Tennessee is the 5th most sinful state in the Union, according to a study done by WalletHub.
Every state is known for its own virtues and vices and the Volunteer State seems to have more than a few.
To determine where the U.S. has the most moral growing to do, WalletHub compared the 50 states across 43 key indicators of immorality that were based on the Seven Deadly Sins: Anger & Hatred, Jealousy, Excesses & Vices, Greed, Lust, Vanity and Laziness.
The data set ranges from violent crimes per capita to excessive drinking to share of the population with gambling disorders.
According to the study, Missouri has the worst drug use problem. And it certainly comes as no surprise that Nevada is the most gambling-addicted. Interestingly, Mississppi came in at No. 1 in the "Highest Average Time Spent on Adult Entertainment Sites" category. Thankfully we didn't place in that one.
Tennessee, on the other hand, ranks tops in Anger & Hatred, likely because we tied for first place with Alaska and New Mexico for the "Most Violent Crimes per Capita." Our other top rankings came in Lust (3rd place) and Excess & Vices (10th).
How does Tennessee rank in the Seven Deadly Sins
Anger & Hatred (Wrath): 1
Lust (Lust): 3
Excess & Vices (Gluttony): 10
Jealousy (Envy): 14
Greed (Greed): 14
Laziness (Sloth): 19
Vanity (Pride): 22
(1=Most Sinful; 25=Avg.)
This isn't just a fun study. Harmful behavior on the individual level can result in staggering economic costs, considering that gambling addiction costs the U.S. $5 billion per year and smoking costs dwarf that with over $300 billion per year.
Some sinful behavior on the individual level can add up to staggering economic costs on a national scale.
We sit in the Sunbelt, but maybe it should really be the Sinbelt.
Michelle Willard is a freelance journalist who fills her days with social media marketing, politics, her blog Middle Tennessee Mysteries, and taking complaints. You can complain to her on Twitter @MichWillard or by email michelle(at)murfreesborovoice.com.
