Most Stressed States 2024

1. Mississippi

High unemployment and poverty rates, high infant mortality rates, low wages, and weakened state morale are all issues that were only aggravated by the pandemic and make Mississippi one of the most stressed states. As of 2023, Mississippi was the most stressed state when it came to finances and the fourth most stressed in terms of work.

2. Louisiana

It seemed the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina hadn't quite settled before Ike came rolling in, followed by an unprecedented rash of tropical storms that left Louisiana limping and still has this soulful State in a state of repair. That is also a big reason why this is easily one of the most stressed states in the country. Louisiana was the most stressed state in 2022, so it is slightly better for residents today.

3. New Mexico

New Mexico is the number one most stressed state for families and the third most stressed when it comes to money. The state has the third highest percentage of its population living in poverty and the highest divorce rate in the country. It also has the second-highest crime rate per capita. All of these factors contribute to the stress of its citizens

4. West Virginia

The Mountaineers of West Virginia don't lack a thing when it comes to hometown pride, and they have a work ethic bred from the hills that is rarely found anywhere. What the people from the coal mining hills of this Appalachian State do lack, however, is employment opportunities and healthcare.

5. Nevada

Nevada is the second most stressed state when looking at families and family issues. With the second-highest divorce rate in the country, this can cause much disruption and stress for families dealing with divorce. Nevada residents are also in the top twelve states with the most stress concerning work, jobs, and health and safety.

6. Arkansas

Arkansas is the state ranked most stressed when looking at health and safety. It is one of the states with the highest percentage of adults who are in poor to fair health and has the third-highest crime rate per capita. Chronic illness and fear of crime will both raise the stress level of Arkansas citizens.

7. Alabama

The issues facing the state of Alabama can't be narrowed down to a couple of glaring problems or a handful of topics, because the reason Alabama is one of the most stressed states is the result of a multitude of issues. Addiction, poverty, unemployment, homelessness, failing healthcare, and a laundry list of other issues are the cause of many sleepless nights for this southern state.

8. Kentucky

The Bluegrass State suffers from much of the same plight as its Mountaineer neighbor, also making Kentucky one of the most stressed states in the country too. It is hard not to be a little stressed when living paycheck to paycheck, and even more stressful when it is hard to earn a paycheck at all. Kentucky ranks in the top five states with the highest percentage of the population living in poverty.

9. Texas

In Texas, work stress is a driving factor behind being one of the most stressed states. Texas residents work the most average hours per week of any state. While all of these work hours do lead to less stress surrounding issues of money, they do contribute to higher levels of family stress.

10. Oklahoma

Oklahoma is tied for the state with the third-lowest credit scores in the country. Low credit scores can reflect financial problems and make borrowing money for large purchases much more difficult. This can impact the stress levels about money, work, and family.