Based on 2025 data, Louisiana, New Mexico, Mississippi, and Alaska are frequently cited as the least desirable states to live in, often ranking at the bottom due to low scores in quality of life, high poverty, and elevated crime rates. These states often struggle with economic opportunity, education, and healthcare accessibility.
WalletHub found that West Virginia is the least-happy state in the US. The state had the highest rate of adult depression, the second-lowest rate of adequate sleep, and the fourth-lowest sports participation rate. It was ranked the lowest in the study's work environment and physical well-being rankings.
What is the least desirable place to live in the US?
Nashville and Tampa tie as the most desirable cities in 2025, each ranked in the top five by 22% of respondents. At the bottom, Washington, D.C. holds the least desirable spot for a third straight year. Meanwhile, 93% face barriers to moving, with 46% saying they can't afford it as average moving costs reach $2,050.
Alaska is the emptiest state in the U.S. by population density (people per square mile), with roughly 1.3 people per square mile, far below other sparsely populated states like Wyoming, Montana, and North Dakota, due to its vast size and challenging terrain, making it the most spread-out state despite having a larger total population than Wyoming, which is the least populous state overall.
The most dangerous states in the USA are typically identified by their violent crime and property crime rates. Alabama, New Mexico, and Louisiana often rank high on lists due to elevated rates of violent crime. These rankings can vary year to year depending on updated FBI or BJS data.
WCCO CBS reported, "The study found that Minnesota is the friendliest state." This edged out Texas and other notoriously friendly-seeming states in that region (depending on who you ask).
The moving research platform moveBuddha found that for every 18 people using the site to search for information about moving into the city of West Des Moines, 100 people were searching for information about moving out.
What is the least friendly state in the United States?
The most welcoming states are Vermont, Maine, and Hawaii. The least welcoming states are Missouri, Massachusetts, and Illinois. Most Americans greet strangers with a handshake (60%), smile (47%), or by making eye contact (25%).
West Virginia tops the nation in prevalence of depression; Hawaii has the lowest rates. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) analyzed 2020 data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) to estimate lifetime prevalence of depression among adults age 18 and over.
Hawaii ranks as the healthiest state with a final score of 79.4. It has the lowest PM2. 5 Annual Average Concentration and a relatively low obesity rate.
New York is best suited to those prioritising career growth, cultural access, and international connectivity, and who can absorb the higher costs of living. For UK movers aiming to be at the centre of global activity, it remains the leading choice.
West Virginia, also known as the Mountain State, is one of the cheapest states to live in with a plethora of beautiful rivers and mountains, as well as a vast park system. With low property taxes and real estate costs, West Virginia is one of the least expensive states to live in for housing.
Hawaii is Americans' favorite state. A new YouGov survey explored which states Americans are most likely to view favorably — and unfavorably. More Americans view Hawaii favorably — and very favorably — than any other state.
Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, West Bengal, Assam, Manipur, Tripura, Delhi, Haryana, Maharashtra have violent crime rate higher than the national average in 2023. Some causes of crimes are region specific.
While rankings vary by source and year, Memphis, Tennessee, consistently appears as having one of the highest violent crime rates in the U.S., often cited as number one based on FBI data for cities over 100,000, with high rates of homicides and assaults, though some data suggests recent improvements. Other cities frequently listed among the most dangerous include Detroit (MI), St. Louis (MO), Baltimore (MD), and New Orleans (LA), each facing significant violent and property crime challenges.
West Virginia ranked as the least happy state in the country, with the study finding residents struggle with high rates of depression and inadequate sleep. The Mountain State was followed by Louisiana, Arkansas, Alabama and Alaska.
New Mexico ranks among the lowest in education. In WalletHub's 2025 study, it was 42nd overall, with the nation's lowest Quality of Education rank (50th). New Mexico's high school graduation rate (around 76 percent) is 49th out of 50 states, ahead of only Arizona (per 2021 data).
