges despite auto industry improvements

Michigan’s unhappiness ranking is tied to economic struggles and harsh environmental factors.

New Mexico

Key factors:

• Low workforce engagement with a 57.2% employment rate.
• High divorce rates; nearly 15% of women are divorced in the state.
• Among the highest suicide rates in the United States (24.7 per 100,000 residents).

Economic insecurity and mental health concerns place New Mexico near the bottom of the list.

Tennessee

Key factors:

• Has the highest rate of adult depression in the U.S. at 29.2%.
• Life expectancy is 73.8 years.
• Very low emotional and physical well-being scores.
• Tennessee’s results are mixed. Urban growth in cities like Nashville improves job prospects in some areas, while rural areas remain underserved.

Tennessee’s expanding economy hasn’t fully translated into mental and physical well-being improvements.

Arkansas

Key factors:

• Ranked the unhappiest for emotional and physical well-being.
• Poor sleep quality and one of the lowest sports participation rates in America.
• The employment rate is below 58%, with men working an average of 40.5 hours/week.

Limited recreational opportunities and public health issues are significant contributors to its unhappiness.

West Virginia

Key factors:

• Worst-ranked state for work environment, with a 51.7% employment rate, according to the 2023 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates.
• The highest rate of adult depression at 29% (2021), according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
• It has a life expectancy of 72.8 years, 4.2 years lower than the national average.

Despite poor metrics in mental health and the workforce, West Virginia performed better in community engagement, showing regional resilience.

The Unhappiest States lists consistently name West Virginia at the bottom, partly due to its ongoing poverty, unemployment, and substance abuse problems. These problems also lead to low state life expectancy and high levels of chronic diseases like diabetes and obesity. While attempts have been made to address these problems, they remain essential contributors to the overall discontent of West Virginia residents. To improve the well-being and happiness of this state’s population, targeted interventions and continued support will be required.  However, with a strong sense of community resilience and growth potential, West Virginia may be in the midst of change.  

When we tackle systemic problems of access to resources, we will start to see improvements in the ranks and the citizenry’s overall health and economic stability. This reminds us that there is a way to better the unhappiest states. Let’s continue to work towards making happier, healthier communities in every state in the nation.  

Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.

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