New study reveals most stressed US states — and they aren't where you'd expect

Americans hoping to unwind on their next trip may want to think twice about where they’re headed.

A comparison of all 50 states across 40 indicators of stress — including work, money, family and health factors — found that densely populated states with major metro areas did not top the list, according to a new WalletHub study. Instead, states across the South and Southwest ranked among the most stressed overall.

Louisiana ranks as the most stressed state in the country for 2026, followed by Kentucky...