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The 10 Most Anxious U.S. States, New Research Shows

People who live in these places might be more stressed out than the average American.

No matter where you live, anxiety can often be an unfortunate symptom of everyday life. Whether it's financial stress, a burdensome job, or a hectic home environment, roughly 31.1 percent of American adults have reported experiencing an anxiety disorder at some point in their life, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. But even though it's relatively common, new research shows that residents in some states are more anxious on average than others.

The latest findings are thanks to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) analyzed by crystal and fashion accessory company TinyRituals. The team cross-referenced reported anxiety symptoms within a week with specific Google Trends and residency to determine each state's anxiety score, establishing a national average of 22.1. They were then ranked by their results. Read on to see if your home state landed itself among the top 10 most anxious in the U.S.

RELATED: The 5 Least Stressed States in the U.S., According to New Data.

10
Rhode Island

Lighthouse Newport Rhode Island
Jim Schubert / Shutterstock

Anxiety score: 24.5

While it may be the smallest on the map, Rhode Island still manages to carry a heavy burden when it comes to stress. Data finds the tiniest state in the Union is the tenth highest when it comes to reported anxiety.

9
Pennsylvania

city skyline and the Schuylkill River in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania at dusk
Shutterstock

Anxiety score: 24.7

If you live in Harrisburg, Philadelphia, or somewhere in between, there's a decent chance you have a lot on your mind. Pennsylvania cracked the top 10 for anxious residents, according to data.

RELATED: The Loneliest State in the U.S., New Data Shows.

8
California

San Francisco California
IM_photo/Shutterstock

Anxiety score: 25.4

California's reputation as an easy-going place with a laidback lifestyle tends to attract residents from all over the U.S., thanks in no small part to its natural beauty. But contrary to popular belief, people who live in the Golden State still report being relatively stressed out, earning it the eighth highest spot in the rankings.

7
Michigan

The skyline of Detroit, Michigan at dusk
iStock

Anxiety score: 25.5

Michigan stands out as the only Midwestern state to earn a spot on the list. Residents reported feeling anxious often enough to land it in the number seven spot.

RELATED: The 50 Best and Worst States to Retire In, New Data Shows.

6
Georgia

Aerial view downtown Atlanta skyline, done with 360 degrees image
iStock

Anxiety score: 25.6

Georgia is a state with plenty of different locales, from the bustle of Atlanta to the laidback coastal ambiance of Savannah. However, residents there still reported relatively high anxiety levels, earning a score of 25.6.

5
Massachusetts

boston, massachusetts
Sean Pavone / Shutterstock

Anxiety score: 25.9

To many, the Bay State encapsulates all possible factors of the New England experience, thanks to its stunning coastline, well-preserved forests, and charming cities and towns steeped in history. But the Commonwealth still finds itself relatively stressed out, cracking the top five of the most anxious states.

RELATED: Top 10 States for Women to Visit Solo, New Data Shows.

4
Indiana

things to do in indianapolis
Shutterstock / Sean Pavone

Anxiety score: 26.4

Indiana residents are no strangers to stress. Research from TinyRituals shows that the Hoosier State is relatively anxious compared to the national average.

3
Arkansas

The skyline of Little Rock, Arkansas at dawn
iStock

Anxiety score: 26.6

Residents of Little Rock might actually have big things on their minds. Data shows that Arkansas residents are relatively anxious compared to the national average, landing it third on the list overall.

RELATED: The Safest City in Every State, New Data Shows.

2
Louisiana

new orleans
iStock / Kruck20

Anxiety score: 28.1

One might expect the state that's home to the Big Easy to be a relatively laid-back place to live. But research shows that Louisiana residents are relatively stressed out, landing it in the second highest spot on the list.

1
New York

Shutterstock

Anxiety score: 28.7

From the Big Apple up to the Adirondacks and the Great Lakes out to Montauk, there's no shortage of different locales in the Empire State. But overall, New York topped the list as the most anxious state in the U.S. with a score of 28.7, which is almost a third higher than the national average.

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Zachary Mack
Zach is a freelance writer specializing in beer, wine, food, spirits, and travel. He is based in Manhattan. Read more
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