Key Findings: 

• Alaska tops the list as the most stressed state in the U.S., with a high overall Stress Score of 57.43

• Work-related stress is highest in California, while Alabama faces the most severe financial stress 

• Georgia ranks 10th overall, with significant financial and work-related stress factors

Stress is a pervasive issue in American life, with 83% of US workers reporting daily work-related stress, according to the American Institute of Stress. From the pressure of meeting deadlines to the challenge of maintaining a work-life balance, stress manifests in countless ways, impacting both personal well-being and professional productivity.  

However, the experience of stress is not uniform across the United States. Recognizing this variance, CBD.co (http://cbd.co), a leading online CBD marketplace, conducted a comprehensive study to uncover how stress levels differ from state to state. 

They examined a range of factors including work pressures, financial struggles, family obligations, and health concerns, to provide a nuanced picture of stress across America

The Data

The study analyzed various stress indicators across four main categories: work stress, financial stress, family stress, and health and safety stress. Each category was weighted equally (25%) to calculate an overall Stress Score for each state.

Data table showing 10 states with the highest Stress Score

The team at CBD.co analyzed the top 10 states and their various scores, giving their insights into what the results suggest.

1. Alaska (57.43)

Tops the list due to high family stress (62.15) and health/safety stress (75.52). The harsh climate, remote living conditions, and high cost of living (31% higher than the national average) likely contribute significantly to these stressors. 

2. Arkansas (54.41)

The high financial stress (75.58) might reflect widespread economic difficulties. Low wages and a high poverty rate (seventh highest in the nation) are likely critical factors driving financial stress in the state.

3. Nevada (54.40)

Significant health/safety stress (71.71) may be linked to the state's entertainment industry, including Las Vegas. The potentially transient population and economic volatility could further exacerbate stress levels.

4.Alabama (53.44)

The highest financial stress (82.22) among the top 10 might indicate severe economic challenges. Low median incomes and potentially high unemployment rates could be primary contributors to this stress. 

5. New Mexico (52.80) 

Substantial health/safety stress (74.92) might be influenced by high crime rates and possibly limited access to healthcare services. Economic instability could be adding to the overall stress burden. 

6. California (52.26)  

High work stress (73.09) and family stress (65.08) are possibly due to the high cost of living (30% higher than the national average), particularly in major cities, along with potentially long commute times. 

7. Mississippi (51.08)

Severe financial stress (81.89) could reflect economic hardships. High poverty rates (19.1% of Mississippi's population below poverty line)and possibly limited job opportunities might be major stress factors for residents.

8. Arizona (51.02)

Significant health/safety stress (70.09) may be linked to high crime rates (highest murder rate in the country)and potentially concerns surrounding border security. The hot climate could also be contributing to health-related stress.  

9. Kentucky (50.44)

High financial stress (69.87) might stem from economic struggles, potentially including low wages (minimum wage of $7.25 an hour) and a declining coal industry. Health-related issues could also be playing a role in the state's stress levels.

10. Georgia (50.09)

Significant financial stress (66.44) and work stress (51.15) might be due to economic disparities and potentially high living costs in urban areas like Atlanta (2% below national average, but 9% above state average).

The state's rapid growth could be contributing to longer commutes and work-life balance issues for some residents. Additionally, the contrast between urban and rural areas might be creating pockets of economic inequality, potentially adding to the overall stress levels across the state. 

Factors Contributing to Stress Levels

Experts at CBD.co suggest the following key factors contribute to stress levels across the country:

• Work-related stress: 83% of US workers report suffering from daily work-related stress.

• Financial pressure: Economic instability and high living costs in many areas could contribute to financial anxiety.

• Work-life balance: 76% of US workers say that workplace stress affects their personal relationships.

• Workload: 39% of US workers cite workload as the main cause of their stress.

• Burnout: According to research from Indeed, 52% of employees feel burnout.

These factors can vary in intensity across different states, contributing to the diverse stress landscape revealed in the study.

A spokesperson for CBD.co commented on the findings: 

 "This study reveals how stress factors vary significantly across states. While work and financial pressures are common, their impact differs regionally. 

“Policymakers should consider investing in affordable housing in high-cost areas and improving healthcare access in underserved regions. For employers, implementing flexible work arrangements and providing financial wellness programs could address state-specific stressors. 

“Additionally, offering location-based compensation adjustments and mental health support tailored to local needs could significantly reduce employee stress. Understanding these regional stress profiles is key to developing effective, targeted strategies for both public policy and workplace well-being."