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Americans hoping to relax on their next trip may want to think twice about where they’re headed.
A comparison of all 50 states across 40 stress indicators — including work, money, family factors and health — found that the most populous states with large metro areas did not top the list, according to a new WalletHub study. Instead, the South and South-West regions are ranked among the most stressed countries.
Louisiana ranks as the most depressed state in the country in 2026, followed by Kentucky, New Mexico, West Virginia and Arkansas, WalletHub found. Rounding out 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 number 18 and Illinois at number 30.
Experts say stress levels are often correlated with economic conditions, access to health care and social factors. (Stock)
Experts say the findings indicate 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 D. Chaney, a professor at Louisiana State University who studies family stress, said in a WalletHub news release.
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“These realities remind us that stress is not just an individual problem,” he added. “Broader social and economic environments play a powerful role in shaping everyday pressures.”
Louisiana ranks as the most depressed state in the US, according to a new study by WalletHub. (AP Photo/Stephen Smith)
In Louisiana, factors such as high poverty rates, limited access to health care and mental health services, and job insecurity contribute to high stress levels, Chaney noted.
About 16% of citizens skip health care because of the cost, and the state ranks worst with mental health problems and depression while also having fewer psychiatrists per capita, according to the report. It also recorded the eighth-highest unemployment rate last year and the lowest job security of any state.
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Kentucky, on the other hand, is facing serious financial difficulties, with the highest bankruptcy rate and the lowest average debt in the country.
Countries with stronger economies and access to better health care tend to be ranked as less stressed. (Stock)
“New Mexico … faces high rates of crime, financial hardship and family instability,” Chaney added. “Nevada is experiencing high rates of unemployment and bankruptcy, which is contributing to financial stress for residents.”
For travelers to popular destinations like Nevada (No. 6) and California (No. 12), the data suggests that daily life may differ from what tourists see.
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Meanwhile, some of the less crowded regions can offer clues for those looking for a relaxing getaway.
South Dakota was named the least stressed state in the country, followed by Utah and Minnesota. (Stock)
South Dakota ranked as the least stressed state, followed by Utah, Minnesota, New Hampshire and Vermont, according to the report. These states tend to perform better in areas such as economic stability, access to health care and work-life balance.
They also report higher levels of adequate sleep, an often overlooked factor associated with lower stress levels, according to the report.
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The 10 least concentrated states are Hawaii, Virginia, Wisconsin, Kansas and North Carolina.
Experts note that stress is influenced by many factors and can vary from person to person.
The study analyzed all 50 states using 40 metrics, including work, financial, family and health-related stress. (Stock)
“While we can’t completely eliminate stress, we can be very intentional about how we manage it,” Chaney said.
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Chip Lupo, an analyst at WalletHub, added in a statement, “There are many small ways to manage stress, from staying active and pursuing hobbies to taking time off from work and seeking help from a mental health professional.”
The analysis compared all 50 states in four key categories – work, money, family and health and safety – using 40 weighted metrics and data from sources including the US Census Bureau, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
