Pennsylvania is the 34th-most stressed state in 2026, according to a new WalletHub study, which compared the 50 states across 40 key indicators of stress. The data set ranges from the average number of hours residents work per week to the personal bankruptcy rate to the share of adults getting adequate sleep.
Americans across the nation deal with countless sources of stress, such as inflation, work deadlines and relationship tensions. Last year, Americans' biggest stressors included the future of the nation, the economy and work, according to the American Psychological Association. These stressors are compounded by widespread feelings of loneliness and emotional disconnect, with nearly 70% of adults reporting they needed more emotional support than they received in the past year. The good news is that living in the right place can actually decrease your stress.
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“There are plenty of small ways for people to manage stress, from staying active and participating in hobbies to taking vacations from work and getting help from a mental health professional,” said WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo. “What many people don't realize, though, is that changing location can also be a big stress reducer. For example, states that have lower crime rates, better health care and better economies tend to have much less stressed residents.”
Most Stressed States
Overall Rank* | State | Total Score | Work-Related Stress Rank | Money-Related Stress Rank | Family-Related Stress Rank | Health- & Safety-Related Stress Rank |
1 | Louisiana | 62.86 | 1 | 3 | 6 | 2 |
2 | Kentucky | 58.18 | 3 | 7 | 4 | 6 |
3 | New Mexico | 57.65 | 29 | 5 | 1 | 13 |
4 | West Virginia | 56.2 | 13 | 4 | 17 | 3 |
5 | Arkansas | 55.6 | 33 | 2 | 25 | 1 |
6 | Nevada | 53.82 | 31 | 8 | 11 | 4 |
7 | Oklahoma | 53.47 | 24 | 10 | 10 | 8 |
8 | Oregon | 52.39 | 39 | 11 | 2 | 12 |
9 | Mississippi | 52.16 | 36 | 1 | 33 | 9 |
10 | Alabama | 50.99 | 43 | 6 | 14 | 10 |
