Utah ranked as 2nd least stressful state for 2023

Portrait Of A Young Couple Calculating Finance At Desk

According to a new study conducted by personal finance site WalletHub, Utah is the second least stressful state for 2023. April is Stress Awareness Month and 83% of adults are stressed out by inflation. But a number of factors are in Utah’s favor compared to some other states around the country.

According to the study, Utah is ranked as the 49th most stressed state in the country, with a total stress level score of 34.36 out of 100. Here is how Utah ranks across various metrics:

  • Average Hours Worked per Week: Utah ranks as the 50th most stressed state in this category, indicating that Utahns work fewer hours than most other states in the country.
  • Share of Adults Getting Adequate Sleep: Utah ranks as the 35th most stressed state in this category, suggesting that sleep deprivation may not be as significant a contributor to stress levels in Utah as in other states.
  • % of Adults in Fair/Poor Health: Utah ranks as the 42nd most stressed state in this category, indicating that Utahns enjoy better overall health than residents of other states.
  • Job Security: Utah ranks as the 41st most stressed state in this category, suggesting that job insecurity is a moderate contributor to stress levels in Utah.
  • Median Credit Score: Utah ranks as the 34th most stressed state in this category, indicating that overall financial health may not be as significant a stressor in Utah as in other states.
  • Housing Affordability: Utah ranks as the 15th least stressed state in this category, suggesting that housing affordability may be a significant contributor to stress levels in Utah.
  • % of Population Living in Poverty: Utah ranks as the 49th most stressed state in this category, indicating that financial stress is not a significant contributor to stress levels in Utah.
  • Divorce Rate: Utah ranks as the 50th most stressed state in this category, suggesting that Utahns enjoy a higher level of relationship status than other states.
  • Crime Rate per Capita: Utah ranks as the 23rd least stressed state in this category, suggesting that safety concerns may not be as significant a stressor in Utah as in other states.
  • Psychologists per Capita: Utah ranks as the 43rd most stressed state in this category, indicating that access to mental health resources may be a moderate contributor to stress levels in Utah.

Source: WalletHub

Mississippi is ranked as the most stressed state in the country while Minnesota is the least stressed.

“As inflation impacts the cost of consumer goods, exploring strategies for preventing or lowering stress without spending money becomes more important,” advises Associate Professor Scott Tobias, Ph.D., CFLE at Kent State University at Stark. “Examples may include exercise, reading, or socializing with friends and family. If nearby parks are available, the act of going for a walk combines the benefits of being outdoors and low-impact exercise which can reduce stress. Walking around one’s neighborhood to socialize with neighbors combines exercise with the potential to visit with family or neighbors and socialize.

By utilizing nearby social supports one can potentially decrease stress levels through conversation with others. Other no-cost options include utilizing the nearest library to borrow books which can provide a way to decompress and engage in a temporary escape from our stress. Each community will have a unique set of resources available to its residents, and libraries are often a clearinghouse of local information about what is offered.”

Joanne H. Gavin, Ph.D., a professor at Marist College, offers additional advice about steps people may take to reduce stress over finances in their lives.

“Many people feel stress when they perceive that their problems are out of their control,” says Gavin. “If your finances are causing you stress, make a plan on how to address the problem. Make a budget to get out of debt and stick to it. Even small steps to getting out from under this burden will make you feel better.

“If your debt burden is beyond a simple budget, contact your creditors and negotiate a different repayment schedule. Most creditors are happy to work with you. But the bottom line is to do something to work toward correcting your financial problems. It will reduce your distress. Doing nothing will only increase the stress you are feeling.”

Rankings for Utah’s neighbors vary wildly. New Mexico and Nevada ranked as the 3rd and 5th most stressful states, respectively. Arizona ranks 12th and Wyoming ranks 16th, while Montana ranks 26th, Colorado ranks 30th and Idaho 36th. The Gem State specifically ranks as one of the best in work-related stress (47th overall) and in family-related stress (45th), but ranks 14th in money-related stress.

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