The most relaxed states in the USA

High inflation, tense real estate market: life in America can be pretty stressful these days. Nevertheless, the most relaxed states in the USA remain unimpressed and continue to pursue their lifestyle regardless. We reveal where you can live stress-free in America in 2023.

Four key areas for a worry-free life

How can life in the USA be made as stress-free as possible? According to the financial platform WalletHub, it has a lot to do with where you choose to live. At the beginning of 2023, the website published rankings of the most relaxed and most stressed US states.

For its annual study of the most relaxed or stressed states, WalletHub analyzes data from various authorities, including statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The 50 US states are then compared with each other on the basis of 41 criteria. These include, for example, unemployment rate, poverty rate, growth of income, cost of living, crime rate, divorce rate, medical care, and mental health. However, statistics such as the average sleep time per night or average working hours per week are also included in the ranking.

Broadly speaking, the various criteria can be divided into four key areas that are decisive for a stress-free life in the USA:

• Money-related stress
• Work-related stress
• Family-related stress
• Health and safety-related stress

Stress-free living: the top 10 states

The result of the annual WalletHub study is a bit of a surprise. Popular states such as Hawaii and Florida, which are regarded as expat paradises, did not make it into the current top 10 list. However, this year's front-runners also have many benefits to offer.

Here they are! Curtain up for the 10 most relaxed states in the USA:

1. Minnesota
2. Utah
3. New Hampshire
4. South Dakota
5. Massachusetts
6. Iowa
7. New Jersey
8. Connecticut
9. North Dakota
10. Virginia

Minnesota – the front-runner

WalletHub's data shows that Minnesota, the "Land of 10,000 Lakes," is the greatest oasis of calm and bliss in the United States! Residents of the least stressed state say they have the fewest worries, especially in the areas of money and family.

Another secret to the happiness of relaxed Minnesotans is getting enough sleep. Residents of the North Star State benefit from the second-highest average sleep duration per night in the United States.

Utah in 2nd place

Utah, home to the most spectacular national parks in the USA, takes the second place in the WalletHub ranking. The study does not emphasize that Utah's unique landscapes have an impact on the stress levels of its residents, but the Beehive State scores with the fewest average working hours per week and the lowest divorce rate in the USA.

It also has the lowest percentage of people living in poverty. Neighborly help is also more important in Utah than anywhere else in the USA.

New Hampshire ranks 3rd

The small New England state of New Hampshire is best known for its colorful fall foliage and idyllic lakes. It earns the third position in the ranking of the most relaxed states in the USA, mainly in the areas of health, safety, education, and finance.

When it comes to money, the residents of the Granite State do indeed have some privileges, as there is no sales tax or income tax on salaries. According to the US Census Bureau, New Hampshire is one of the wealthiest states and impresses with good educational standards and a high average credit score.

Nashua in Hillsborough County is considered the safest city in America. In addition to a low crime rate, New Hampshire also has the lowest percentage of adults in poor health, as well as a low percentage of residents living in poverty.

The most stressed US states

And what about the other end of the spectrum? Where do people feel the most stress? The data from WalletHub puts these three US states at the bottom of the list:

1. Mississippi
2. Louisiana
3. New Mexico

Mississippi is at the bottom

The Southern state of Mississippi is home to the most stressed people in the USA. Money is a major concern in Mississippi, one of the poorer regions of the United States. Although the Magnolia State has the lowest cost of living, its residents have the lowest credit score in the USA, with an average of 680.

There are also major deficits in the areas of education, health, children's well-being, and communal life. It is therefore hardly surprising that Mississippi has one of the highest out-migration rates in the USA.

Louisiana is second to last

Louisiana, last year's worst performer, ranks second to last in 2023, ahead of its neighbor Mississippi. The population of the Pelican State complains above all about a lack of security, as it has the highest crime rate per capita in the United States.

Things are not much better when it comes to finances: according to a recent report by the US Department of Commerce, around 34 % of Louisiana's population is affected by persistent poverty. Economic growth here is also comparatively slow.

New Mexico with problems

The stress level in New Mexico is only just ahead of that in Mississippi and Louisiana. The state is also one of the poorer regions and has one of the lowest per capita incomes in the USA.

In addition to the issue of money, family stress and a lack of security are also major concerns for the inhabitants of New Mexico. The Land of Enchantment has, for example, the highest divorce rate and the second-highest crime rate in the USA.

Best chances for immigrants to the USA

Texas may be in the middle of the most relaxed states in the USA ranking, but the up-and-coming Lone Star State offers many opportunities for expats.

A booming job market, a future-oriented economy, and, of course, a sunny climate, good food, as well as exciting rodeo events. There are many reasons why immigrating to Texas is a good idea for Green Card holders!