A recent ranking by World Population Review has identified Illinois as the most disliked state in the United States, with a quarter of its own residents admitting they consider it the worst place to live. The study analyzed three key factors: resident dissatisfaction, population decline, and negative perceptions from neighboring states.
Illinois Tops the List
Illinois secured the top spot with the harshest statistic: 25 percent of its residents said their state is the worst possible place to live. This dissatisfaction coincides with a steady population decline, with Illinois losing approximately 0.54 percent of its population in recent years. The state's struggles with high costs of living and limited job opportunities may contribute to this sentiment.
New Jersey and New York Follow
New Jersey ranked second, reinforcing its reputation as a frequent target of jokes across the country. Five neighboring states named New Jersey as their most disliked neighbor. New York came in third, with 12 percent of residents describing it as the worst place to live. Interestingly, Massachusetts residents reportedly named New York as their least favorite neighbor, likely fueled by long-standing sports rivalries and regional tensions.
Methodology Behind the Ranking
Researchers at Zippia, a job listing platform, developed the rankings using a multi-step method. They examined the percentage of residents who told Gallup their state was the worst possible state to live in, providing direct insight from those who live there. The team also analyzed population movement trends, or 'foot votes,' using data from the American Community Survey to determine where people are leaving for better opportunities. Finally, they considered how states are perceived by the rest of the country, reflecting long-standing rivalries and stereotypes.
Other Notable Rankings
West Virginia ranked fourth, largely due to its shrinking population and outflow of residents seeking better opportunities. California surprisingly landed in fifth place, with nine other states identifying it as their most disliked neighbor, the highest number recorded in the study. Massachusetts followed, with both internal dissatisfaction and external rivalries pushing it into the top tier. Michigan made the list with nearly one in ten residents viewing their state negatively, linked to economic pressures and shifting industries.
Connecticut presented an unusual case: while no other states singled it out as their most hated neighbor, nearly 17 percent of Connecticut residents themselves said they disliked living there. Kentucky rounded out the top ten, with neighboring states Tennessee and Indiana naming it as their least favorite.
Colorado: A Rare Exception
Colorado stood out as one of the few states that no other state named as their most disliked, a rare distinction in a country filled with fierce regional pride and occasional grudges.
Researchers emphasized that the findings do not necessarily mean these states lack appeal. Instead, the rankings highlight shifting population patterns, economic challenges, and cultural stereotypes that continue to shape how Americans view the places they live.
