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 6th most sinful state in America. But what does that really mean?

ALSO READ: This Tennessee City Has Been Named One of the Wildest in America

For the record, 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 $600 billion our country loses to smoking each year.

Photo by Heidi Kaden on Unsplash
Photo by Heidi Kaden on Unsplash
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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.

What Makes Tennessee Such a Sinful State?

According to this study, Tennessee is the 6th most sinful state in America, and here's how the state ranks in the individual categories...

  • Anger & Hatred - 3rd
  • Jealousy - 18th
  • Excesses & Vices - 7th
  • Greed - 3rd
  • Lust - 7th
  • Vanity - 28th
  • Laziness - 14th
  • Tennessee is also one of four states tied for having the most violent crimes per capita.

What States are the Most and Least Sinful?

Las Vegas
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It should come as no surprise to anyone that NEVADA was/is ranked as the most sinful state in America. I mean, for crying out loud, Nevada is home to a place that is literally referred to as "Sin City."

Photo by Alden Skeie on Unsplash
Photo by Alden Skeie on Unsplash
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At the very bottom of the list (#50) is IDAHO, the least sinful state in America.

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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.

Source: WalletHub

LOOK: Here are the 25 best places to live in Tennessee

Stacker compiled a list of the best places to live in Tennessee using data from Niche. Niche ranks places to live based on a variety of factors including cost of living, schools, health care, recreation, and weather. Cities, suburbs, and towns were included. Listings and images are from realtor.com.

On the list, there's a robust mix of offerings from great schools and nightlife to high walkability and public parks. Some areas have enjoyed rapid growth thanks to new businesses moving to the area, while others offer glimpses into area history with well-preserved architecture and museums. Keep reading to see if your hometown made the list.

A Unique Tennessee Getaway, The Smoky Mountain Pirate Ship

Located on Douglas Lake in Tennessee, sits a rather unconventional houseboat. What makes this houseboat unconventional is it's been modeled to look like a pirate ship, complete with masts, skeletons, portholes, and more! If you're wanting a Smoky Mountain getaway like no other, this is certainly a good option. See the full VRBO listing, here.

Gallery Credit: Melissa Awesome

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