The Laziest States in the Country
These are the laziest states around. They’re places where every day feels like a Monday. You know what we’re talking about. We’ve all had those weeks where you even struggle to get up on a Friday. We’ve had days when we return from lunch, and our brains just can’t seem to focus on anything. That’s not bad if you work to ensure you don’t stay in that rut. The people of these states got into a rut and haven’t seemed to come out of it yet.
Sure, we understand that not everybody in these states is lazy, but according to a WalletHub study, these states have higher numbers of people who work less, aren’t engaged at work, or are spending too much time doing nothing at all. For example, look at Oregon. Regarding the problem of laziness in the workplace, they’re ranked the worst. In general, it seems like the rainy days are getting to them. In Kentucky, you’ll find that most people don’t volunteer. Ever. They aren’t giving up their time no matter what you say or do. If you look at Nevada, you’ll see that they rank poorly regarding their leisure time. We’re thinking Vegas’s flashing lights might be distracting too many people.
Now, we understand that not everybody in these states is a couch potato. If you live there, we won’t call you out! We’re just saying your neighbor is probably not going anywhere. So, if you want to know which states have the laziest people around, read on!
Our information is pulled from WalletHub’s study on the Hardest Working States in America and our numbers are freshly updated with 2025’s results!
South Carolina
Overall Ranking: 25th Laziest
South Carolina comes in at 25th on the list. With a slightly-above-average 21st in direct work factors, South Carolinians clearly know how to show up and get the job done.
But when it comes to indirect work factors, like volunteering or juggling multiple jobs, things slow down to a very Southern pace, landing at a leisurely 42nd. Maybe they’re just saving energy for a porch swing and sweet tea moment?
Idaho
Overall Ranking: 24th Laziest
Idaho plants itself at 24th on the list, proving it works hard…ish. Ranking 30th in direct work factors, it seems Idahoans might hit the brakes when it comes to grinding long hours or skipping vacation days. But don’t call them couch potatoes just yet!
They shine in indirect work factors, coming in an impressive 6th. From volunteering to lending a neighbor a helping hand, Idaho knows how to butter its bread on the community spirit side. Work smarter, volunteer harder, and save some time for enjoying those famous potato dishes—that’s the Idaho way!
Utah
Overall Ranking: 23rd Laziest
Utah lands at 23rd in the country: a tale of two extremes. On the one hand, it’s 35th in direct work factors—proving that The Beehive State sometimes hits snooze before buzzing into action.
But when it comes to indirect work factors like volunteering, Utah shines, scoring an impressive 3rd. Apparently, they’ll pass on that extra shift but show up en masse to help their neighbors or coach Little League. Call it selective effort or community spirit, but Utahns have a knack for prioritizing what really matters.
Arkansas
Overall Ranking: 22nd Laziest
Arkansas ranks 22nd laziest on WalletHub’s list, a middle-of-the-road ranking that perfectly matches its “work hard, but don’t overthink it” ethos. The state flexes a respectable 20th in direct work factors, proving folks in Arkansas know how to hustle.
But indirect work factors? Dead last at 50th. Apparently, Arkansas’s idea of extra effort doesn’t extend to moonlighting or volunteering for PTA bake sales. Maybe everyone’s just too busy enjoying fried catfish and Razorback games.
Florida
Overall Ranking: 21st Laziest
Florida ranks pretty low when it comes to life outside of the workplace. According to some sources, they volunteer less than almost every other state. They’ve also got a lot of leisure time, which presumably leads to weird hobbies. That’s probably why we see so many news articles about Florida people arrested for doing weird things. (Trust us. Google it.)
To be fair, there is a large retiree population in Florida, which may lower their average volunteer hours per resident rate. But many of the other metrics are based solely on the working-age population, and they still perform poorly compared to other states in the country.
Vermont
Overall Ranking: 20th Laziest
Vermont slides into 20th on the list, proudly embodying the work-hard, nap-harder lifestyle. It’s 49th in average workweek hours, leaving plenty of time for maple syrup taste tests and staring at picturesque foliage.
But don’t be fooled by its chill vibes! Vermont still flexes a solid 3rd place ranking in employment rate, so nearly everyone is doing something. Maybe they’re working, maybe they’re perfecting their homemade cheese.
Arizona
Overall Ranking: 19th Laziest
Arizona’s unemployment rate of 4.9% doesn’t sound too bad, but it’s worse than the national average of 3.9%, pushing Arizona closer to the bottom of the barrel than the state would like. Luckily, it’s also one of the best states for job growth. We’re hoping this state doesn’t stay on the “Lazy” list!
Like Florida, Arizona also has a sizeable retiree population who is looking to move to warmer year-round weather. If there’s one silver lining for Arizonans, however, it’s that they seem to be more physically active than their Floridian counterparts.
Wisconsin
Overall Ranking: 18th Laziest
Wisconsin lands at 18th, putting it smack in the middle of the pack—like the Goldilocks of effort. The average workweek here clocks in at 38.6 hours, which is respectable but not exactly cheese-curd-churning levels of hustle.
Employment rate? It’s decent; though it seems some Wisconsinites might be too busy tailgating or perfecting their bratwurst recipes to punch the clock.
Pennsylvania
Overall Ranking: 17th Laziest
WalletHub ranked Pennsylvania terribly for its workplaces. For example, the people of Pennsylvania aren’t exactly known for being engaged with their work. It kinda makes us think that The Office was set in Pennsylvania for a reason.
The good news for Pennsylvania is that they are engaged with their community once they leave the office. They rank in the top half of states for “indirect work” factors like average volunteer hours per resident.
Washington
Overall Ranking: 16th Laziest
Washington may be on the lazy list, but we’ll let them slide. After all, they have one of the prettiest states around. Who would want to be productive when you could walk through Olympic National Park instead?
Washington is a state of two extremes. It’s in the bottom quarter of states for average work hours and share of the population with multiple jobs. At the same time, it’s in the top quarter of states who volunteer often and have low idle youth rates.
Delaware
Overall Ranking: 15th Laziest
Delaware sits at 15th laziest in the study, sitting near the bottom of the list. Its low average workweek hours and employment rate contribute significantly to this placement.
While the state may not be known for its hustle, these numbers hint at a more laid-back work culture. Rather than chasing long hours, Delaware might prioritize a slower pace and balance.
Kentucky
Overall Ranking: 14th Laziest
The Bluegrass State made this list because the residents aren’t really looking out for anyone else. The people have just as much free time as the rest of us, but they have the lowest volunteer hours of any American state. That’s not cool, Kentucky.
Noticing a theme of Southern states ranking poorly when it comes to the workplace? It’s because they have a larger than national average share of residents who have second and third jobs to make ends meet, and Kentucky is no exception.
Massachusetts
Overall Ranking: 13th Laziest
Massachusetts came in 13th this year, landing in the lower tier for work ethic. The state struggles with metrics like average workweek hours and employment rate, which contribute to its less-than-stellar ranking.
However, it does perform better in areas like idle youth rate, tying for third place, indicating that younger residents are actively pursuing education or work. While Massachusetts may not top the charts for hard work, its focus on education and skill-building suggests a long-term investment in productivity over immediate hustle.
California
Overall Ranking: 12th Laziest
California, the land of sunshine and chill vibes, is soaking up more rays than work hours! Ranked 12th laziest, the Golden State seems to prefer golden sunsets over grinding 9-to-5s.
With a low employment rate and plenty of leisure time, Californians might just be perfecting the art of work-life balance—or just life balance. While other states hustle, California’s likely catching waves or sipping lattes. But hey, who needs to work harder when you’ve got Hollywood, beaches, and avocado toast? Work smarter, not harder, right?
Illinois
Overall Ranking: 11th Laziest
What’s the scariest part of seeing Illinois on this list? It’s the 5th most populated state around. That’s a lot of people doing a whole lot of nothing. Let’s hope Chicago gets the state moving sometime soon!
Illinois places a lowly 38th in the nation for average work hours. It also is in the bottom half of the nation for indirect work factors, like an idle youth rate and annual volunteer hours per resident.
Oregon
Overall Ranking: 10th Laziest
Of every state, Oregon has more problems in the workplace than most states. This means they are sub-par when it comes to everything from working hours, unemployment rates, and unused vacation time. Oregon is kind of slogging through the rain that seems to fall so much up there.
They fair a little bit better when it comes to “indirect work factors,” landing in the top half of states. It seems they have higher than the national average of volunteer rates and are more active, especially outdoors, than most states.
Ohio
Overall Ranking: 9th Laziest
Ohio manages to be middle of the road in just about everything. It’s not necessarily bad, but it’s not really making a splash either. It’s just kind of there, surrounded by some other equally-forgettable states. The only thing really noteworthy is that they’re infamous for taking their obsession with Ohio State sports too far, but that’s probably just because they don’t have anything better to do.
Their poor ranking stems from a 45 out of 50 ranking for average working hours and low share of the working population having more than one job. Added to that a 31 out of 50 ranking for things like high average volunteer hours and low levels and youth idleness, and you average out to the 7th laziest state in the nation.
New Jersey
Overall Ranking: 8th Laziest
New Jersey, the self-proclaimed “Garden State,” might want to plant a few seeds of hustle! Ranking 8th on our list, it’s clear New Jerseyans are more about leisure than labor.
With a low employment rate and not-so-impressive workweek hours, the state seems to prefer a slower pace. Maybe it’s all those beach days and boardwalk strolls? While other states are burning the midnight oil, New Jersey is hitting snooze.
Rhode Island
Overall Ranking: 7th Laziest
Statistically, Rhode Island does less than most states. Sure, they probably have their outgoing citizens, but they are not representative of most residents. Rhode Islanders have more daily leisure time than most Americans but some of the lowest volunteer hours around.
They rank 46 out of 50 for “direct” factors like average workweek hours and share of workers with multiple jobs. Rhode Island also ranks 48 out of 50 for “indirect” factors like volunteer hours and idle youth rate.
Nevada
Overall Ranking: 6th Laziest
Nevada’s Achilles’ Heel is leisure time. They waste a lot of it. You know what else Nevada is known for? Vegas. Coincidence? We think not.
Their last-in-the-nation ranking when it comes to “indirect work factors” is mitigated somewhat by their not-too-terrible “direct work factors” ranking, at least in comparison. One strong point for Nevadan workplaces is that strong unions exist in Las Vegas for the benefit of workers.
Connecticut
Overall Ranking: 5th Laziest
Connecticut’s shortfalls center in the workplace. They’re not the worst when it comes to their work ethic, but they sure aren’t doing too hot. Their unemployment rates are higher than the national average. The people who do have jobs aren’t seen as engaged. Sure, there are bright spots, but it’s not the most hardworking place you’ll find.
Connecticut also ranks 10th worst in the nation when it comes to direct work factors used in the metrics such as a low number of average workweek hours and a high share of the working population who has multiple jobs.
New Mexico
Overall Ranking: 4th Laziest
New Mexico made this list because there’s just so little going on in the state. It’s very sparsely populated, the children don’t do much, and their unemployment isn’t very high.
They have the second lowest employment rate in the nation. It seems that carries over from youth where they also have the second highest idle youth rate in the country. The lowest for that metric is a three-way tie.
Michigan
Overall Ranking: 3rd Laziest
Sure, Michigan may be one of the laziest states around, but we’ve got to hand it to them: they seem to know what they’re doing. Their only real “problems” are spending too much time relaxing and not spending enough time in the office.
Most Americans may be overworked, but it seems like Michigan is taking a stand. If you ask us, they’re living their best lives.
New York
Overall Ranking: 2nd Laziest
New York ranks 2nd laziest among the hardest-working states in the U.S., according to WalletHub’s 2025 study. It scored low in both direct and indirect work factors, including employment rate and average workweek hours.
Despite its vibrant economy, New York’s ranking reflects challenges in work engagement and productivity metrics compared to other states. This highlights the need for a balance between work and leisure to improve overall work ethic and efficiency.
West Virginia
Overall Ranking: Laziest State in the Country
Seeing West Virginia on this list is kind of sad. It seems like they make it on all of the lists you don’t want to be on, including this lazy one. The real kicker here? They’re passing their laziness on to the next generation. They have some of the idlest youth you’ll find anywhere in the States.
They also have the third lowest employment rate for their working-age population. They don’t do so well on other “indirect” factors, like volunteer hours, either.
