How stressed we are depends on many factors, from work and family responsibilities to personal finances. However, less is said about how someone’s environment plays a vital role in the amount of stress faced. In an analysis of last year’s data for the Fortune 50 Best Places to Live for Families, financial stress levels and community well-being are all factors heavily factored into the ranking of optimal places to care for children and of elderly parents.
Similarly, WalletHub looked at 40 stress indicators across all 50 states — from work and family to money- and health-related factors — to see where people face the most or least stress. Louisiana tops the charts as the most stressed state, followed by Mississippi and Nevada. In the analysis, researchers point to Louisiana’s high crime and property crime rates, the third-highest divorce and separation rate in the country, and high poverty rates. Mississippi scores low in job security, increasing people’s financial and work stressors. Nevada scores low on mental and physical stress, likely because more than one in 10 residents have not seen a doctor in a year due to finances.
“There are many small ways people can manage stress, from staying active and engaging in hobbies, to taking time off from work and getting help from a mental health professional,” says Cassandra Happe, an analyst at WalletHub, in a statement of results. “What many people don’t realize, however, is that changing locations can also significantly reduce stress. For example, states that have lower crime rates, better healthcare, and better economies tend to have much less stressed residents.”
Minnesota, South Dakota and Utah top the list of least stressed states. Minnesota ranked first for least money-related stress; South Dakota ranked first for lowest family-related stress, while Utah ranked first for lowest work-related stress.
While bouts of stress are healthy, chronic stress can lead to poor health outcomes, including an increased risk of chronic conditions and early mortality. Daily habits, such as interacting with a community, getting outside, and exercising, can help mitigate stress. But of course, systemic issues like safety and security within the broader place we live make a difference.
WalletHub used national data, including the ShareCare Community Well-Being Index, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. Census Bureau and the Bureau of Labor Statistics to compile its rankings.
The 10 most stressed states
- Louisiana
- Mississippi
- Nevada
- New Mexico
- Arkansas
- West Virginia
- Alabama
- Kentucky
- Oklahoma
- Texas
The 10 least stressed states
- Minnesota
- South Dakota
- Utah
- New Hampshire
- Iowa
- Idaho
- North Dakota
- Delaware
- Nebraska
- Hawaii
For more information on stress management: