New Study Takes A Look At Illinois’ Stress Level

A new study takes a look at the stress levels of all 50 states, and while Illinois certainly isn't stress free, nearly half the country is more on edge than we are.

The folks at personal-finance site WalletHub did what they do so well--crunch the numbers--to come up with a list of the stress levels of each state, rating them in different categories to come up with a total ranking.

Here's what WalletHub's analysts looked at:

American stress levels have been rising for many demographics since their low point in 2016, but certain states have contributed more than others to elevating — or decreasing — stress levels in the U.S. WalletHub compared the 50 states across 40 key indicators of stress to determine the places to avoid and achieve a more relaxing life. Our data set ranges from average hours worked per week to personal bankruptcy rate to share of adults getting adequate sleep.

 

Here are WalletHub's 5 most stressed-out states:

1. Louisiana

2. Mississippi

3. Arkansas

4. Kentucky

5. West Virginia

Next, WalletHub's picks for the 5 least stressed-out states:

46. South Dakota

47. North Dakota

48. Massachusetts

49. Utah

50. Minnesota

As for Illinois, we're pretty close to sitting right in the middle of the field. Illinois comes in at #24, just behind Rhode Island, and just ahead of Missouri.

Stress Levels in Illinois (1=Most Stressed, 25=Avg.):

• 29^th – Avg. Hours Worked per Week
• 34^th – Share of Adults Getting Adequate Sleep
• 25^th ­– % of Adults in Fair/Poor Health
• 14^th – Job Security
• 27^th – Median Credit Score
• 31^st – Housing Affordability
• 27^th – % of Population Living Below Poverty Line
• 41^st – Divorce Rate
• 25^th – Crime Rate per Capita
• 25^th – Psychologists per Capita

Click here to read WalletHub's full report, "2019’s Most & Least Stressed States."