Economic struggles, the availability of essential services, and high rates of severe health issues all impact the well-being and happiness of residents across America. These 17 states are struggling to manage these factors and rank as the unhappiest states across the U.S.
Arkansas
Arkansas has low average household incomes, and as a result, census data found that 16.8% of residents face poverty. This problem is made worse by low education rates, which limit residents’ job opportunities, and there is also a high prevalence of health issues, such as obesity and diabetes.
Alaska
The vast, remote landscape that Alaska is home to can make residents feel isolated, and the limited daylight is partially blamed for the high rates of depression the state has. It also faces economic challenges such as high living costs and limited job opportunities.
Mississippi
With a high poverty rate, there is a lot of unhappiness among Mississippi’s residents. Overall, the state faces some alarming health metrics, particularly with rates of obesity, heart disease, and diabetes, which are impacting quality of life.
West Virginia
According to U.S. News, 29% of adults in West Virginia reported being depressed, the highest number in the U.S. This is most likely exacerbated by the state’s challenges with high rates of obesity, smoking, and opioid addiction, as well as high unemployment and poverty rates.
Kentucky
Kentucky faces a high rate of depression and substance abuse, partially attributed to the low average incomes and the lack of job opportunities. On top of this, the state faces severe health issues, such as high rates of obesity and smoking.
Oklahoma
Struggling with high rates of mental health issues, including depression and substance abuse, the well-being of Oklahoma’s residents is affecting their overall happiness. There is also significant instability in the job market, and income levels are generally low.
Tennessee
Tennessee struggles with economic issues such as a low average household income and high poverty rates. On top of this, crime rates in the state are high; according to Gitnux, “As of 2021, Tennessee has the highest violent crime rate in the United States at 608.4 incidents per 100,000 people.”
Missouri
Another U.S. state facing economic difficulties, Missouri was ranked 42 among the nation’s happiest states in 2023, according to Fox News. With high rates of depression, there is very limited access to mental health services, meaning residents often can’t get the help they need.
Ohio
Ohio faces high crime rates, creating a sense of worry and anxiety for residents. As well as this, the state has high levels of pollution that affect the environment, and the decline of industrial operations has meant unemployment rates have risen.
Michigan
The economic downturn within the automotive industry has led to job losses and financial stress for many of Michigan’s residents. The state also battles with high rates of obesity and cardiovascular disease, which impact the population’s overall health and happiness.
Louisiana
Vulnerable to natural disasters such as hurricanes, 8.3% of Louisiana residents were forced out of their homes in 2022 due to storms that devastated homes, according to Axios. This is in comparison to a national rate of 1.6% and means that many residents’ lives are disrupted on a regular basis.
Indiana
Lower average income levels and a lack of job opportunities mean many residents face financial struggles. Access to services such as education and mental health resources is also limited, impacting the overall well-being of the population.
Georgia
Despite benefiting from economic growth, the residents of Georgia face significant disparities in wealth and access to healthcare, leading to feelings of unhappiness. Opportunities for education and employment are also unevenly distributed, further widening the gap.
New Mexico
Struggling with high rates of poverty and unemployment, New Mexico also faces challenges with its education system, including limited access for residents and low graduation rates. It also has high rates of substance abuse and mental health issues.
Alabama
Alabama faces economic struggles such as high poverty and unemployment rates, leaving a lot of residents unhappy. On top of this, it has high rates of health issues, and the Alabama Department of Public Health says, “Alabama’s rate of adult obesity is 38.3 percent, which places the state in the sixth highest position in the nation.”
Nevada
High crime rates and limited access to healthcare outside of the major cities are creating a sense of unhappiness among Nevada’s residents. The state heavily relies on the tourism and gambling industries, and this volatility is impacting the stability of residents’ incomes.
South Carolina
South Carolina faces economic challenges, including high poverty rates and unemployment, and disparities in the availability of education for residents are exacerbating this issue. There are also high levels of obesity and limited access to healthcare, leaving residents feeling unhappy and anxious about their futures.
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