
Just Chillin’: How Relaxed Are South Dakota, Iowa, and Minnesota?
When it comes to leading a laid-back life, we've got it figured out in the Upper Midwest.
A recent study by Manhattan Mental Health Counseling analyzed data from the United Health Foundation’s American Health Rankings to uncover where Americans are feeling the least stressed and not surprisingly South Dakota, Iowa, and Minnesota are among the most relaxed states in the nation.
In fact, the Mount Rushmore State is the most laid-back state in America with only 12.2% of its residents reporting stress. It also boasts the nation’s lowest levels of frequent mental distress at 12.8% and an impressively low rate of physical distress (11.5%) among adults aged 65 and older. Experts point to the state’s rural environment and strong sense of community as key factors that help keep stress at bay.
Iowa's chill rate landed the state in the Top Five with just 14.4% of its residents reporting stress.
Minnesota fell just outside the Top Five at number six with 14.6% of its residents reporting stress.

MOST RELAXED STATES
- South Dakota
- Hawaii
- Nebraska
- North Dakota
- Iowa
- Minnesota
- Delaware
- New Jersey
- Massachusetts
- California
Southern States dominated the list of the most stressful states, although West Virginia checked in at number one with nearly double the rate of people reporting stress compared to South Dakota.
MOST STRESSED STATES
- West Virginia
- Arkansas
- Tennessee
- Alabama
- Louisiana
- Kentucky
- Oklahoma
- Missouri
- Mississippi
- North Carolina
Best counties to retire to in South Dakota
Gallery Credit: Stacker
LOOK: Best counties to retire to in Iowa
Gallery Credit: Stacker
Best counties to retire to in Minnesota
Gallery Credit: Stacker
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