This Is the Most Miserable State in the U.S.
Some states are like sunshine and rainbows—others are much more bleak.
![Depressed woman leaning against window](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/06/Depressed-woman.jpg?quality=82&strip=1&resize=640%2C360)
This year has been a serious struggle for everyone. Between the coronavirus pandemic, the millions of unemployed workers, the racial injustices that sparked protests across the U.S. (and around the world), the wildfires, and a contentious election, this year has wrought a slew of challenges nobody could have ever expected. And that's not even including the headlines that are almost too hilariously scary to be true (hello, murder hornets). But while it may seem like the whole country is unbearable right now, there are some areas that are much more unpleasant than others. This is why we've crunched the numbers to discover which state is actually the most miserable place to be.
We analyzed five key metrics, starting with the most recent unemployment rate in each state, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Then, we calculated the U.S. Census Bureau's reported average poverty rate as well as each state's level of depression, according to QuoteWizard, a LendingTree company. We also factored in the seven-day average rate of positive COVID-19 test results in each state, according to Johns Hopkins' Coronavirus Resource Center, as that is particularly relevant to how well a state is doing right now. And finally, to balance it out, we considered WalletHub's happiness rank, which takes community, work environment, and other important determinants into account. When put through our exclusive algorithm, these data points resulted in a Misery Index score for each state. The higher the index, the more miserable the state tends to be.
With all that in consideration, one state stood out among the rest for being the most miserable. It has the second-highest depression rate in the U.S. and it has one of the highest unemployment rates also. Plus, above all, it has the lowest happiness rank in the country. To find out where your state falls, read on as we rank every state from least miserable to most miserable. And for more areas you may want to avoid, This Is the Dirtiest State in the U.S.
50
Hawaii
![hawaii coastline](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/06/Hawaii-Coastline.jpg)
Unemployment rate: 12.5 percent
Poverty rate: 9.4 percent
COVID test positivity rate: 2.8 percent
Depression rate: 11.76 percent
Happiness rank: 69.58
Misery Index: 3.34
And for more places you might not get the warmest welcome, This Is the Unfriendliest State in the U.S.
49
New Jersey
![ATLANTIC CITY, USA - SEPTEMBER 20, 2017: Atlantic city waterline aerial view. AC is a tourist city in New Jersey famous for its casinos, boardwalks, and beaches](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/06/new-jersey-street.jpg)
Unemployment rate: 10.9 percent
Poverty rate: 8.2 percent
COVID test positivity rate: 2.6 percent
Depression rate: 12.98 percent
Happiness rank: 64.1
Misery Index: 5.26
48
Minnesota
![river in minnesota](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/01/sunrise-on-autumn-river-northern-minnesota.jpg)
Unemployment rate: 7.4 percent
Poverty rate: 7.4 percent
COVID test positivity rate: 4.7 percent
Depression rate: 18.18 percent
Happiness rank: 65.87
Misery Index: 9.49
And if you're worried about finances right now, avoid The State Where Your Money Is Worth the Least.
47
Maryland
![Maryland](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/06/md.jpg)
Unemployment rate: 6.9 percent
Poverty rate: 7.5 percent
COVID test positivity rate: 5.8 percent
Depression rate: 16.12 percent
Happiness rank: 61.78
Misery Index: 10.86
46
Connecticut
![Hartford is the capital of the U.S. state of Connecticut. Hartford is known for its attractive architectural styles and being the Insurance capital of the United States](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/06/connecticut-hartford.jpg)
Unemployment rate: 8.1 percent
Poverty rate: 9.7 percent
COVID test positivity rate: 1.4 percent
Depression rate: 16.98 percent
Happiness rank: 59.23
Misery Index: 13.13
And if you're curious where life is a little less exciting, This Is the Most Boring State in the U.S.
45
New Hampshire
![Autumn landscape in Connecticut River Valley](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/02/sugar-hill-new-hampshire.jpg)
Unemployment rate: 6.5 percent
Poverty rate: 5.6 percent
COVID test positivity rate: 1.5 percent
Depression rate: 21.54 percent
Happiness rank: 53.36
Misery Index: 16.92
44
California
![La Jolla, California](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/09/la-jolla-california.jpg)
Unemployment rate: 11.4 percent
Poverty rate: 11.4 percent
COVID test positivity rate: 2.7 percent
Depression rate: 14.48 percent
Happiness rank: 61.14
Misery Index: 18.82
43
Vermont
![cityscape of windsor vermont](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/01/windsor-vermont.jpg)
Unemployment rate: 4.8 percent
Poverty rate: 9 percent
COVID test positivity rate: 1.5 percent
Depression rate: 22.64 percent
Happiness rank: 55.59
Misery Index: 20.29
42
Virginia
![richmond virginia skyline](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/07/shutterstock_661239940.jpg)
Unemployment rate: 6.1 percent
Poverty rate: 9.7 percent
COVID test positivity rate: 5.7 percent
Depression rate: 16.92 percent
Happiness rank: 56.27
Misery Index: 20.57
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41
North Dakota
![The Badlands of Theodore Roosevelt National Park](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/02/medora-north-dakota.jpg)
Unemployment rate: 5 percent
Poverty rate: 10.1 percent
COVID test positivity rate: 7.6 percent
Depression rate: 18.14 percent
Happiness rank: 60.02
Misery Index: 21.66
40
Colorado
![aspen colorado mountains and town, most common street names](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2019/04/aspen-colorado.jpg)
Unemployment rate: 6.7 percent
Poverty rate: 9.1 percent
COVID test positivity rate: 3.9 percent
Depression rate: 17.58 percent
Happiness rank: 52.57
Misery Index: 21.99
39
Massachusetts
![Sailboats on the Charles River with Boston's Back Bay skyline in the background.](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/03/boston-massachusetts.jpg)
Unemployment rate: 11.3 percent
Poverty rate: 9.2 percent
COVID test positivity rate: 1 percent
Depression rate: 19.56 percent
Happiness rank: 57.3
Misery Index: 24.82
38
Utah
![park city utah](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/09/shutterstock_1537714538.jpg)
Unemployment rate: 4.1 percent
Poverty rate: 7.6 percent
COVID test positivity rate: 14 percent
Depression rate: 21.98 percent
Happiness rank: 69.42
Misery Index: 25.94
37
New York
![empire state building standing tall amongst skyscrapers in New York City](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/01/new-york-city-skyline-empire-state-building.jpg)
Unemployment rate: 12.5 percent
Poverty rate: 12.1 percent
COVID test positivity rate: 1.2 percent
Depression rate: 14.88 percent
Happiness rank: 54.86
Misery Index: 26.50
36
Delaware
![the circle in georgetown delaware](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/01/georgetown-delaware.jpg)
Unemployment rate: 8.9 percent
Poverty rate: 7.6 percent
COVID test positivity rate: 5.7 percent
Depression rate: 17.9 percent
Happiness rank: 52.25
Misery Index: 27.95
35
Washington
![person sitting on a dock at lake crescent washington](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/08/lake-crescent-washington.jpg)
Unemployment rate: 8.5 percent
Poverty rate: 8.8 percent
COVID test positivity rate: 2.8 percent
Depression rate: 22.22 percent
Happiness rank: 55.6
Misery Index: 29.04
34
Nebraska
![sandhills nebraska](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/06/sandhills-nebraska.jpg)
Unemployment rate: 4 percent
Poverty rate: 10.3 percent
COVID test positivity rate: 12.1 percent
Depression rate: 17.96 percent
Happiness rank: 59.06
Misery Index: 29.66
33
Arizona
![Antelope Canyon lights and rocks arizona](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/02/shutterstock_1036971457a.jpg)
Unemployment rate: 5.7 percent
Poverty rate: 12.1 percent
COVID test positivity rate: 6.7 percent
Depression rate: 17.88 percent
Happiness rank: 53.47
Misery Index: 31.29
32
Georgia
![riverfront skyline view of Savannah, Georgia](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/01/savannah-georgia-riverview.jpg)
Unemployment rate: 5.6 percent
Poverty rate: 13.3 percent
COVID test positivity rate: 6.2 percent
Depression rate: 17.32 percent
Happiness rank: 52.73
Misery Index: 32.11
31
Texas
![san antonio's beautiful nightlife at the river walk](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/02/san-antonio-texas-romantic.jpg)
Unemployment rate: 6.8 percent
Poverty rate: 12.7 percent
COVID test positivity rate: 7.6 percent
Depression rate: 15.28 percent
Happiness rank: 51.04
Misery Index: 33.72
30
Illinois
![chicago illinois](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/06/illinois.jpg)
Unemployment rate: 11 percent
Poverty rate: 10.4 percent
COVID test positivity rate: 4.1 percent
Depression rate: 16.8 percent
Happiness rank: 50.14
Misery Index: 34.46
29
Maine
![Luxury Waterfront House with grey shingle exterior, Kennebunkport, Maine, New England, USA. Rocky shore, ocean waters, sailboat, green and yellow bushes, trees, and blue sky with clouds are in the image.](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/08/kennebunkport-maine.jpg)
Unemployment rate: 6.9 percent
Poverty rate: 11.5 percent
COVID test positivity rate: 0.5 percent
Depression rate: 23.52 percent
Happiness rank: 50.12
Misery Index: 34.72
28
Iowa
![iowa university with fall foliage](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/08/iowa_university.jpg)
Unemployment rate: 6 percent
Poverty rate: 8.6 percent
COVID test positivity rate: 17.7 percent
Depression rate: 17.88 percent
Happiness rank: 59.65
Misery Index: 40.71
27
Alaska
![Advancing towards Margerie Glacier in Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/03/glacier-bay-national-park-alaska.jpg)
Unemployment rate: 7.4 percent
Poverty rate: 11.8 percent
COVID test positivity rate: 4.8 percent
Depression rate: 16.9 percent
Happiness rank: 40.85
Misery Index: 40.95
26
Rhode Island
![downtown providence rhode island](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/06/shutterstock_1101553778.jpg)
Unemployment rate: 12.8 percent
Poverty rate: 9.8 percent
COVID test positivity rate: 1.8 percent
Depression rate: 21.62 percent
Happiness rank: 50.96
Misery Index: 41.08
25
North Carolina
![strange christmas traditions](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/12/chimney-rock-north-carolina.jpg)
Unemployment rate: 6.5 percent
Poverty rate: 13.6 percent
COVID test positivity rate: 6 percent
Depression rate: 19.16 percent
Happiness rank: 49.19
Misery Index: 41.33
24
Ohio
![waterfall in hocking hills state park](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/06/hocking-hills-ohio-1.jpg)
Unemployment rate: 8.9 percent
Poverty rate: 12.4 percent
COVID test positivity rate: 3.5 percent
Depression rate: 20.1 percent
Happiness rank: 48.37
Misery Index: 41.43
23
South Carolina
![lake jocassee at sunset](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/08/lake-jocassee-south-carolina.jpg)
Unemployment rate: 6.3 percent
Poverty rate: 14.4 percent
COVID test positivity rate: 4.4 percent
Depression rate: 20.06 percent
Happiness rank: 48.78
Misery Index: 41.54
22
Michigan
![detroit skyline](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/06/michigan-state.jpg)
Unemployment rate: 8.7 percent
Poverty rate: 10.7 percent
COVID test positivity rate: 3.3 percent
Depression rate: 21.74 percent
Happiness rank: 47.27
Misery Index: 41.61
21
Florida
![aerial view of stuart, florida](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/09/stuart-florida-beach.jpg)
Unemployment rate: 7.4 percent
Poverty rate: 12.9 percent
COVID test positivity rate: 10.1 percent
Depression rate: 15.92 percent
Happiness rank: 50.58
Misery Index: 42.06
20
Pennsylvania
![a road in jim thorpe pennsylvania](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/01/jim-thorpe-pennsylvania.jpg)
Unemployment rate: 10.3 percent
Poverty rate: 10.5 percent
COVID test positivity rate: 7.9 percent
Depression rate: 19.62 percent
Happiness rank: 50.16
Misery Index: 46.48
19
Montana
![missoula montana from above](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/06/shutterstock_282466538.jpg)
Unemployment rate: 5.6 percent
Poverty rate: 10.1 percent
COVID test positivity rate: 11.1 percent
Depression rate: 20.58 percent
Happiness rank: 47.25
Misery Index: 47.51
18
South Dakota
![overview of the badlands national park](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/02/badlands-national-park-south-dakota.jpg)
Unemployment rate: 4.8 percent
Poverty rate: 10.6 percent
COVID test positivity rate: 21.5 percent
Depression rate: 16.42 percent
Happiness rank: 58.53
Misery Index: 48.11
17
Missouri
![kansas city missouri](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/09/shutterstock_1172007505.jpg)
Unemployment rate: 7 percent
Poverty rate: 11 percent
COVID test positivity rate: 7.4 percent
Depression rate: 21.96 percent
Happiness rank: 45.79
Misery Index: 48.93
16
Wisconsin
![overview of baraboo wilderness Wisconsin](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/02/baraboo-wisconsin.jpg)
Unemployment rate: 6.2 percent
Poverty rate: 8.7 percent
COVID test positivity rate: 19.3 percent
Depression rate: 17.92 percent
Happiness rank: 54.32
Misery Index: 49.92
15
Wyoming
![moulton barn at the grand teton national park in wyoming](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/08/shutterstock_718546417.jpg)
Unemployment rate: 6.6 percent
Poverty rate: 10.5 percent
COVID test positivity rate: 15.1 percent
Depression rate: 18.92 percent
Happiness rank: 49.26
Misery Index: 52.98
14
Idaho
![beautiful overview of the lake and city of coeur d' alene](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/01/coeur-d-alene-idaho.jpg)
Unemployment rate: 4.1 percent
Poverty rate: 10 percent
COVID test positivity rate: 23.3 percent
Depression rate: 19.14 percent
Happiness rank: 59.58
Misery Index: 53.5
13
Indiana
![indianapolis indiana](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/07/shutterstock_1107977840.jpg)
Unemployment rate: 6.4 percent
Poverty rate: 11.1 percent
COVID test positivity rate: 14.1 percent
Depression rate: 20.06 percent
Happiness rank: 47.96
Misery Index: 55.36
12
Oregon
![red, pink, orange, and yellow roses with a forest in the background](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/08/international-rose-test-garden-portland-oregon.jpg)
Unemployment rate: 7.7 percent
Poverty rate: 9.8 percent
COVID test positivity rate: 7.1 percent
Depression rate: 25.2 percent
Happiness rank: 43.67
Misery Index: 55.93
11
Kansas
![field of wheat in central Kansas is nearly ready for harvest.](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/10/kansas-countryside.jpg)
Unemployment rate: 6.9 percent
Poverty rate: 10.4 percent
COVID test positivity rate: 16.2 percent
Depression rate: 19.24 percent
Happiness rank: 49.16
Misery Index: 56.32
10
New Mexico
![santa fe new mexico skyline](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/06/shutterstock_1462333493.jpg)
Unemployment rate: 11.3 percent
Poverty rate: 17.2 percent
COVID test positivity rate: 5 percent
Depression rate: 19.6 percent
Happiness rank: 47.03
Misery Index: 59.17
9
Nevada
![las vegas strip](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/06/shutterstock_201350363.jpg)
Unemployment rate: 13.2 percent
Poverty rate: 12.2 percent
COVID test positivity rate: 14.9 percent
Depression rate: 16.14 percent
Happiness rank: 53.67
Misery Index: 59.21
8
Tennessee
![Nashville, Tennessee](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/07/tennessee.jpg)
Unemployment rate: 8.5 percent
Poverty rate: 12.1 percent
COVID test positivity rate: 6.4 percent
Depression rate: 22.36 percent
Happiness rank: 39.21
Misery Index: 59.51
7
Oklahoma
![Oklahoma](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/07/oklahoma-1.jpg)
Unemployment rate: 5.7 percent
Poverty rate: 12.4 percent
COVID test positivity rate: 8.6 percent
Depression rate: 22.7 percent
Happiness rank: 37.66
Misery Index: 61.14
6
Kentucky
![The skyline of Louisville, Kentucky with a blue bridge in the foreground](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/08/skyline-louisville-kentucky-coronavirus-alarming.jpg)
Unemployment rate: 7.6 percent
Poverty rate: 14.2 percent
COVID test positivity rate: 7.3 percent
Depression rate: 22.84 percent
Happiness rank: 38.29
Misery Index: 65.59
5
Louisiana
![oak alley plantation in louisiana](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/01/oak-alley-plantation-louisiana.jpg)
Unemployment rate: 7.6 percent
Poverty rate: 19.1 percent
COVID test positivity rate: 4.9 percent
Depression rate: 20.76 percent
Happiness rank: 38.15
Misery Index: 66.57
4
Mississippi
![bridge over water](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/01/split-rail-mississippi-tennessee.jpg)
Unemployment rate: 7.9 percent
Poverty rate: 19.1 percent
COVID test positivity rate: 6.4 percent
Depression rate: 19.86 percent
Happiness rank: 39.52
Misery Index: 67
3
Arkansas
![little rock arkansas](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/07/shutterstock_1160372494.jpg)
Unemployment rate: 7.4 percent
Poverty rate: 15 percent
COVID test positivity rate: 7.8 percent
Depression rate: 23.2 percent
Happiness rank: 36.83
Misery Index: 69.97
2
Alabama
![birmingham alabama skyline at sunset](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/06/shutterstock_1386070400.jpg)
Unemployment rate: 5.6 percent
Poverty rate: 14.7 percent
COVID test positivity rate: 13.3 percent
Depression rate: 22.64 percent
Happiness rank: 40.28
Misery Index: 72.2
1
West Virginia
![Panorama of WVU Coliseum Arena and campus of West Virginia University with river Monongahela in Morgantown, West Virginia](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/03/morgan-town-west-virginia.jpg)
Unemployment rate: 8.9 percent
Poverty rate: 15.6 percent
COVID test positivity rate: 3.2 percent
Depression rate: 24.62 percent
Happiness rank: 30.58
Misery Index: 74.06
And if you're worried about wasting your precious paycheck, This Is the State Where Your Money Is Worth the Least.