10 Worst States to Live in America, 2025

A new WalletHub analysis has ranked the toughest states to live in this year, weighing factors like healthcare, safety, economy, and overall quality of life. While affordability or natural beauty give some of these states their appeal, everyday living challenges push them to the bottom of the list.

1. New Mexico
   New Mexico lands at the bottom for 2025. The state faces the highest crime rate in the country, along with struggling education and healthcare systems. Poverty is widespread, making it one of the hardest places for families to thrive. Despite its natural beauty and cultural richness, everyday safety and opportunity remain major hurdles.
2. Louisiana
   Louisiana ranks second-worst, burdened by weak economic growth and low healthcare and education scores. Residents work some of the longest hours in the country, but poverty and crime remain stubbornly high. On the brighter side, Louisiana’s food, music, and cultural scene continue to stand out on the global stage.
3. Arkansas
   Arkansas struggles heavily with safety and overall quality of life. Schools and hospitals are often underfunded, and crime rates are high. Limited opportunities mean residents face difficult decisions when it comes to work, healthcare, and family life.
4. Mississippi
   Mississippi is among the most affordable states in the U.S., but that comes at a cost. The state has glaring gaps in healthcare and education, and many residents lack health insurance. With the highest poverty rate nationwide, financial and social struggles remain a daily reality.
5. Alaska
   Alaska is breathtaking and attracts adventure-seekers, but living there is another story. The cost of living is among the highest in the country, wages don’t keep pace, and residents put in some of the longest working hours. Sparse infrastructure and limited conveniences make life even tougher in remote areas.
6. Nevada
   Nevada might shine as a tourist hotspot, but for residents, it’s a different picture. Housing is expensive, the economy is fragile, and the state is ranked among the least safe in the country. While Las Vegas may draw millions of visitors, everyday life is challenging and costly.
7. South Carolina
   South Carolina offers affordability, but safety, healthcare, and education are persistent weak points. The state is one of the least safe in the country, which weighs heavily on families. Even with its coastal charm and southern hospitality, the struggles overshadow the benefits.
8. Oklahoma
   Oklahoma makes the list due to serious issues in healthcare and education. A large share of residents lack health insurance, public schools often suffer from low funding, and crime adds to the challenges. While living costs are low, the lack of quality services impacts daily life.
9. West Virginia
   West Virginia is known for cheap housing and scenic mountains, but many residents face poverty, limited healthcare, and scarce educational opportunities. The state’s economic struggles mean that affordability comes with heavy trade-offs.
10. Alabama
    Closing out the list, Alabama is affordable but lacks strong systems to support its residents. Education and healthcare remain weak, economic growth is sluggish, and families often face limited opportunities for advancement. Southern hospitality is alive and well, but so are the struggles of everyday living.