The Most Difficult State to Live in, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the state you think is the most difficult!
Updated on May 9, 2024 06:26
Deciding on a place to call home involves weighing various factors, from economic opportunities to climate preferences. Each state offers a unique set of challenges that might make living there particularly difficult depending on individual circumstances. By identifying which states are considered the toughest to live in, people can make more informed decisions about where they might want to relocate or what areas they may want to avoid.
A ranking system that captures public opinion on this topic provides a dynamic measure of the collective experiences and perceptions of a broad audience. This allows potential movers or travelers to gauge general sentiment and factor it into their decision-making processes. Ranking these states based on votes from users like you helps create a clearer picture of the difficulties one might face in different regions.
What Is the Most Difficult State to Live in?
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175votesExtreme weather conditions, high cost of living, and isolation make Alaska one of the most challenging states to live in.Alaska is a U.S. state located in the northwest extremity of the North American continent. It is known for its vast wilderness, rugged mountains, glaciers, fjords, and abundant wildlife like grizzly bears, wolves, and bald eagles.
- Area: 1,717,854 km²
- Population: 731,545 (2019)
- Highest point: Denali (Mount McKinley) - 6,190 m (20,310 ft)
- Time zone: Alaska Time Zone (UTC−09:00 to UTC−08:00)
- Capital: Juneau
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237votesExpensive cost of living, lack of job opportunities, and isolation make Hawaii a difficult state for many to reside in.
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329votes
Fred Hsu on en.wikipedia · CC BY-SA 4.0High cost of living, overcrowding, and intense competition for resources make New York a challenging state to live in.New York is not part of New England, but it is a state located in the Northeastern United States. It is known for its diverse landscapes, vibrant cities, and rich cultural heritage.- Capital: Albany
- Largest City: New York City
- Nickname: The Empire State
- Population: Approximately 19.5 million
- Area: About 54,555 square miles
New York in other rankings- Position 2 of 10 in Most popular state for playing lacrosse
- Position 3 of 10 in Most iconic state
- Position 7 of 10 in Most beautiful state in New England
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425votesHigh cost of living, traffic congestion, and natural disasters such as wildfires and earthquakes make California a tough place to call home.California, also known as The Golden State, is a diverse and breathtaking state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is renowned for its stunning natural landscapes, vibrant cities, and rich cultural heritage. From the iconic beaches along the Pacific Coastline to the towering peaks of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, California offers a wide range of breathtaking vistas for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The state is also home to various world-famous landmarks and attractions, such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Hollywood, Napa Valley, and Disneyland.
- Nickname: The Golden State
- Capital: Sacramento
- Largest City: Los Angeles
- Area: 163,696 square miles
- Population: 39.51 million
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523votesFrequent natural disasters such as hurricanes, high crime rates, and poor infrastructure make Louisiana a difficult place to live.Louisiana is a state located in the Southern region of the United States. It is known for its rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and vibrant music and cuisine. The state was named after Louis XIV of France and was officially admitted to the Union in 1812. Louisiana is home to the largest total wetland area in the United States, including the famous Mississippi River Delta. Its unique blend of French, Spanish, African, and Native American influences has shaped its distinct cultural identity.
- Capital: Baton Rouge
- Largest City: New Orleans
- Nickname: The Pelican State
- State Flower: Magnolia
- State Bird: Eastern Brown Pelican
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616votesHigh poverty rates, low job opportunities, and poor education systems make Mississippi a tough state to reside in.Mississippi is a state located in the southern region of the United States. It is known for its breathtaking natural scenery, including the magnificent Mississippi River and expansive forests. This state offers a blend of history, culture, and southern charm.
- Capital: Jackson
- Largest City: Jackson
- Nickname: The Magnolia State
- State Flower: Magnolia
- State Bird: Northern Mockingbird
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712votes
Daniel Schwen · CC BY-SA 4.0New Mexico
Act of CongressHigh crime rates, poverty, and lack of access to healthcare are just a few of the challenges faced by residents of New Mexico.New Mexico is a state located in the southwestern region of the United States. It is known for its rich Native American and Hispanic cultures, breathtaking desert landscapes, vibrant arts scenes, and diverse wildlife. With a population of approximately 2.1 million people, it is the 36th most populous state in the U.S. and covers a total area of 121,590 square miles.- State Tree: Piñon Pine
- State Bird: Greater Roadrunner
- Capital: Santa Fe
- Largest City: Albuquerque
- Statehood: January 6, 1912
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813votes
Swimmerguy269 · CC BY-SA 3.0West Virginia
RFC8259High poverty rates, limited job opportunities, and poor healthcare make West Virginia a difficult state to live in.West Virginia is a state located in the Appalachian region of the United States. It is known for its rugged mountainous terrain, picturesque landscapes, and rich coal mining heritage. With a relatively small population and a predominantly rural character, West Virginia offers a unique blend of natural beauty and quaint small-town charm. However, it also faces various challenges such as economic decline and a high poverty rate.- Statehood: June 20, 1863
- Capital: Charleston
- Largest City: Charleston
- Population: 1,792,147 (2020 estimation)
- Area: 24,230 square miles (62,754 square kilometers)
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99votesPoor healthcare, limited job opportunities, and low median income make Arkansas a challenging state to reside in.Arkansas is a state located in the southern region of the United States. It is known for its diverse geography, with mountainous regions, rivers, and expansive forests. The state experiences a humid subtropical climate, with hot summers and mild winters. Arkansas is rich in natural resources, including timber, natural gas, and minerals. The state has a mix of rural and urban areas, with Little Rock being its capital and largest city.
- Location: Southern region of the United States
- Capital: Little Rock
- Admission to Union: June 15, 1836
- Geography: Mountainous regions, rivers, and expansive forests
- Climate: Humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters
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104votesHigh poverty rates, poor healthcare, and low education levels make Alabama a difficult state to live in.Alabama is a state located in the southern region of the United States. It is known for its diverse landscapes ranging from sandy beaches along the Gulf of Mexico to rolling hills and mountains in the north. The state offers a combination of rich history, cultural heritage, and natural beauty.
- Nickname: The Yellowhammer State
- Capital: Montgomery
- Largest City: Birmingham
- State Bird: Northern flicker
- State Flower: Camellia
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Ranking factors for difficult state
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Cost of livingThis includes housing costs, utilities, transportation, groceries, and other daily expenses. A higher cost of living may indicate a more difficult state to live in, particularly for those on a low or fixed income.
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Employment opportunitiesThe availability of jobs, unemployment rates, and average wages play a significant role in determining the difficulty of living in a state.
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Quality of educationFactors such as school funding, student-teacher ratios, and standardized test scores can indicate the overall quality of a state's education system, with better education systems generally contributing to a better quality of life.
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Healthcare quality and accessibilityAccess to quality healthcare is crucial for a good quality of life. This can be measured by factors such as rates of health insurance coverage, access to healthcare providers, and availability of specialized care.
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Crime ratesHigh crime rates can negatively impact a state's quality of life and overall safety for residents.
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Climate and natural disastersSome people may find it difficult to live in places with extreme weather conditions, such as very cold or hot climates, frequent natural disasters like hurricanes or earthquakes, or a high risk of severe weather events.
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Infrastructure and public servicesHigh-quality infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, and public transportation systems, contributes to a better quality of life. Similarly, access to public services such as libraries, parks, and community centers can improve the livability of a state.
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Poverty levelsHigher poverty rates in a state can lead to reduced access to resources and contribute to a poorer quality of life.
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Tax burdenHigh taxes can make living in a state more difficult, particularly for those with limited incomes.
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Social environment and diversityFactors such as social cohesion, political leanings, and demographic diversity can contribute to a state's overall quality of life. Some people may prefer living in a more diverse, inclusive, and culturally rich state, while others might prioritize a tight-knit community with shared values.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most difficult state to live in. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or State is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 3457 views
- 227 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each State once every 24 hours. The rank of each State is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most difficult state to live in
Living in the United States can be a vastly different experience depending on which state you call home. While some states offer a high quality of life with ample job opportunities, great schools, and affordable housing, others can be more challenging to navigate. In this article, we explore the question of which state is the most difficult to live in. Factors such as cost of living, crime rates, access to healthcare, and job opportunities will all be considered in our analysis. Whether you're looking to relocate or simply curious about the challenges faced by residents in different parts of the country, read on to learn more about the most difficult state to live in.
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