Having a bad day? If you live in one of the country’s most miserable states, then you’re not all alone in the world, even if you truly believe that you are. According to a new Gallup-Healthways Well-Being poll, West Virginia is the most miserable state in America for the sixth year in a row. Yahoo! Finance wrote that the poll takes into account “five essential elements of well-being” such as relationships, motivation, pride in one’s community, financial stability, and physical health. Based on this criteria, the most miserable states in the country in 2014 are listed here in order from most miserable to least miserable. Or at least, less miserable. They’re not what you’d call thrilled.
1. West Virginia
2. Kentucky
3. Indiana
4. Ohio
5. Mississippi
6. Alabama
7. Tennessee
8. Arkansas
9. Michigan
10. Missouri
Factors that keep West Virginia rated as the most miserable state include the dying coal industry (which was responsible for much of its economy), a poorly-educated population, and the highest rate of obesity in the country.
In case you’re wondering, the happiest states were Alaska and Hawaii, probably because they’re located outside of the continental country, far away from all these miserable losers.
Source: Yahoo! Finance