Louisiana ranked most stressed state in the country

LAKE CHARLES, La. (KPLC) - Louisiana ranked as the most stressed state in the country, according to a recent WalletHub ranking.

“I’m not surprised at all. With the state of the world, it’s just like wherever you’re at, something about it just sucks,” said Shakyra Gibson, a resident.

How the ranking was determined

WalletHub looked at 40 factors that lead to stress. Louisiana had the highest score when all the factors were put together.

Louisiana has the highest poverty rate in the country. Around 16% of residents haven’t seen a doctor in the past year due to the cost. Louisiana also ranks among the 10 worst states for the share of adults reporting poor mental health and the share of adults diagnosed with depression. Louisiana has fewer psychologists per capita than most other states.

Louisiana had the eighth-highest average unemployment rate in the country last year, and the state has the lowest job security of all states.

“I actually saw the same article. It was not necessarily surprising, as I see a huge influx of clients that are coming in with so many different stressors, not just necessarily financial, but also stressors with their families, stressors in relationships, stressors with jobs,” said Kate Guillory, a licensed professional counselor with Soulshine Counseling.

Louisiana ranked in the top five for work, money, health and safety related stressors.

“I know the state is stressful, moreso with the pay, with the jobs and stuff. And just the economy, it’s always a killing, it’s always just - it’s rough out here in Lake Charles, for the most part,” resident Kira Herbert said.

Access to support

In a 2025 survey, the American Psychological Association noted that 70% of Americans feel they need more emotional support.

“It seems to be that there is more clients needing help than there is providers available,” Guillory said.

Guillory said remaining silent isn’t an option and that help is available to those looking to combat stress. Guillory recommends Psychology Today for people seeking mental health resources.

More details on the WalletHub ranking are available HERE.