15 States That Americans Love to Hate—and Why

A 2018 Pew Research Center survey revealed that declining trust in the U.S. government is attributed to poor performance and divisive media coverage, while a 2020 survey found that only 20% of U.S. adults trust the government to do the right thing.¹

Americans have strong opinions about the states they love to hate, with certain states consistently topping the list of the most disliked in the nation. 

Here are some of the reasons behind the animosity toward these states and which ones make the top 15 list of the most hated in America.

1. Illinois

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The Land of Lincoln faces many issues, from the crime-ridden streets of Chicago to the state’s rapidly shrinking population. Illinois holds the unenviable title of having the fastest-declining population in the country.(ref)   

But what’s driving this mass exodus? Residents cite many factors, including high taxes, political corruption, and a lack of job opportunities. The state’s harsh winters and humid summers certainly don’t help. 

Despite its deep-dish pizza and iconic architecture, Illinois struggles to win over Americans’ hearts.

2. New Jersey

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Next is the Garden State, which elicits groans from coast to coast. New Jersey’s notorious reputation is mainly due to its congested highways and seemingly endless toll roads. The state’s high population density and proximity to major cities like New York and Philadelphia increase traffic woes.

But it’s not just the roads making New Jerseyans feel the heat. The state’s high property taxes and high cost of living have many residents questioning whether the juice is worth the squeeze. 

And let’s not forget the less-than-scenic industrial areas that dot the landscape. Despite its beautiful shorelines and diverse culture, New Jersey can’t seem to shake its status as one of America’s most disliked states.

3. California

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The Golden State may be known for its stunning coastlines and Hollywood glamour, but only some are enamored with California. The state’s sky-high cost of living is a major point of contention, with many residents struggling to make ends meet. 

Traffic is another sore spot, with cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco consistently ranking among the most congested in the nation.

But it’s not just practical concerns that Americans dislike California. The state’s perceived liberal politics and “holier-than-thou” attitude rub many the wrong way. 

And let’s not forget the ever-present threat of wildfires and earthquakes. While California certainly has its charms, it’s clear that not many Americans are ready to pack their bags and head west.

4. Texas

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The Lone Star State is a place of extremes, and opinions about it are just as polarized. On one hand, Texas boasts a booming economy, diverse landscapes, and a rich cultural heritage. 

On the other, its harsh climate, conservative politics, and high rate of executions have many Americans shaking their heads.

Texas’ independent spirit and “bigger is better” mentality can be both a draw and a deterrent, depending on who you ask. The state’s influence on national politics often sparks controversy, and its challenges with immigration, education, and healthcare are well-documented. 

Love it or hate it, there’s no denying that Texas is a state that elicits strong opinions.

5. Florida

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The Sunshine State may be a popular vacation destination, but not everyone is eager to call it home. Florida’s humid climate, high crime rates, and large retiree population are just a few reasons it finds itself on our list of the most hated states.

But perhaps the biggest knock against Florida is its reputation for bizarre news stories and eccentric residents. From alligator encounters to outlandish criminal antics, the state seems to have a knack for making headlines for all the wrong reasons. 

And let’s not forget the devastating hurricanes that regularly batter its shores. While Florida certainly has its appeal, it’s clear that not everyone is ready to embrace the Sunshine State lifestyle.

6. Massachusetts

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The Bay State may be known for its rich history and top-notch universities, but not everyone loves Massachusetts. One of the biggest complaints? The weather. With harsh winters and unpredictable summers, many residents long for a more temperate climate. 

But it’s not just the weather that has people turning up their noses at Massachusetts. The state’s high cost of living, particularly in Boston, is another major point of contention. For many residents, the steep price tag simply isn’t worth it.

7. Maryland

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Maryland may be small, but it has a big reputation for being disliked. One of the main reasons? It’s notoriously high taxes. Maryland had the 7th highest overall tax burden in the nation, with residents paying an average of 9.34% of their total personal income in state and local taxes.

But taxes aren’t the only issue causing Marylanders to feel the heat. The state’s crime rate, particularly in Baltimore, is another major concern.

This, combined with the state’s struggling education system and congested traffic, has many residents questioning whether Maryland is the “Free State” it claims to be.

8. Michigan

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Ah, Michigan. The Great Lakes State has seen its fair share of troubles, from the auto industry’s decline to the Flint water crisis. But what seems to grind people’s gears about Michigan? The weather. 

With an average of 64 cloudy days per year and harsh, snowy winters, it’s no wonder that a 2019 Thrillist article dubbed Michigan one of the worst states to spend winter.

But the gloomy weather isn’t the only storm cloud hanging over Michigan. The state’s struggling economy and high crime rates in cities like Detroit have also contributed to its lackluster reputation. 

While Michigan certainly has its bright spots, like its natural beauty and music scene, its challenges seem to overshadow its charms for many Americans.

9. New Mexico

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New Mexico may be known as the Land of Enchantment, but not everyone is spellbound by this southwestern state. One of the main issues? Education. New Mexico ranked dead last in overall school system quality, with low test scores and high dropout rates contributing to its poor performance.

But education isn’t the only area where New Mexico falls short. The state also grapples with high rates of poverty and crime. About 18.2% of New Mexicans live below the poverty line, compared to the national average of 10.5%. And in 2019, New Mexico had the second-highest violent crime rate in the nation, with 856.6 incidents per 100,000 residents. 

While New Mexico’s stunning desert landscapes and rich cultural heritage are enchanting, many Americans seem to find the state’s challenges a bit of a buzzkill.

10. Arkansas

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Last but not least, we have Arkansas, the Natural State that seems to have a not-so-natural talent for rubbing people the wrong way. One of the biggest complaints? The state’s lackluster economy. Arkansas came in dismal 45th place, with low workforce, infrastructure, and access to capital scores.

But it’s not just the business climate that has people turning up their noses at Arkansas. The state’s politics have also raised eyebrows, with controversial laws like the 2021 ban on gender-affirming care for transgender youth drawing national criticism.

11. New York

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This state is one of stark contrasts, with its bustling metropolis often overshadowing its rural areas. The fast pace, high cost of living, and perceived rudeness of some city dwellers contribute to its mixed reputation.(ref  

However, New York’s vibrant culture, world-class attractions, and economic opportunities are significant draws for many. Despite its global influence and iconic status, the state grapples with income inequality, aging infrastructure, and a complex political landscape. 

Its high taxes and stringent regulations further fuel the debate over its livability. Yet, the resilience, diversity, and innovation found throughout the state continue to attract people from all walks of life.

12. Louisiana

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Louisiana state often finds itself on lists of the poorest or worst states in America, and now it’s also intensely disliked. It’s a hotspot for violent crime, aggressive citizens, lack of education, low academic achievement, arrogance, mistakes, regression, lack of self-awareness, racial discrimination, rudeness, coarseness, pettiness, narrow-mindedness, and hypocrisy. 

The Pelican State has the worst-ranked economy nationwide in terms of job growth and economic opportunities, with employment largely confined to areas often considered dangerous, such as jobs in oil and chemical plants.

Unfortunately, the state of education here is abysmal, making many people hate living here. A quarter of students do not graduate from high school, putting them at a disadvantage in finding decent jobs and pursuing higher education. 

13. Tennessee

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Kicking off our list is Tennessee, a place known for its country music, whiskey, and, apparently, its ability to rub people the wrong way. One of the main gripes? The state’s conservative politics.

In recent years, the state has made headlines for controversial laws, such as the 2021 bill that would allow students to opt out of learning about LGBTQ+ history. For many Americans, these policies are a major turn-off.

But politics aren’t the only thing making people dislike the Volunteer State. The state’s high sales tax rate, at 9.55%, is another sore spot (ref). 

14. Utah

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Coming in at number 14 is Utah, a place that seems to have a talent for getting under people’s skin. One of the main issues? The state’s strict alcohol laws. Until 2009, bars and restaurants were required to have a “Zion Curtain,” a barrier that shielded patrons from seeing drinks being made. And even today, the state has some of the strictest alcohol laws in the nation, with high taxes and limited availability.

But it’s not just the state’s teetotaling tendencies that have people rolling their eyes. The state’s conservative politics are another major point of contention. 

In recent years, the state has made headlines for controversial laws, such as the 2020 bill that would ban transgender athletes from competing in girls’ sports. For many Americans, these policies are a major turn-off.

15. Nebraska

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Rounding out our list is Nebraska, a place that seems to have a special talent for rubbing people the wrong way. One of the biggest complaints? The state’s lack of excitement. With a population of just 1.9 million people spread out over 77,000 square miles, the state can feel a bit, well, empty. 

And let’s not forget about the state’s reputation for being a bit, well, dull. In a 2019 ranking of the most boring states in America, the Cornhusker State came in at number three, with low scores for culture, entertainment, and nightlife.

But it’s not just the state’s lack of excitement that has people turning up their noses. The state’s harsh climate is another major point of contention. With hot, humid summers and cold, snowy winters, many residents find themselves longing for a more temperate climate. 

Source:

  1. Pew Research Center
davin
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.