This Is the Most Reckless State in America, According to Data
From the amount of trash to the level of debt, this state is the least responsible.
![Portrait of wasteful rich girl in checkered shirt scattering dollars with arrogant grimace, boasting wealthy life, concept of careless money spending. indoor studio shot isolated on pink background](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/03/woman-spending-recklessly.jpg?quality=82&strip=1&resize=640%2C360)
Look before you leap. Haste makes waste. Fools rush in. The English language is full of idioms warning you of the dangers of reckless behavior. And while they may be a bit cliche, there's some merit to all those sayings—impulsiveness can be dangerous, both financially and physically. That's why we at Best Life set out to find where people aren't exactly the pillars of responsibility by determining the most reckless state in America, according to data.
To see where people play things fast and loose in their daily lives, we looked at the most recent data* for five metrics: speeding tickets per capita** (from a local Honda dealership), pedestrian fatalities caused by accidents per capita (from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's fatality analysis reporting system), state government debt per capita (from World Population Review), landfill waste produced per capita (based on EPA data compiled by Big Rentz), and the average life expectancy in each state (also via World Population Review).
We then gave each of the metrics a weighted value before plugging them through our exclusive algorithm to see how each state scored on our 100-point scale Reckless Index, where a score of 100 was given to the state that is more reckless than all the others. The most notable thing about the results is the sharp divide that happens after the top three most reckless states, which are all from the same region and received comparatively close high scores. The fourth state's score, however, was more than 20 points less than the state ranked third—indicating a drastic drop in recklessness. Read on to find out the most reckless state in the country, as well as to learn how your state stacks up. And for more on the most precarious places in the country, This Is the Most Dangerous State in America.
*Editor's note: "N/A" indicates that data was not available for that particular metric. We adjusted the algorithm to ensure that each state was scored fairly and accurately.
**Per capita equates to per 100,000 residents in all instances.
50
Minnesota
![Minneapolis, Minnesota skyline](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/08/Minneapolis-Minnesota-Skyline.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Speeding tickets per capita: 487.04
Pedestrian fatalities per capita: 0.75
Debt per capita: $2,867.56
Landfill trash per capita: 16.7 tons
Average life expectancy: 80.7
Reckless Index Score: 0.00
49
North Dakota
![grand forks north dakota](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/07/shutterstock_1125134168.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Speeding tickets per capita: 85.35
Pedestrian fatalities per capita: 0.79
Debt per capita: $3,747.49
Landfill trash per capita: 20.3 tons
Average life expectancy: 78.5
Reckless Index Score: 5.14
48
Idaho
![cityscape photo of Boise, Idaho at sunset](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/11/boise-idaho.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Speeding tickets per capita: 512.39
Pedestrian fatalities per capita: 0.97
Debt per capita: $1,811.27
Landfill trash per capita: 19.7 tons
Average life expectancy: 79.0
Reckless Index Score: 12.36
47
Vermont
![cityscape photos of stores and street in downtown Montpellier, Vermont](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/11/montipeler-vermont.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Speeding tickets per capita: N/A
Pedestrian fatalities per capita: 0.96
Debt per capita: $5,620.46
Landfill trash per capita: 21.8 tons
Average life expectancy: 79.9
Reckless Index Score: 16.03
46
Maine
![townhouses and building behind a lake in Portland, Maine](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/11/portland-maine.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Speeding tickets per capita: 429.40
Pedestrian fatalities per capita: 0.52
Debt per capita: $3,507.06
Landfill trash per capita: 21.9 tons
Average life expectancy: 78.0
Reckless Index Score: 18.65
45
Iowa
![cityscape photo of buildings, a street, and statue from behind in downtown Des Moines, Iowa at dusk](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/11/des-moines-iowa-1.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Speeding tickets per capita: 675.99
Pedestrian fatalities per capita: 0.70
Debt per capita: $1,941.21
Landfill trash per capita: 27.4 tons
Average life expectancy: 79.4
Reckless Index Score: 19.69
44
Colorado
![landscape photo of Cottonwood Pass, Colorado in the afternoon](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/10/cottonwood-pass-colorado.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Speeding tickets per capita: 106.96
Pedestrian fatalities per capita: 1.56
Debt per capita: $2,881.19
Landfill trash per capita: 44.6 tons
Average life expectancy: 79.9
Reckless Index Score: 23.15
43
Nebraska
![Nebraska State Capitol and downtown Lincoln, Nebraska at sunrise](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/11/lincoln-nebraska.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Speeding tickets per capita: 460.60
Pedestrian fatalities per capita: 1.24
Debt per capita: $1,032.03
Landfill trash per capita: 37.6 tons
Average life expectancy: 79.1
Reckless Index Score: 24.40
And for the place where people could most use a lesson on good manners, This Is the Rudest State in America.
42
Utah
![orange rocks and mountains in Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah at sunrise](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/11/bryce-canyon-park-utah.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Speeding tickets per capita: 645.19
Pedestrian fatalities per capita: 1.14
Debt per capita: $2,251.24
Landfill trash per capita: 27.8 tons
Average life expectancy: 79.3
Reckless Index Score: 26.35
41
Montana
![glaciers and a meadow in Glacier National Park, Montana at dusk](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/11/glacier-national-park-montana.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Speeding tickets per capita: 222.35
Pedestrian fatalities per capita: 1.41
Debt per capita: $2,576.60
Landfill trash per capita: 26.0 tons
Average life expectancy: 76.9
Reckless Index Score: 28.08
40
Virginia
![The skyline of Richmond, Virginia at sunset.](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/12/richmond-virginia-skyline-coronavirus-lockdown.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Speeding tickets per capita: 245.38
Pedestrian fatalities per capita: 1.39
Debt per capita: $3,234.08
Landfill trash per capita: 40.3 tons
Average life expectancy: 79.1
Reckless Index Score: 29.43
39
Texas
![downtown Austin, Texas](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/12/laredo-texas.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Speeding tickets per capita: 159.26
Pedestrian fatalities per capita: 2.13
Debt per capita: $1,714.19
Landfill trash per capita: 36.7 tons
Average life expectancy: 78.5
Reckless Index Score: 29.79
And for the state that's not to be trusted from the top, check out The Most Corrupt State in America.
38
New York
![people crossing the street in New York City](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/11/new-york-city-new-york.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Speeding tickets per capita: 519.47
Pedestrian fatalities per capita: 1.34
Debt per capita: $7,214.24
Landfill trash per capita: 24.5 tons
Average life expectancy: 80.8
Reckless Index Score: 33.05
37
Kansas
![landscape photo of a field in Alma, Kansas at sunset](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/11/alma-kansas.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Speeding tickets per capita: 388.53
Pedestrian fatalities per capita: 1.0
Debt per capita: $2,584.13
Landfill trash per capita: 40.6 tons
Average life expectancy: 78.2
Reckless Index Score: 33.20
36
Wisconsin
![city skyline and Lake Michigan at twilight in Milwaukee, Wisconsin](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/10/milwaukee-wisconsin.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Speeding tickets per capita: 394.30
Pedestrian fatalities per capita: 0.96
Debt per capita: $3,973.07
Landfill trash per capita: 47.0 tons
Average life expectancy: 79.5
Reckless Index Score: 35.93
35
Wyoming
![city skyline of downtown Cheyenne, Wyoming](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/01/cheyenne-wyoming.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Speeding tickets per capita: 1,037.55
Pedestrian fatalities per capita: 1.04
Debt per capita: $1,324.65
Landfill trash per capita: 16.6 tons
Average life expectancy: 77.9
Reckless Index Score: 36.19
34
Missouri
![city skyline and Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/11/st.louis-missouri.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Speeding tickets per capita: 291.12
Pedestrian fatalities per capita: 1.55
Debt per capita: $2,985.84
Landfill trash per capita: 30.1 tons
Average life expectancy: 77.1
Reckless Index Score: 36.40
33
Maryland
![Silver Spring is an unincorporated community in Montgomery County, Maryland, United States.](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/02/silver-spring-maryland.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Speeding tickets per capita: N/A
Pedestrian fatalities per capita: 2.12
Debt per capita: $4,620.83
Landfill trash per capita: 20.9 tons
Average life expectancy: 78.8
Reckless Index Score: 36.82
32
Connecticut
![Bushnell Park in Hartford, Connecticut](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/01/hartford-connecticut.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Speeding tickets per capita: N/A
Pedestrian fatalities per capita: 1.68
Debt per capita: $10,908.56
Landfill trash per capita: 8.7 tons
Average life expectancy: 80.6
Reckless Index Score: 36.84
31
New Hampshire
![city skyline of buildings in Manchester, New Hampshire](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/11/manchester-new-hampshire.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Speeding tickets per capita: N/A
Pedestrian fatalities per capita: 0.66
Debt per capita: $5,640.17
Landfill trash per capita: 40.9 tons
Average life expectancy: 79.1
Reckless Index Score: 37.07
30
Illinois
![cityscape photo of downtown Aurora, Illinois](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/01/chicago-illinois.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Speeding tickets per capita: 83.21
Pedestrian fatalities per capita: 1.30
Debt per capita: $4,918.44
Landfill trash per capita: 52.4 tons
Average life expectancy: 79.0
Reckless Index Score: 39.57
And for more on the place where people aren't known for their warm and welcoming personalities, This Is the Most Hateful State in America.
29
Washington
![cityscape photo of a church, buildings, and trees in Spokane, Washington](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/11/spokane-washington.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Speeding tickets per capita: 801.68
Pedestrian fatalities per capita: 1.35
Debt per capita: $4,287.29
Landfill trash per capita: 28.3 tons
Average life expectancy: 79.9
Reckless Index Score: 40.52
28
South Dakota
![rocks reflecting a lake at Palisade State Park in Garretson, South Dakota](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/11/garreston-south-dakota.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Speeding tickets per capita: 811.35
Pedestrian fatalities per capita: 1.13
Debt per capita: $3,934.62
Landfill trash per capita: 21.4 tons
Average life expectancy: 78.1
Reckless Index Score: 42.23
27
Massachusetts
![cityscape photos of buildings and shops in Quincy Market in Boston, Massachusetts at twilight](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/11/boston-massachusetts.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Speeding tickets per capita: N/A
Pedestrian fatalities per capita: 1.13
Debt per capita: $11,145.90
Landfill trash per capita: 16.2 tons
Average life expectancy: 79.9
Reckless Index Score: 42.47
26
Florida
![city skyline of and waterfront in St. Petersburg, Flordia](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/11/st-petersburg-florida.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Speeding tickets per capita: 479.50
Pedestrian fatalities per capita: 3.31
Debt per capita: $1,313.48
Landfill trash per capita: 25.1 tons
Average life expectancy: 79.1
Reckless Index Score: 42.49
25
California
![The sun rises over the historical landmarks of West Sacramento, California.](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/01/sacramento-california.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Speeding tickets per capita: 382.14
Pedestrian fatalities per capita: 2.26
Debt per capita: $3,856.57
Landfill trash per capita: 47.8 tons
Average life expectancy: 80.9
Reckless Index Score: 43.39
And for the place where people are the most dangerous behind the wheel, This State Has the Worst Drivers in America.
24
New Jersey
![trees and walkway at a park in Burlington County, New Jersey](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/10/burlington-county-new-jersey.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Speeding tickets per capita: N/A
Pedestrian fatalities per capita: 1.94
Debt per capita: $7,442.83
Landfill trash per capita: 29.0 tons
Average life expectancy: 80.5
Reckless Index Score: 43.86
23
West Virginia
![city skyline with a bridge, buildings, and the Kanawha River in Charleston, West Virginia](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/10/charleston-west-virginia.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Speeding tickets per capita: 101.55
Pedestrian fatalities per capita: 1.22
Debt per capita: $4,269.01
Landfill trash per capita: 29.9 tons
Average life expectancy: 74.8
Reckless Index Score: 44.43
22
Oklahoma
![cityscape photo of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma at dusk](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/10/oklahoma-city-oklahoma.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Speeding tickets per capita: 265.44
Pedestrian fatalities per capita: 1.52
Debt per capita: $2,119.40
Landfill trash per capita: 34.4 tons
Average life expectancy: 75.4
Reckless Index Score: 45.45
21
Rhode Island
![city skyline of and river in Providence, Rhode Island at sunset](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/11/rhode-island-cityscape.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Speeding tickets per capita: N/A
Pedestrian fatalities per capita: 0.66
Debt per capita: $8,414.78
Landfill trash per capita: 37.2 tons
Average life expectancy: 79.3
Reckless Index Score: 46.52
20
Tennessee
![fall trees reflecting on the shoreline of Bay Mountain Lake Park in Kingsport, Tennessee](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/11/kingsport-tennessee.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Speeding tickets per capita: 332.71
Pedestrian fatalities per capita: 2.01
Debt per capita: $882.37
Landfill trash per capita: 36.8 tons
Average life expectancy: 76.0
Reckless Index Score: 47.26
19
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?quality=82&strip=all)
Speeding tickets per capita: 4.94
Pedestrian fatalities per capita: 1.9
Debt per capita: $8,175.13
Landfill trash per capita: 30.1 tons
Average life expectancy: 77.7
Reckless Index Score: 47.97
18
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?quality=82&strip=all)
Speeding tickets per capita: 199.32
Pedestrian fatalities per capita: 1.54
Debt per capita: $3,711.28
Landfill trash per capita: 52.3 tons
Average life expectancy: 78.0
Reckless Index Score: 48.22
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17
Hawaii
![The vibrant historic downtown, tourist and retail district of the city of Hilo on the Big Island of Hawaii](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/02/hilo-hawaii.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Speeding tickets per capita: N/A
Pedestrian fatalities per capita: 2.96
Debt per capita: $6,865.81
Landfill trash per capita: 28.6 tons
Average life expectancy: 81.5
Reckless Index Score: 48.89
16
North Carolina
![sailboat and trees along a lake in Beaufort, North Carolina](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/10/beaufort-north-carolina.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Speeding tickets per capita: 734.48
Pedestrian fatalities per capita: 2.17
Debt per capita: $1,524.17
Landfill trash per capita: 27.5 tons
Average life expectancy: 77.8
Reckless Index Score: 49.00
15
Arkansas
![cityscape photo of Little Rock, Arkansas at sunset](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/11/little-rock-arkansas.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Speeding tickets per capita: N/A
Pedestrian fatalities per capita: 2.06
Debt per capita: $1,582.74
Landfill trash per capita: 26 tons
Average life expectancy: 75.4
Reckless Index Score: 51.44
14
Michigan
![Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/09/Sault-Ste-Marie-Michigan.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Speeding tickets per capita: 99.29
Pedestrian fatalities per capita: 1.42
Debt per capita: $3,348.90
Landfill trash per capita: 62.4 tons
Average life expectancy: 77.6
Reckless Index Score: 51.94
13
Alabama
![cityscape photo of a highway, homes, and buildings in Mobile, Alabama](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/11/mobile-alabama-1.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Speeding tickets per capita: 105.57
Pedestrian fatalities per capita: 2.19
Debt per capita: $1,777.98
Landfill trash per capita: 37.7 tons
Average life expectancy: 74.9
Reckless Index Score: 52.04
12
Arizona
![cityscape photo of downtown Mesa, Arizona](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/12/mesa-arizona.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Speeding tickets per capita: 536.00
Pedestrian fatalities per capita: 3.3
Debt per capita: $1,900.42
Landfill trash per capita: 33.9 tons
Average life expectancy: 79.1
Reckless Index Score: 54.26
11
Nevada
![Southern Rocky Mountains and flowers in El Paso, Texas at sunrise](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/11/el-paso-nevada.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Speeding tickets per capita: 430.13
Pedestrian fatalities per capita: 2.6
Debt per capita: $1,019.78
Landfill trash per capita: 45.7 tons
Average life expectancy: 77.9
Reckless Index Score: 54.55
10
Ohio
![bridge with a bright red railing and buildings in downtown Toledo, Ohio](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/12/toledo-ohio.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Speeding tickets per capita: 466.07
Pedestrian fatalities per capita: 1.09
Debt per capita: $2,859.10
Landfill trash per capita: 48.8 tons
Average life expectancy: 76.6
Reckless Index Score: 55.26
9
Delaware
![the Christina River and Brandywine Creek in downtown Wilmington, Delaware](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/01/wilmington-delaware.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Speeding tickets per capita: N/A
Pedestrian fatalities per capita: 2.38
Debt per capita: $4,606.10
Landfill trash per capita: 33.7 tons
Average life expectancy: 78.2
Reckless Index Score: 58.61
8
Kentucky
![city skyline of downtown Louisville, Kentucky](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/11/louisville-kentucky.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Speeding tickets per capita: 268.83
Pedestrian fatalities per capita: 1.63
Debt per capita: $3,214.56
Landfill trash per capita: 43.9 tons
Average life expectancy: 75.0
Reckless Index Score: 61.89
7
Georgia
![square and pink trees in downtown Macon, Georgia](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/11/macon-georgia.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Speeding tickets per capita: 825.76
Pedestrian fatalities per capita: 2.48
Debt per capita: $1,205.07
Landfill trash per capita: 33.7 tons
Average life expectancy: 77.2
Reckless Index Score: 63.98
And for more life-threatening places in the U.S., This Is the Deadliest State in America.
6
Oregon
![city skyline of and the Willamette River in Portland, Oregon](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/11/portland-oregon.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Speeding tickets per capita: 1,112.35
Pedestrian fatalities per capita: 1.91
Debt per capita: $2,950.65
Landfill trash per capita: 37.0 tons
Average life expectancy: 79.2
Reckless Index Score: 65.63
5
Indiana
![cityscape photo of downtown Fort Wayne, Indiana](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/12/fort-wayne-indiana.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Speeding tickets per capita: 435.72
Pedestrian fatalities per capita: 1.70
Debt per capita: $3,209.49
Landfill trash per capita: 56.1 tons
Average life expectancy: 77.0
Reckless Index Score: 66.76
4
New Mexico
![buildings in and the city skyline of downtown Albuquerque, New Mexico](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/11/alburquerque-new-mexico.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Speeding tickets per capita: 361.28
Pedestrian fatalities per capita: 3.96
Debt per capita: $3,352.81
Landfill trash per capita: 33.3 tons
Average life expectancy: 77.6
Reckless Index Score: 70.87
3
Mississippi
![cityscape photo of the Old Mississippi Capitol Building in downtown Jackson, Mississippi](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/01/jackson-mississippi.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Speeding tickets per capita: 817.44
Pedestrian fatalities per capita: 2.95
Debt per capita: $2,518.26
Landfill trash per capita: 35.3 tons
Average life expectancy: 74.5
Reckless Index Score: 93.41
2
South Carolina
![city skyline and highway in Columbia, South Carolina at night](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/11/columbia-south-carolina.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Speeding tickets per capita: 1,105.68
Pedestrian fatalities per capita: 3.25
Debt per capita: $2,983.17
Landfill trash per capita: 32.6 tons
Average life expectancy: 76.2
Reckless Index Score: 97.73
1
Louisiana
![boat docked in the channel next to tress in New Orleans, Louisiana](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/11/new-orleans-louisiana.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Speeding tickets per capita: N/A
Pedestrian fatalities per capita: 3.52
Debt per capita: $3,910.20
Landfill trash per capita: 38.7 tons
Average life expectancy: 75.4
Reckless Index Score: 100.00
And for more on the place where money means everything, This Is the Greediest State in America.