A new study reveals the most and least stressful US states

A comparison of all 50 states using 40 indicators of stress — including work, money, family, and health factors — found that densely populated states with major metro areas did not top the list, according to a new study by WalletHub.

Instead, it ranked states across the South and Southwest among the states Most stressful in general.

WalletHub found that Louisiana ranks as the nation’s most stressful state for 2026, followed by Kentucky, New Mexico, West Virginia and Arkansas. The top 10 were Nevada, Oklahoma, Oregon, Mississippi and Alabama.

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The results may come as a surprise to travelers who might expect New York or Illinois to top the list. Instead, both states ranked lower, with New York at 18th and Illinois at 30th.

Experts say stress levels are often linked to economic circumstances, access to health care, and societal factors. (Istock)

Experts say the findings suggest that stress is not just linked to fast-paced city life, but is often linked to broader economic and health challenges.

“Where we live can shape how much stress we experience,” Cassandra DeChaney, an LSU professor who studies family stress, told WalletHub. press release.

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She added: “These facts remind us that stress is not just an individual problem.” “The broader social and economic environments play a powerful role in shaping daily stressors.”

Louisiana has been ranked as the most stressful state in the United States, according to a new study by WalletHub. (AP Photo/Stephen Smith)

Chaney noted that factors such as Louisiana’s high poverty rates, limited access to health care and mental health services, and job insecurity contribute to high levels of stress.

About 16% of residents have skipped Medicare because of the cost, and the state ranks among the worst for costs Poor mental health and depression While there are also relatively few psychiatrists per capita, according to the report. It also had the eighth-highest unemployment rate last year and the lowest level of job security of any state.

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Kentucky, meanwhile He faces great financial pressure With one of the highest bankruptcy rates and among the lowest average credit scores in the country.

Countries with stronger economies and better access to health care tend to be rated as less stressed. (Istock)

“New Mexico…faces high crime rates, financial hardship, and significant family instability,” Chaney added. “Nevada is experiencing high rates of unemployment and bankruptcy, which contributes to financial stress among residents.”

For travelers to popular destinations such as Nevada (No. 6) and California (No. 12), The data suggests that everyday life may differ from the experience visitors experience.

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Meanwhile, some less stressful states may offer clues for those looking for a more relaxed getaway.

South Dakota was ranked as the least stressful state in the country, followed by Utah and Minnesota. (Istock)

South Dakota was ranked as the least stressful state, followed by Utah, Minnesota, New Hampshire and Vermont, according to the report. These countries tend to perform better in areas such as economic stability, access to health care, and work-life balance.

They also reported higher rates of adequate sleep, an often overlooked factor associated with lower stress levels, according to the report.

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The ten least tense states were Hawaii, Virginia, Wisconsin, Kansas, and North Carolina.

Experts point out that stress is affected by multiple factors and can vary from one individual to another.

The study analyzed all 50 states using 40 measures, including work-related stress, financial stress, family stress, and health-related stress. (Istock)

“Although we cannot completely eliminate stress, we can become more intentional about how we manage it,” Chaney said.

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Chip Lobo, an analyst at WalletHub, added in a statement: “There are a lot of… Simple ways to control stress, From staying active and pursuing hobbies to taking time off work and seeking help from a mental health professional.”

The analysis compared all 50 states across four major categories — work, money, family, and health and safety — using 40 metrics and weighted data from sources including the U.S. Census Bureau, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.