Need a Deep Breath? Here Are the Most Stressed States in America

You know (and hate) the feeling of being stressed: When you have a million things to do or you spot a parking ticket on your car, your body begins to tense up. Your chest feels tight, and your head aches. Your breathing quickens, and your pulse does, too. This sensation is so absolutely unpleasant that when you feel it, you have to wonder if your own stress is maybe the worst that’s ever existed. 

And while we don’t have data that reflects the stress level of every human who’s ever been alive, we do happen to know which U.S. states are the most stressed out.

How does one calculate the stress level of the people in a geographic area? Data scientists at Leafwell analyzed info from the Census Bureau, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the CDC, Google, HUD, and the Federal Reserve to determine which states have the highest rates of agita. Leafwell focused on factors like “unemployment rates, commute times, and household incomes, changes to housing prices, and the number of uninsured citizens.” 

And according to this data, it turns out that Nevada has…won the contest (yippee?). That fact may be surprising, considering that, to many of us, the Silver State is the place to try our luck, indulge ourselves, and hit it big. But with the highest unemployment rate in the country and the second-highest house value loss, it makes sense that Nevadans are feeling the mental burn. 

In contrast, the comparatively sleepy state of Vermont is currently enjoying the lowest rate of stress in America, which may make you quietly contemplate a retirement in the Green Mountain State (along with plenty of trips to the Ben and Jerry’s factory in Waterbury). 

No matter where you live, though, stress often feels like the end of the world. After all, the effects of stress include a weakened immune system, sleep issues, or even depression. So managing your stress is key, regardless of your home address.

In the meantime, here’s the full list of which states are biting their nails most often, and which are enjoying a blissfully low blood pressure rate.