Most Sinful States 2025: See Where Your State Ranks!

WalletHub Unveils the Most "Sinful" States in 2025: A Deep Dive into Vices Across America

A recent study conducted by personal finance website WalletHub has stirred conversation by ranking the 50 U.S. states from least to most "sinful" in 2025. The study, released on February 24th, delves into a complex web of societal behaviors, analyzing a comprehensive range of indicators to paint a picture of moral landscapes across the nation.

While political divides often lead to accusations between Republicans and Democrats regarding the source of societal ills, the WalletHub report suggests that both red and blue states grapple with their own unique sets of vices. The analysis considered 54 key indicators of "immoral behavior," encompassing a broad spectrum from internet search habits to violent crime rates, alcohol consumption, and gambling prevalence.

The Ranking Unveiled: From the Virtuous to the Vile

The study’s findings present a diverse portrait of America, with significant variations in "sinfulness" across states. At the virtuous end of the spectrum, Idaho claims the title of the least sinful state, followed closely by New Hampshire, Vermont, Utah, and Wyoming. These states generally exhibit lower rates of the behaviors identified as indicators of vice.

Conversely, Nevada emerges as the most sinful state in the nation, a designation unsurprising to many given Las Vegas’s reputation as "Sin City." However, WalletHub’s analysis goes beyond gambling and lust, highlighting gluttony as another significant issue in the state. Nevada boasts the highest number of prostitution arrests in the U.S. and the second-highest number of fast-food restaurants per capita, suggesting a confluence of lustful and gluttonous tendencies.

California secured the second-place ranking, burdened by alarming statistics such as the third-most mass shootings and the highest number of elder abuse complaints. The study also notes Hollywood’s connection to vanity as a contributing factor. California struggles with a high rate of bullying on school property and a concerning number of aggravated assault arrests per capita, indicating prevalent issues of anger and hatred.

Florida rounds out the top three most sinful states, primarily due to the high incidence of white-collar crimes. The Sunshine State’s residents also demonstrate a penchant for "sinful" internet searches. The report highlights greed as a major problem, as Florida ranks second in the number of identity theft and fraud complaints per capita. Additionally, violent crimes fueled by anger and hatred are a concern, with Florida experiencing the fifth-highest number of mass shootings. The study reveals that Floridians indulge in lustful online behaviors, ranking fourth in Google searches for terms related to adultery, prostitution, and pornography. Vanity also surfaces as an issue, with high search rates for terms like liposuction and breast augmentation.

The remaining states fall along a spectrum of "sinfulness," each exhibiting a unique blend of vices. The full list, ranked from least to most sinful, is as follows:

50. Idaho
51. New Hampshire
52. Vermont
53. Utah
54. Wyoming
55. Maine
56. Hawaii
57. North Dakota
58. Iowa
59. Nebraska
60. Minnesota
61. South Dakota
62. Wisconsin
63. Connecticut
64. Massachusetts
65. Kentucky
66. Alaska
67. Montana
68. Indiana
69. Rhode Island
70. Kansas
71. West Virginia
72. Oregon
73. Maryland
74. Virginia
75. Arkansas
76. Missouri
77. New Mexico
78. Michigan
79. Washington
80. Alabama
81. Colorado
82. Ohio
83. Delaware
84. North Carolina
85. New Jersey
86. Mississippi
87. Oklahoma
88. Illinois
89. New York
90. Georgia
91. South Carolina
92. Pennsylvania
93. Arizona
94. Tennessee
95. Texas
96. Louisiana
97. Florida
98. California
99. Nevada

Beyond the Ranking: Understanding the Root Causes and Consequences

WalletHub’s study goes beyond simply ranking the states, aiming to highlight the underlying issues that contribute to "sinful" behaviors and their detrimental effects on communities. Nevada, for example, faces challenges beyond its association with gambling. The state has the second-lowest volunteer rate in the country and the second-highest rate of disconnected youth (young people not in school or working), suggesting a lack of social engagement and opportunities for its residents.

Chip Lupo, a WalletHub analyst, emphasizes that while individual negative behaviors may affect only a few people, when these behaviors are widespread within a state’s population, the majority of residents suffer. He suggests that states should invest in resources to help people curb vices, such as robust rehabilitation programs for those struggling with gambling and drug addictions.

The study serves as a call to action for states to address the root causes of immoral behaviors and invest in programs that promote positive social and economic outcomes. By tackling issues such as addiction, crime, and social disengagement, states can create healthier and more virtuous communities for their residents.
The study is also a helpful resource for individuals as it lets them know where to avoid moving to, in order to live a lifestyle that matches their morals.