As the fourth biggest country in the world, the U.S. is a vast expanse of territory, divided into 50 states. Each state has a specific landscape, climate, and individual customs. Let’s look at the 17 least appealing states in the U.S. and exactly what makes each one so unlikable.
Mississippi
MSU confirms that Mississippi is subtropical, with long, hot summers and plenty of rainfall throughout the year. These humid conditions are perfect for insects like mosquitoes, but that’s not the only factor putting people off. The state consistently ranks low in education, healthcare, and infrastructure metrics. Poverty rates are also high, and economic opportunities are limited.
West Virginia
West Virginia faces significant economic struggles, with a declining coal industry, rising unemployment, and a declining population. The reduced tax base has impacted public services, including transportation. Plus, the ongoing opioid crisis has led to high rates of drug addiction and related social problems, including increased criminal activity and safety concerns.
Louisiana
Frequent natural disasters like hurricanes and floods have taken their toll on Louisiana. The state also struggles with above-average poverty rates, few economic opportunities, and a poorly funded education system. Unfortunately, political instability and corruption only add to a general feeling of distrust and inequality, enhancing its negative reputation.
Oklahoma
This landlocked, south-central state also suffers from climate-related issues. Unbiased.com states that it’s prone to disruptive weather, including extreme temperatures (both hot and cold), tornadoes, and thunderstorms. It also has economic issues, an overreliance on declining oil and gas supplies, poor healthcare, and social conservatism, including anti-LGBT+ policies.
Arkansas
Similar to its neighboring southern states, Arkansas struggles with poverty, unemployment, and a poor education system. Socially conservative policies and a lack of diversity cause people from more enlightened, progressive regions to think twice about coming here. The state is also well known for its rural, laid-back vibe, which can be too ‘sleepy’ and dull for young people and active families.
New Jersey
New Jersey often receives negative press for its high cost of living, with some of the nation’s highest property taxes and housing costs. Traffic congestion in its densely populated urban neighborhoods can also be off-putting. Many people seeking a busy city lifestyle choose New York City instead, which has more economic opportunities and similar living costs.
Alabama
Alabama consistently ranks low in education, healthcare, and employment stats. There are also high levels of racial inequality, with a huge socioeconomic divide between poor black communities and privileged white neighborhoods. This is set against a backdrop of conservative socialism, which can seem unwelcoming, particularly for ethnic minorities and those with alternative lifestyles.
Wyoming
Wake Up Wyoming lists 36 reasons why people might not like their state. The top factors are the incessantly strong winds, high levels of gun ownership, dangerous wildlife, low vaccination rates, and the amount of quiet, rural small-town communities. Many find the limited public services, poor cultural scene, and remoteness far too unappealing to consider moving there.
North Dakota
North Dakota’s economy heavily relies on the oil and gas industry, meaning that it is hugely affected when the economy goes through a bad patch. The state also faces harsh winters and has very few cultural opportunities, especially compared to places like New York and Washington D.C. Most people choose to visit or live in more interesting and diverse regions of the U.S.
Alaska
There’s no denying it, Alaska is beyond remote and often subject to freezing temperatures and cold-weather challenges like avalanches, blizzards, and treacherously icy roads. Despite these factors, the cost of living remains inexplicably high, and the long, dark winters with limited daylight can be too depressing, preventing people from exploring the state’s natural beauty.
Montana
Like Alaska, Montana has stunning natural landscapes, but the state also faces challenges with limited job opportunities and a high cost of living, particularly in resort areas. Residents often struggle to afford to live on the wages offered, and some choose to move away to avoid financial struggles. Due to its low population density, the state also lacks cultural diversity and attractions.
Utah
Utah’s conservative social climate and strict alcohol laws can deter potential residents and visitors. Indeed, The Salt Lake Tribune lists “Too many Mormons” and “too many white people” as two of the worst things about the state. It also complains about the confusing legislature, imperfect grammar, and heavy traffic. The state also struggles with serious pollution issues.
Idaho
Rapid population growth has led to rising housing costs and strained infrastructure in certain areas of Idaho. It also has a high risk of dangerously destructive wildfires and limited cultural attractions compared to more populated states. Many residents complain about the lack of ‘life’ and few amenities and expect a better quality of life, especially given the high cost of living.
South Dakota
Like its northern neighbor, South Dakota’s economy relies mostly on agriculture, making it susceptible to economic downturns caused by commodity prices constantly changing. The state also experiences harsh winters and has few musical events, art galleries, or historical sites of interest. Overall, the natural beauty doesn’t make up for the limited jobs and public services.
Nebraska
Nebraska is sparsely populated, and its vast agricultural plains offer nothing but a simple, rural lifestyle with long distances to travel to the nearest shops or recreational activities. Besides low-income farm labor, there are few employment options and limited public transport. Although living costs are low, the slow pace of life and harsh winters are a strong deterrent.
Kansas
Travelsafe describes Kansas as “flat and boring” and warns people of the extreme weather, including hot summers, cold winters, tornadoes, and thunderstorms. The economy relies heavily on agriculture, and much of the state lacks the busy communities and cultural options available elsewhere. High taxes and the necessity of owning a car are also significant drawbacks.
Delaware
Delaware’s high cost of living, particularly in coastal areas, can be off-putting to potential residents. Additionally, the state has a traffic congestion problem made worse by limited public transport options. While there are cities close by with better cultural and economic opportunities, the high cost of living and limited infrastructure make Delaware less than appealing.
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