Montana just barely squeaks by and makes it into the list of most independent states at number 15 with a total score of 57.88. Interestingly enough, their numbers are all over the place, but they even out to a pretty decent ranking.
Montana has almost no dependency on international trade, and it shows, as they rank number 1 for that. However, their other stats are pretty mixed, with the state coming in almost dead last for things like government dependency and vice dependency.
People like to dog on California, but if it's independence you seek, you could actually do a lot worse than the Golden State, believe it or not. California comes in at number 14 for the most independent states with a total score of 58.25.
The state does best when it comes to vice dependency, where they rank number six in the nation. However, other categories seriously hurt their overall score—such as job market dependency, where they ranked number 43.
I don't think anyone could disagree with the fact that New Jersey has a mean independent streak running right through it. They rank as the 13th most independent state in the nation with a total score of 58.30
There are plenty of vices to be had in the Garden State, but apparently, no one is that interested in them, as New Jersey ranks best in the nation for (lack of) vice dependency. However, they placed at number 40 for international trade dependency, which is no surprise considering the state's proximity to NYC.
You'd think a state surrounded entirely by water would be heavily dependent on at least a few things from the outside world, but Hawaii isn't like that. They come in as the 12th most independent state with a total score of 58.55.
They scored best when it comes to international trade dependency, with a national ranking of number seven. However, their worst ranking was government dependency, where they fell to the rank of 33.
Everyone always forgets tiny New Hampshire, but you might want a refresher course on the Granite State if you love being independent. They just barely missed the top ten for this list, coming in at number 11 with a total score of 59.21.
When it comes to financial independence, they're at the top of the nation with the best personal finances in the country. However, their international trade dependence bogged them down a bit, with a less impressive ranking of 36th in the nation.
The east coast is the place to be for independence, apparently. Or at least that's the case in Delaware. They made the top 10 for most independent states in the nation with a total score of 59.53.
The state's best score comes from government independence, where they rank 3rd in the nation. Their worst score (which is still amazing compared to some states) was for international trade dependency, where they ranked 28th.
Nothing says independence like living in a cabin in the Pacific Northwest. All of Washington state might not be so idyllic, but it is a very independent state, with a national ranking of 9th place and an overall score of 59.54.
Folks seem to be good with their money in the Evergreen State, as Washington comes in at number two in the nation for financial independence. However, the state's overall score was hurt by the fact that they rank 28th in terms of job market dependency.
Wisconsin—come for the cheese, stay for the independence. This humble midwestern state does great when it comes to independence, with a national ranking of number eight and a total score of 59.98.
Wisconsin's most independent when it comes to the job market, with a national ranking of number 3. However, they didn't do great when it comes to international trade dependency. It was their worst ranking in the study, and they came in 23rd.
If you live in Idaho, you should be pleasantly surprised at how well the Gem State did when it comes to independence. They ranked number seven in the nation for independence, with a total score of 60.02.
Idaho dominated the competition when it comes to international trade dependency, with an overall ranking of number two. Things don't look too good for financial independence in the state, though. Here, Idaho ranked a disappointing 34th.
Florida catches a lot of flak for its seemingly endless supply of crazy people, but at least those crazies are independent! The state comes in at number six in the nation and has a total score of 60.31.
Their best score is actually a tie between two categories—they rank at number nine for both international trade dependency and vice dependency. On the other end of the spectrum, their worst score comes from financial dependence, where they sit at a below-average ranking of 29.
If you're willing to brave an intense tornado season every year, Nebraska has all the independence you could ever want and then some. They made it to the top five with a total independence score of 60.37.
The state had a wide spread of rankings, ranging from the single digits (job market dependency at number two) to some abysmal double-digit rankings, like with vice dependency where they rank 39th.
Considering it was such an important place for the start of our country's independence, you would hope that Virginia still ranks high in that category. And they do! Old Dominion comes in at number four in the nation with a total score of 60.69.
Like some other states, Virginia has some high highs and low lows when it comes to the rankings. While they're number four in the nation for financial independence, they're almost at the bottom of the barrel for job market dependency, where they rank 41st.
Now we're getting to the best of the best when it comes to independence. Massachusetts opens the top three in the overall rankings with a total score of 61.09. You won't find more independence almost anywhere in the country!
The Bay State had high rankings for both financial independence (#3) and vice independence (#5). Really, the only thing that brought Massachusetts down was its international trade dependency ranking of number 31.
Colorado was so close to the number one spot on this list, but they just barely missed out. However, being the second most independent state in the Union is nothing to be ashamed of! They still dominated the competition with a massive total score of 63.66.
The Centennial State had pretty consistent rankings across the board for financial independence, government dependency, and international trade independence where they ranked #5, #5, and #6 respectively. What really hurt them was vice dependency, where they (unsurprisingly) ranked number 30.
We don't want to take away from Utah's well-deserved ranking as the most independent state in the nation. But be honest—would you have ever in a million years guessed that they would come out on top? Their total score was the best in the US at 66.03.
The Beehive State was number one for job market independence, number two for government independence, and number four for vice independence. The other states just didn't stand a chance with multiple high scores like these!
Illinois kicks off the bottom 15 for least independent states in the nation. The Land of Lincoln comes in with a low total score of just 51.32. It's not the worst on this list, but it could be much, much better!
Illinois' worst rating comes for dependence on international trade, for which they rank 43rd. However, financial independence isn't much better for the state either—for this, they come in at number 38.
If you're looking for independence, you might want to search elsewhere besides Arkansas! The Natural State just can't compete with most of the country and comes in at 36th in the nation with a total score of 50.96.
When it comes to vice dependency, you can't do much worse than Arkansas—they ranked at number 49 for this crucial metric. On the upside, Arkansas is more independent when it comes to international trade, ranking at a respectable number 10 for this.
This has to be a mistake, right? How can Texas of all places not be one of the most independent states? As strange as it sounds, they ranked 37th in the nation for independence with a total score of 50.63.
Texas scores worst where international trade is concerned. They ranked 49th for this—almost the worst in the nation. However, they do better when it comes to government dependency, breaking into the top 10 at number eight.
Things aren't looking too good for Ohio with a national independence ranking of 39th in the nation. Their total score of 50.49 is just nothing to be proud of.
The Buckeye State's worst ranking came from vice dependency, which places them at number 41. However, there were a few higher scores in there for the state, such as government independence, for which they rank 18th.
Michigan opens up the bottom ten with a ranking of number 40 in the nation. The Great Lake State had a total score of just 47.40, which was one of the worst in the entire United States.
Michigan's biggest drawback is definitely its dependence on international trade. They ranked 44th in the nation for that. The state's best ranking (which still isn't great) comes from financial independence, for which they rank 25th.
New Mexico may have plenty of beautiful desert landscapes, but they could definitely use a little more independence! They come in at number 41 in the nation with a total score of just 47.03.
What really hurt New Mexico was its job market dependency ranking—they were the worst of the worst as number 50 in the nation. However, on the flip side, New Mexico has an amazing international trade dependency ranking of just number four.
Indiana may be in the middle of the United States, but when it comes to independence, they're near the bottom of the pack with a ranking of 42. Their total independence score only came in at 46.57.
Indiana's worst ranking comes from international trade dependency, where they came in at number 45. However, when it comes to the domestic job market, they did much better than the rest of the country with a ranking of number 5.
The great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee answer to no one, but the same can't be said about the citizens of the state. The Volunteer State ranked 43rd out of the 50 states with a total independence score of 46.49.
Tennessee really needs to get its vices in check, because that's the area where the state ranked worst—48 out of 50. However, Tennessee's number six ranking for job market dependency means that it's not all doom and gloom in the state.
Alabama just barely made it out of the bottom five, with a national ranking of 44th when it comes to independence. The Cotton State had a poor performance with one of the smallest total scores in the nation—45.32.
None of the state's individual scores were particularly great, but their worst comes from financial dependence, where they rank 43rd. Their highest score comes from job market independence, but at 24th, it's still nothing to be proud of.
When it comes to the battle of the Virginias, OG Virginia handily beats West Virginia in terms of independence. The Mountain State disappointed us all with a ranking of 45th in the nation and a total score of just 44.07.
Of all their poor individual scores, the worst comes from government dependency, for which they ranked 49th. Their ranking for international trade dependency is just 18th, making it the highest score for West Virginia.
Things aren't looking too great for independence in South Carolina. With a ranking of 46th, you can't do much worse anywhere else in the nation. The state ended up with a low total score of 40.45.
When it comes to government dependency, South Carolina is the worst of the worst, coming in dead last at number 50. The best ranking South Carolina can claim is job market dependency, and even then, they only ranked 34th.
Considering how far away they are from the rest of us, you'd think that Alaska answered to no one. But that's not the case! The Last Frontier came in a disappointing 47th out of 50 with a total score of 40.18.
Alaska is in the bottom five for more than half of the individual rankings, including government dependency (50th), international trade dependency (46th), and vice dependency (46th). On the other hand, they did rank at a respectable number ten for financial independence.
Poor Mississippi just can't seem to catch a break. Everyone has something bad to say about them, and they also ranked very poorly in terms of independence. At 48th in the nation and with a total score of 37.78, it's hard to do worse than the Hospitality State.
Mississippi has not one but two rock bottom rankings. They came in at number 50 for both financial dependency and vice dependency. Their best score (international trade dependency) didn't even crack the top 30.
Louisiana may be one of the least independent states in the nation, but at least they're not the worst—but just barely! The Bayou State ranks 49th out of 50 for independence and only had a total score of 37.61.
All of Louisiana's individual rankings are hovering around the 40s, with the worst being financial dependency (49th) and the best being government dependency (41st). Those numbers don't look too good!
Well, every competition has to have a loser, right? Unfortunately for Kentucky, they're the worst of the worst this time. With a ranking of 50th out of 50 and a total score of just 37.29, you can't do worse when it comes to being independent.
The state is the worst when it comes to dependency on international trade, with a ranking of 50. While their other scores aren't as bad enough, when combined, they add up to create the worst state for independence in the nation.
