This Is the Least Successful State in the U.S.
Financial challenges and low wages are taking a toll on this one state.
![Man stressed about debt](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/09/debt.jpg?quality=82&strip=1&resize=640%2C360)
Success—or a lack thereof—can often be in the eye of the beholder. While some people see money and material wealth as the basic definition of success, others might point to more intangible things, like one's happiness or sense of fulfillment. But when it comes to determining whether a state as a whole is more or less successful than others, it's important to use the most recent and measurable data points available. To start, we looked at the ratio of millionaires to total households in the state, compiled by Phoenix Marketing International, as well as the median household income, according to the U.S. Census (the lower these numbers, the less successful the state was considered). We combined these metrics with those that indicated economic challenges, including which states had the highest poverty rate, per the U.S. Census, and highest unemployment rate, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Taking all of these numbers into account, we came up with a final "Unsuccessful Score" for each state.
In the end, the state that's struggling the most may surprise you. Though it is known for its glitz and glamour, this western state has seen many setbacks, especially in 2020. It has an extremely high poverty rate and one of the worst unemployment rates in the country. Additionally, the median household income is only around $63,000, which is a staggering $23,000 less than the most successful state. To find out which state fared the worst, scroll through our ranking from the most successful to the least successful states. And for more state rivalries, This Is the Most Hated State in America.
50
Maryland
![city skyline and Chesapeake Bay in Annapolis, Maryland in the afternoon](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/10/Annapolis-Maryland.jpg)
Percentage of millionaires in the state: 8.85 percent
Poverty rate: 9 percent
Median household income: $86,738
Unemployment rate: 7.2 percent
Unsuccessful Score: 0.26
And for more places that are struggling this year, This Is the Worst State to Live in Right Now.
49
Utah
![cityscape photo of Salt Lake City, Utah at dusk](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/10/salt-lake-city-utah.jpg)
Percentage of millionaires in the state: 6.39 percent
Poverty rate: 8.9 percent
Median household income: $75,780
Unemployment rate: 5 percent
Unsuccessful Score: 1.89
48
Colorado
![landscape photo of Cottonwood Pass, Colorado in the afternoon](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/10/cottonwood-pass-colorado.jpg)
Percentage of millionaires in the state: 7.48 percent
Poverty rate: 9.3 percent
Median household income: $77,127
Unemployment rate: 6.4 percent
Unsuccessful Score: 8.24
And for more states that could look better, This Is the Ugliest State in the U.S.
47
New Hampshire
![townscape photo of Portsmouth, New Hampshire at sunset](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/10/Portsmouth-New-Hampshire.jpg)
Percentage of millionaires in the state: 6.06 percent
Poverty rate: 7.3 percent
Median household income: $77,933
Unemployment rate: 6 percent
Unsuccessful Score: 8.48
46
Nebraska
![cityscape photo of Omaha, Nebraska in the afternoon](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/10/Omaha-Nebraska.jpg)
Percentage of millionaires in the state: 4.74 percent
Poverty rate: 9.9 percent
Median household income: $63,229
Unemployment rate: 3.5 percent
Unsuccessful Score: 8.54
45
Vermont
![Church Street in Burlington, Vermont at night.](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/09/burlington-vermont-church-street-coronavirus-success.jpg)
Percentage of millionaires in the state: 5.79 percent
Poverty rate: 10.2 percent
Median household income: $63,001
Unemployment rate: 4.2 percent
Unsuccessful Score: 8.67
44
New Jersey
![city skyline and the Passaic River in Newark, New Jersey](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/10/Newark-New-Jersey.jpg)
Percentage of millionaires in the state: 6.69 percent
Poverty rate: 9.2 percent
Median household income: $85,751
Unemployment rate: 6.7 percent
Unsuccessful Score: 12.55
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43
Connecticut
![landscape photo of Shelton, Connecticut in the morning](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/10/shelton-connecticut.jpg)
Percentage of millionaires in the state: 8.89 percent
Poverty rate: 10 percent
Median household income: $78,833
Unemployment rate: 7.8 percent
Unsuccessful Score: 12.91
42
Alaska
![skyline photo with the Chugach mountains in Anchorage, Alaska at dusk](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/10/anchorage-alaska.jpg)
Percentage of millionaires in the state: 8.18 percent
Poverty rate: 10.1 percent
Median household income: $75,463
Unemployment rate: 7.2 percent
Unsuccessful Score: 14.22
41
Minnesota
![Minnesota](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/10/minne.jpg)
Percentage of millionaires in the state: 6.00 percent
Poverty rate: 9 percent
Median household income: $74,593
Unemployment rate: 6 percent
Unsuccessful Score: 15.70
40
Wisconsin
![city skyline and Lake Michigan at twilight in Milwaukee, Wisconsin](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/10/milwaukee-wisconsin.jpg)
Percentage of millionaires in the state: 5.83 percent
Poverty rate: 10.4 percent
Median household income: $64,168
Unemployment rate: 5.4 percent
Unsuccessful Score: 20.39
39
Virginia
![downtown skyline and river in Richmond, Virginia at twilight](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/10/richmond-virginia.jpg)
Percentage of millionaires in the state: 5.45 percent
Poverty rate: 9.9 percent
Median household income: $76,456
Unemployment rate: 6.2 percent
Unsuccessful Score: 23.6
38
North Dakota
![cityscape photo Fargo, North Dakota in the afternoon](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/10/Fargo-North-Dakota.jpg)
Percentage of millionaires in the state: 3.73 percent
Poverty rate: 10.6 percent
Median household income: $64,577
Unemployment rate: 4.4 percent
Unsuccessful Score: 26.54
37
Massachusetts
![the Boston Harbor in Boston, Massachusetts at dusk](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/10/boston-massachusetts.jpg)
Percentage of millionaires in the state: 8.60 percent
Poverty rate: 9.4 percent
Median household income: $85,843
Unemployment rate: 9.6 percent
Unsuccessful Score: 27.78
36
South Dakota
![downtown area of Rapid City, South Dakota in the afternoon](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/10/rapid-city-south-dakota.jpg)
Percentage of millionaires in the state: 3.89 percent
Poverty rate: 11.9 percent
Median household income: $59,533
Unemployment rate: 4.1 percent
Unsuccessful Score: 28.76
35
Wyoming
![landscape photo of the Devils Tower in Crook County, Wyoming at sunrise](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/10/crook-county-wyoming.jpg)
Percentage of millionaires in the state: 5.45 percent
Poverty rate: 10.1 percent
Median household income: $65,003
Unemployment rate: 6.1 percent
Unsuccessful Score: 28.92
34
Iowa
![cityscape photo of Des Moines, Iowa at sunset](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/10/des-moines-iowa.jpg)
Percentage of millionaires in the state: 4.10 percent
Poverty rate: 11.2 percent
Median household income: $61,691
Unemployment rate: 4.7 percent
Unsuccessful Score: 30
33
Maine
![Lighthouse in Portland, Maine during the evening](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/10/Portland-Maine.jpg)
Percentage of millionaires in the state: 5.60 percent
Poverty rate: 10.9 percent
Median household income: $58,924
Unemployment rate: 6.1 percent
Unsuccessful Score: 33.24
32
Missouri
![cityscape photo of St. Louis, Missouri at dusk](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/10/st.louis-missouri.jpg)
Percentage of millionaires in the state: 4.43 percent
Poverty rate: 12.9 percent
Median household income: $57,409
Unemployment rate: 4.9 percent
Unsuccessful Score: 36.77
31
Kansas
![cityscape photo of Wichita, Kansas at dusk](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/10/wichita-kansas.jpg)
Percentage of millionaires in the state: 4.48 percent
Poverty rate: 11.4 percent
Median household income: $62,087
Unemployment rate: 5.9 percent
Unsuccessful Score: 39.56
30
Montana
![landscape photo of Glacier National Park, Montana in the afternoon](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/10/glacier-national-park-montana.jpg)
Percentage of millionaires in the state: 4.30 percent
Poverty rate: 12.6 percent
Median household income: $57,153
Unemployment rate: 5.3 percent
Unsuccessful Score: 40.97
29
Delaware
![city skyline and Christiana River in Wilmington, Delaware](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/10/wilmington-delaware.jpg)
Percentage of millionaires in the state: 6.70 percent
Poverty rate: 11.3 percent
Median household income: $70,176
Unemployment rate: 8.2 percent
Unsuccessful Score: 41.56
28
Washington
![Pier 66 at dusk in downtown Seattle, Washington](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/10/seattle-washington.jpg)
Percentage of millionaires in the state: 4.86 percent
Poverty rate: 9.8 percent
Median household income: $78,687
Unemployment rate: 7.8 percent
Unsuccessful Score: 42.61
27
South Carolina
![downtown area of Charleston, South Carolina in the afternoon](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/10/charleston-south-carolina.jpg)
Percentage of millionaires in the state: 4.08 percent
Poverty rate: 13.8 percent
Median household income: $56,227
Unemployment rate: 5.1 percent
Unsuccessful Score: 44.69
26
Idaho
![cityscape photo of Boise, Idaho in the afternoon](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/10/boise-idaho.jpg)
Percentage of millionaires in the state: 3.76 percent
Poverty rate: 11.2 percent
Median household income: $60,999
Unemployment rate: 6.1 percent
Unsuccessful Score: 46.9
25
Indiana
![USA War Memorials and city skyline in Indianapolis, Indiana at twilight](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/10/Indianapolis-Indiana.jpg)
Percentage of millionaires in the state: 4.23 percent
Poverty rate: 11.9 percent
Median household income: $57,603
Unemployment rate: 6.2 percent
Unsuccessful Score: 48.17
24
Tennessee
![cityscape photo of Memphis, Tennessee in the afternoon](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/10/memphis-tennesse.jpg)
Percentage of millionaires in the state: 5.21 percent
Poverty rate: 13.9 percent
Median household income: $56,071
Unemployment rate: 6.3 percent
Unsuccessful Score: 48.59
23
Georgia
![cityscape photo of Atlanta, Georgia at dusk](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/10/atlanta-georgia.jpg)
Percentage of millionaires in the state: 4.67 percent
Poverty rate: 13.3 percent
Median household income: $61,980
Unemployment rate: 6.4 percent
Unsuccessful Score: 48.89
22
Arizona
![cityscape photo of Phoenix, Arizona at night](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/10/phoenix-arizona.jpg)
Percentage of millionaires in the state: 4.78 percent
Poverty rate: 13.5 percent
Median household income: $62,055
Unemployment rate: 6.7 percent
Unsuccessful Score: 51.62
21
California
![cityscape photo of Los Angeles, California in the morning](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/10/los-angeles-california.jpg)
Percentage of millionaires in the state: 8.51 percent
Poverty rate: 11.8 percent
Median household income: $80,440
Unemployment rate: 11 percent
Unsuccessful Score: 52.36
20
Florida
![cityscape photo of Daytona Beach, Florida in the afternoon](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/10/daytona-beach-florida.jpg)
Percentage of millionaires in the state: 5.47 percent
Poverty rate: 12.7 percent
Median household income: $59,227
Unemployment rate: 7.6 percent
Unsuccessful Score: 54.46
19
Texas
![city skyline on the Colorado River in Austin, Texas at dusk](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/10/austin-texas.jpg)
Percentage of millionaires in the state: 6.32 percent
Poverty rate: 13.6 percent
Median household income: $64,034
Unemployment rate: 8.3 percent
Unsuccessful Score: 55.38
18
Oklahoma
![cityscape photo of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma at dusk](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/10/oklahoma-city-oklahoma.jpg)
Percentage of millionaires in the state: 3.51 percent
Poverty rate: 15.2 percent
Median household income: $54,449
Unemployment rate: 5.3 percent
Unsuccessful Score: 56.05
17
Pennsylvania
![city skyline on the Susquehanna River in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania at dusk](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/10/harrisburg-pennsylvania.jpg)
Percentage of millionaires in the state: 4.75 percent
Poverty rate: 12 percent
Median household income: $63,463
Unemployment rate: 8.1 percent
Unsuccessful Score: 60.64
16
Oregon
![cityscape photo of Eugene, Oregon at dusk](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/10/Eugene-Oregon.jpg)
Percentage of millionaires in the state: 4.12 percent
Poverty rate: 11.4 percent
Median household income: $67,058
Unemployment rate: 8 percent
Unsuccessful Score: 60.77
15
Alabama
![cityscape photo of Birmingham, Alabama at dusk](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/10/birmingham-alabama.jpg)
Percentage of millionaires in the state: 4.87 percent
Poverty rate: 15.5 percent
Median household income: $51,734
Unemployment rate: 6.6 percent
Unsuccessful Score: 61.11
14
Kentucky
![cityscape photo of Frankfort, Kentucky at dusk](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/10/Frankfort-Kentucky.jpg)
Percentage of millionaires in the state: 3.71 percent
Poverty rate: 16.3 percent
Median household income: $52,295
Unemployment rate: 5.6 percent
Unsuccessful Score: 61.93
13
North Carolina
![cityscape photo of Raleigh, North Carolina in the afternoon](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/10/raleigh-north-carolina.jpg)
Percentage of millionaires in the state: 3.87 percent
Poverty rate: 13.6 percent
Median household income: $57,341
Unemployment rate: 7.3 percent
Unsuccessful Score: 67.1
12
Michigan
![cityscape photo of Kalamazoo, Michigan in the afternoon](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/10/kalamazoo-michigan.jpg)
Percentage of millionaires in the state: 4.82 percent
Poverty rate: 13 percent
Median household income: $59,584
Unemployment rate: 8.5 percent
Unsuccessful Score: 69.06
11
New York
![Manhattan Skyline and Brooklyn Bridge in New York, New York in the afternoon](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/10/New-York-New-York.jpg)
Percentage of millionaires in the state: 5.25 percent
Poverty rate: 13 percent
Median household income: $72,108
Unemployment rate: 9.7 percent
Unsuccessful Score: 71.57
10
Illinois
![the downtown area and bean in Chicago, Illinois](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/10/chicago-illinos.jpg)
Percentage of millionaires in the state: 5.50 percent
Poverty rate: 11.5 percent
Median household income: $69,187
Unemployment rate: 10.2 percent
Unsuccessful Score: 71.66
9
Rhode Island
![Castle Hill Lighthouse in Newport, Rhode Island at sunset](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/10/newport-rhode-island.jpg)
Percentage of millionaires in the state: 5.32 percent
Poverty rate: 10.8 percent
Median household income: $71,169
Unemployment rate: 10.5 percent
Unsuccessful Score: 72.92
8
Ohio
![city skyline on the Cuyahoga River in Cleveland, Ohio at dusk](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/10/cleveland-ohio.jpg)
Percentage of millionaires in the state: 3.89 percent
Poverty rate: 13.1 percent
Median household income: $58,642
Unemployment rate: 8.4 percent
Unsuccessful Score: 75.80
7
Hawaii
![cityscape view of Waikiki, Hawaii at sunrise](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/10/waikiki-hawaii.jpg)
Percentage of millionaires in the state: 9.20 percent
Poverty rate: 9.3 percent
Median household income: $83,102
Unemployment rate: 15.1 percent
Unsuccessful Score: 79.35
6
Arkansas
![cityscape photo of Fayetteville, Arkansas in the afternoon](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/10/fayetteville-arkansas.jpg)
Percentage of millionaires in the state: 3.71 percent
Poverty rate: 16.2 percent
Median household income: $48,952
Unemployment rate: 7.3 percent
Unsuccessful Score: 80.3
5
Mississippi
![Lamar Life Building in Jackson, Mississippi in the afternoon](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/10/jackson-mississippi.jpg)
Percentage of millionaires in the state: 3.94 percent
Poverty rate: 19.6 percent
Median household income: $45,792
Unemployment rate: 7.1 percent
Unsuccessful Score: 88.35
4
West Virginia
![buildings and church in the town of Harper's Ferry, West Virginia](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/10/harpers-ferry-west-virginia.jpg)
Percentage of millionaires in the state: 3.60 percent
Poverty rate: 16 percent
Median household income: $48,850
Unemployment rate: 8.6 percent
Unsuccessful Score: 93.58
3
Louisiana
![street cars in New Orleans, Louisiana in the afternoon](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/10/new-orleans-louisiana.jpg)
Percentage of millionaires in the state: 3.79 percent
Poverty rate: 19 percent
Median household income: $51,073
Unemployment rate: 8.1 percent
Unsuccessful Score: 95.04
2
New Mexico
![cityscape photo of Santa Fe, New Mexico at dusk](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/10/Santa-Fe-New-Mexico.jpg)
Percentage of millionaires in the state: 4.07 percent
Poverty rate: 18.2 percent
Median household income: $51,945
Unemployment rate: 9.4 percent
Unsuccessful Score: 103.1
1
Nevada
![the strip in Las Vegas, Nevada in the afternoon](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/10/las-vegas-nevada.jpg)
Percentage of millionaires in the state: 5.13 percent
Poverty rate: 12.5 percent
Median household income: $63,276
Unemployment rate: 12.6 percent
Unsuccessful Score: 104.39