In this article, we take a look at the most boring states in the US.
Impact of Boredom on Wellness
One of the most significant impacts of COVID-19 was its effect on mobility. The disease compelled students, office workers, and even businesses to switch to remote setups in the space of weeks. Even after restrictions were lifted all over the world, people continued to embrace their mundane and monotonous routines. Although there are many who have welcomed this change, cherishing the ability to spend increased time with their families, it has also resulted in making a vast number of people shrink further and further into the confines of their homes. According to a survey by Groupon, Inc. (NASDAQ: GRPN), 9 out of 10 people felt bored in quarantine.
While boredom might seem nothing more than an inconvenience, the truth is that it can have significant repercussions on human wellness. French philosopher Sartre termed boredom as the leprosy of the soul due to the lack of meaning it instills in one’s life. In recent years, studies by sources such as Columbia University have shown that chronic boredom is associated with impulsivity and risky behavior. Moreover, people who are bored easily are susceptible to depression, anxiety, anger, academic failure, poor work performance, loneliness, and isolation. Thus, being deprived of an activity even as trivial as going out for groceries or meeting up with a friend can result in stress. Consequently, during the pandemic, a study by Groupon, Inc. (NASDAQ: GRPN) showed that 74% of people said they would never take ordinary experiences for granted ever again. According to Groupon, Inc. (NASDAQ: GRPN), these included things such as eating at a restaurant, getting a haircut outside of their garage, going to the movies, or taking a group fitness class.
Recently, Pixar, a subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS) released its latest animated blockbuster Inside Out 2. Building on the same theme as the original installment, Inside Out 2 personifies the core emotions of 11-year-old Riley, and their influence on her actions. In the movie, Pixar has introduced several new emotions, including Ennui, which portrays Riley’s lack of excitement towards events in the movie. The movie mostly portrays Ennui in a secondary role in comparison to other emotions such as Anxiety. Although it highlights some positive impacts of Ennui, it also provides a glimpse of how indecisive and despondent one can become if one lets boredom influence one’s decisions.
Boredom Across the US
Our article on the Most Boring Cities in the US shows how the US is renowned for its festivals, celebrations, and sporting events. In fact, the country currently accounted for 10.5% of the global sports tourism market in 2023. However, not all US citizens have access to the same level of sporting entertainment. Some states offer little to no sporting entertainment, making them some of the most boring states for sports enthusiasts. The quality of sporting events varies greatly from state to state. In fact, a quick look at the Big Four Leagues (MLB, NBA, NFL, NHL) shows that while California alone has 15 major sports teams, 23 out of the 50 states do not have a single team among these leagues. Similarly, while 6 out of the 12 theme parks and resorts owned by The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS) are in the US, they are all in Florida or California. While there are some worthy alternatives to Disneyland Parks, citizens from some of America’s most boring states still have to cross state borders to get a high-quality theme park experience.
The global amusement and theme parks industry accumulated a turnover of $ 79.68 billion in 2023, as per a recently published report by Research and Markets. The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS) is currently the market leader in the theme parks industry and generated a revenue of $32.6 billion from its parks and experiences segment (which also includes cruise ship revenues) in 2023. Moreover, the company is making investments of $60 billion in its parks and experiences division over the next 10 years.
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Like theme parks and sporting events, other forms of entertainment and fun also vary in frequency and quality depending from state to state. Whilst arenas such as the AT&T Stadium or the Hard Rock Stadium are frequently toured by world-renowned musical artists, the same cannot be said for major stadiums in a number of states in the US. In addition, even states with notable festivals and sporting events each year are often disappointing as they fail to cater to their substantial populations. Thus, the least boring states in the US are the ones that offer a higher entertainment value per resident. If you’re interested in knowing what the most boring states in the US are statistically, join us and find out which states are missing out on all the fun.
20 Most Boring States in the US
Methodology
To develop our list of the most boring states in the US, we used several different metrics. For our first two metrics, we used the percentage of the population under 18 years of age and over 65 years of age, wherein a higher proportion of individuals in each category would make a state more boring. Our third metric was the estimated population density, where a lower proportion made a state more boring. Data for all these metrics was obtained from recent estimates by Census.gov. In addition, we obtained data on the estimated number of restaurants and the number of museums, galleries, & zoos in the state. Using these, we calculated the number of individuals in the state per restaurant or museum. A higher number of individuals per restaurant or museum made the state more boring. Lastly, we used the number of major sports teams across the NFL, MLB, NBA, and NHL as our final metric. States with fewer or no major sports teams were considered as more boring states in the US. We sorted our data in descending order. The top 20 states were chosen as the most boring states in the US.
We want to emphasize that the intent of this analysis is not to offend or undermine any age group, including seniors and individuals under 18. Our goal is to evaluate various factors that might contribute to a state’s overall vibrancy and activity level. The metrics used, including the proportions of people under 18 and over 65 years old, were selected to understand demographic trends that might influence the availability of certain types of activities and services. A higher proportion in these age groups can often correlate with a more stable and less rapidly changing environment, which is why these factors were considered in our analysis. It is important to note that these metrics are not indicative of the value or quality of life for any age group but rather serve as one part of a broader evaluation of a state’s overall dynamism. We recognize and respect the diverse contributions and experiences of all individuals, regardless of age.
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Here are 20 Most Boring States in the US.
20. Kansas
Insider Monkey Score: 18.20
Population Density: 36 individuals per sq mile
Percentage of Residents Under 18 Years: 23.6%
Percentage of Residents 65 Years or Over: 17.5%
Number of Residents Per Restaurant: 715
Number of Major Sports Teams: 0
With scorching summers, freezing winters, and flat plains all around the state, it isn’t surprising that Kansas ranks as one of the most boring states in the US.
19. North Carolina
Insider Monkey Score: 18.27
Population Density: 223 individuals per sq mile
Percentage of Residents Under 18 Years: 21.6%
Percentage of Residents 65 Years or Over: 17.6%
Number of Residents Per Restaurant: 750
Number of Major Sports Teams: 3
In comparison to other east coast states, North Carolina lacks in entertainment value. Swifties would be particularly appalled to find out Taylor Swift hasn’t toured the state since 2015.
18. Oklahoma
Insider Monkey Score: 18.34
Population Density: 59 individuals per sq mile
Percentage of Residents Under 18 Years: 23.8%
Percentage of Residents 65 Years or Over: 16.6%
Number of Residents Per Restaurant: 741
Number of Major Sports Teams: 1
Tulsa ranked as the most boring city in the US last year, and the rest of the state doesn’t fare much better either.
17. Indiana
Insider Monkey Score: 18.36
Population Density: 192 individuals per sq mile
Percentage of Residents Under 18 Years: 23.1%
Percentage of Residents 65 Years or Over: 17.2%
Number of Residents Per Restaurant: 759
Number of Major Sports Teams: 2
Unless you are there to watch the Indy 500, chances are you are simply driving through Indiana to get to a neighboring state.
16. New Mexico
Insider Monkey Score: 18.67
Population Density: 17 individuals per sq mile
Percentage of Residents Under 18 Years: 21.3%
Percentage of Residents 65 Years or Over: 19.8%
Number of Residents Per Restaurant: 731
Number of Major Sports Teams: 0
In terms of population density, New Mexico ranks behind only North Dakota and South Dakota for states in our list. Moreover, a perpetually dry climate in cities such as Albuquerque makes staying indoors feel much more convenient.
15. North Dakota
Insider Monkey Score: 18.91
Population Density: 11 individuals per sq mile
Percentage of Residents Under 18 Years: 23.6%
Percentage of Residents 65 Years or Over: 17%
Number of Residents Per Restaurant: 835
Number of Major Sports Teams: 0
North Dakota has the lowest population density out of all the states in our list.
14. Nevada
Insider Monkey Score: 19.10
Population Density: 29 individuals per sq mile
Percentage of Residents Under 18 Years: 21.5%
Percentage of Residents 65 Years or Over: 17.4%
Number of Residents Per Restaurant: 645
Number of Major Sports Teams: 2
Outside of Las Vegas, or Clark County, Nevada is an extremely boring state. Moreover, the avenues for entertainment are unreasonably expensive, making them suitable for out-of-state vacationers but not for its own residents.
13. South Carolina
Insider Monkey Score: 19.21
Population Density: 179 individuals per sq mile
Percentage of Residents Under 18 Years: 21.3%
Percentage of Residents 65 Years or Over: 19.3%
Number of Residents Per Restaurant: 686
Number of Major Sports Teams: 0
South Carolina is the perfect place to immerse yourself in nature, however, it is extremely dull for those interested in sports, concerts, or a night out.
12. Iowa
Insider Monkey Score: 19.21
Population Density: 57 individuals per sq mile
Percentage of Residents Under 18 Years: 22.8%
Percentage of Residents 65 Years or Over: 18.6%
Number of Residents Per Restaurant: 805
Number of Major Sports Teams: 0
Iowa is notorious for being unwelcoming to outsiders. Its lack of festivals, museums, and sports teams makes it a very dull experience.
11. Alabama
Insider Monkey Score: 19.32
Population Density: 101 individuals per sq mile
Percentage of Residents Under 18 Years: 22.1%
Percentage of Residents 65 Years or Over: 18.3%
Number of Residents Per Restaurant: 733
Number of Major Sports Teams: 0
Alabama has strict laws regarding alcohol consumption, which adds to its overall lack of entertainment. In addition, a lack of recreational investment by the state government has also contributed to its dullness.
10. Nebraska
Insider Monkey Score: 19.32
Population Density: 26 individuals per sq mile
Percentage of Residents Under 18 Years: 24.3%
Percentage of Residents 65 Years or Over: 17.2%
Number of Residents Per Restaurant: 776
Number of Major Sports Teams: 0
There isn’t much to do in Nebraska in terms of festivals and activities, making it one of the most boring states in the US.
9. Kentucky
Insider Monkey Score: 19.51
Population Density: 115 individuals per sq mile
Percentage of Residents Under 18 Years: 22.5%
Percentage of Residents 65 Years or Over: 17.8%
Number of Residents Per Restaurant: 782
Number of Major Sports Teams: 0
Some of Kentucky’s commendable features include activities such as horse racing and college-level sports. Outside of sports, the state lacks high-quality entertainment.
8. Mississippi
Insider Monkey Score: 19.58
Population Density: 63 individuals per sq mile
Percentage of Residents Under 18 Years: 23.1%
Percentage of Residents 65 Years or Over: 17.6%
Number of Residents Per Restaurant: 708
Number of Major Sports Teams: 0
Mississippi had the lowest proportion of museums and galleries with respect to population out of all the places on our list.
7. Minnesota
Insider Monkey Score: 19.59
Population Density: 72 individuals per sq mile
Percentage of Residents Under 18 Years: 22.7%
Percentage of Residents 65 Years or Over: 17.8%
Number of Residents Per Restaurant: 897
Number of Major Sports Teams: 4
Despite having several major sports teams, Minnesota ranks as one of the most boring states in the US. With vast rural areas and a lower concentration of bustling urban centers compared to more densely populated states, the state makes it to our list.
6. Arkansas
Insider Monkey Score: 19.89
Population Density: 59 individuals per sq mile
Percentage of Residents Under 18 Years: 23%
Percentage of Residents 65 Years or Over: 18%
Number of Residents Per Restaurant: 768
Number of Major Sports Teams: 0
Arkansas has one of the highest proportions of individuals under the age of 18. While people might be tempted by its low cost of living, the tradeoff is that the state lacks recreational opportunities.
5. West Virginia
Insider Monkey Score: 20.19
Population Density: 74 individuals per sq mile
Percentage of Residents Under 18 Years: 19.9%
Percentage of Residents 65 Years or Over: 21.5%
Number of Residents Per Restaurant: 855
Number of Major Sports Teams: 0
West Virginia is one of the poorest states in the US. Due to its struggling economy, there has been a lack of effort by the government to boost recreational infrastructure, resulting in it being a very dull place.