- Study shows rising anxiety levels across each county from 2019-2024.
- Infographic showing the anxiety levels by state.
Recent reports indicate a concerning rise in anxiety levels among Americans. Persistent high levels of anxiety and stress can lead to numerous health issues, including cardiovascular problems, mental health disorders, digestive issues, weakened immune systems, sleep disturbances, impaired cognitive function, and reduced quality of life.
A Mission for Michael conducted a comprehensive study to analyze anxiety and stress levels over the past five years to determine if Americans are becoming more or less anxious. Utilizing County Health Rankings data, they identified specific counties experiencing significant changes during this period.
The study revealed that the average percentage of frequent mental anxiety increased from 12% in 2019 to 17% in 2024 across all counties in America.
On a state level, Louisianans are experiencing the most significant increase in anxiety levels, with a 7% rise compared to 2019. The top five most anxious states over the five years were:
#1 Louisiana: +7%
#2 Texas: +6%
#3 Nevada: +6%
#4 Kentucky: +6%
#5 Utah: +6%
Hawaii, while still experiencing an increase in anxiety, had the smallest rise at 3%.
Geographic Concentrations of Anxiety
At a county level, the study found a notable geographic concentration of high anxiety levels in Texas and Louisiana. Texas has the highest number of counties experiencing high stress levels, with 19 counties making the list. Louisiana follows with 11 parishes. Together, Texas and Louisiana counties/parishes represent 75% of all the counties in the top 40.
Among approximately 3,000 counties in the U.S., only two experienced a decrease in anxiety levels over the past five years:
Menominee, Wisconsin: -2%
Mora, New Mexico: -1%
Regional Insights
On a regional level, Southern states experienced the highest increase in anxiety, with a rise of 5%. In contrast, the Northeast region showed the lowest increase in mental distress over the five years, with a change of 4.5%, suggesting relatively better mental health stability compared to other regions.
A Mission for Michael’s Anand Mehta, LMFT San Diego County Executive Director, stated, “The significant increase in anxiety levels calls for immediate action to provide resources and support to those most affected. We must prioritize mental health as a critical component of overall well-being and take proactive measures to mitigate the factors contributing to rising stress and anxiety.”
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