Most stressed US states in 2026: Over 730,000 residents in one southern state likely skipped doctor visits last year

A new nationwide analysis suggests stress levels across the United States are being shaped not just by personal circumstances but by where people live, with several Southern and Southwestern states emerging as the most affected. The findings come amid broader concerns about economic uncertainty, social division, and loneliness reported by many Americans.

According to a 2025 American Psychological Association report, major stressors include the future of the country, the economy, and work. About 62% of US adults cited societal division as a significant source of stress. Beyond that, emotional isolation appears widespread: 54% reported feeling isolated, 50% said they felt left out, and half reported lacking companionship at least some of the time.

And the new study pinpointed places where these stressed people live. In the study WalletHub compared all 50 states using 40 indicators, including work, money, family, and health factors. Contrary to expectations, densely populated states with major metro areas did not dominate the list. Instead, several states across the South and Southwest ranked among the most stressed.

Most stressed states in the US

The study identified the following as the 10 most stressed states in US:

1. Louisiana
2. Kentucky
3. New Mexico
4. West Virginia
5. Arkansas
6. Nevada
7. Oklahoma
8. Oregon
9. Mississippi
10. Alabama

Top 3 most stressed US states and why they ranked so low

Louisiana
Louisiana ranked first, driven by the nation’s highest poverty rate and limited healthcare access. “Around 16% of residents haven’t seen a doctor in the past year due to the cost," as per the study. With the state’s estimated 2025 population at about 4,618,189, according to US Census projections and similar estimates by World Population Review, this suggests that more than 738,000 people in the US's 25th most populated state may have skipped medical care because of high costs.

The state also reported high levels of poor mental health and depression, alongside fewer psychologists per capita and low job security.

Kentucky
Kentucky placed second, largely due to financial and health pressures. The state has one of the highest unemployment and bankruptcy rates, along with low median credit scores. Residents also face high rates of separation and divorce, while 23% report “fair” or “poor” health.

New Mexico
New Mexico ranked third, with high violent and property crime rates contributing to safety concerns. The state also has high separation and divorce rates, a large share of single-parent households, and one of the country’s highest poverty levels.

Least stressed states

At the other end of the spectrum, the study identified states with lower overall stress levels:

• Nebraska
• Minnesota
• New Hampshire
• South Dakota
• Iowa

These states performed better on economic stability, healthcare access, crime rates, and work–life balance. Residents also reported better sleep patterns, a factor closely linked to stress and overall well-being.

Environment plays a key role

WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo said, “What many people don’t realize, though, is that changing location can also be a big stress reducer. For example, states that have lower crime rates, better health care, and better economies tend to have much less stressed residents.” Which is true, although ‘just move’ has a certain tone when many of the people living in high-stress states are already getting crushed by the cost of existing.

The findings highlight that stress is shaped by broader conditions beyond individual choices. Workplaces, financial stability, healthcare access, and community environments all influence exposure to stressors, the study concludes.