Tennessee Ranks Among the Most Sinful States – What Makes It So Naughty?

When it comes to vices and what some would consider "immoral" behavior, Tennessee is right there near the top of the list. According to a recent study, the Volunteer state is the 5th most sinful state in America. But what does that really mean?

READ MORE: Massive New “Crayola Experience” Coming to Tennessee in 2024

To be clear, this isn't a study about which states have the most "bad" people or the largest group of non-churchgoers. This study looks at how "sinning" has a negative financial impact on each state and the rest of the country. For example, gambling costs the U.S. about $5 billion per year, which is chump change compared to the $300 billion our country loses to smoking each year.

To determine America's most sinful states, the financial website WalletHub.com scored the 50 states in seven categories - Anger & Hatred, Jealousy, Excesses & Vices, Greed, Lust, Vanity, and Laziness.

Just How Naughty is Tennessee?

According to this study, Tennessee is the 5th most sinful state in America, and here's how the state ranks in the individual categories...

• Anger & Hatred - 3rd
• Jealousy - 15th
• Excesses & Vices - 2nd
• Greed - 11th
• Lust - 5th
• Vanity - 29th
• Laziness - 11th

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What States are the Most and Least Sinful?

Would you be surprised if I told you that Nevada scored the highest, making it the most sinful state in America? I mean, for crying out loud, its claim to fame is a place that is literally referred to as "Sin City."

At the very bottom of the list (#50) is Wyoming, the least sinful state in America.

You can scroll over the map below to see how the other states scored, and you can visit WalletHub.com if you want to look at the numbers and stuff.