States With the Worst Quality of Life

The states with the worst quality of life all have 2 things in common... REPUBLICANS and Fundagelical Christians. The Bible belt is a toilet!

These are the 10 states with the worst quality of life.

10. Georgia 

Senator Saxby Chambliss (R- GA)
Senator Johnny Isakson (R- GA)  Georgia Governor Nathan Deal  Governor's Website  State Website Office Dates:  Jan 10, 2011 - Address: 203 State Capitol Atlanta,  GA  30334 Phone: 404/656-1776 Fax: 404/657-7332 Address: State of Georgia 1455 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. – Suite 400 Washington,  DC  20004 Phone: 202/652-2299 Fax: 202/347-1142 Born:  Aug 25, 1942 Birth State:  Georgia Party:  Republican Spouse:  Sandra Dunagan Deal Family:  Married; four children School(s):  Mercer University, Walter F. George School of Law National Office(s) Served:  Representative

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Patrons sit at a cafe along the Savannah River in Savannah, Ga. (AP Photo/David Goldman)

> Employment rate: 64.7% (10th lowest)
> Household disposable income per capita: $26,426 (13th lowest)
> Homicide rate: 5.7 per 100,000 (13th highest)
> Voter turnout: 61.9% (tied-22nd lowest)

Georgia residents have among the worst quality of life, based on the nine well-being factors measured. The state fared particularly poorly on the OECD’s jobs metric, as more than 9% of working-age adults were unemployed last year, among the highest rates nationwide. The high unemployment rate may be due, in part, to poor educational attainment rates -- as was the case with a majority of the states with the worst quality of life. Less than 85% of Georgia's workforce had at least a high school diploma in 2013, among the lowest rates in the country. Many Georgians also struggled with poverty, as 19% of the state’s population lived below the poverty line last year, versus 15.8% of all Americans.

9. New Mexico Senator Tom Udall (D- NM) Senator Martin Heinrich (D- NM)

New Mexico Governor Susana Martinez

Governor's Website  State Website

Office Dates:  Jan 01, 2011 - Address: State Capitol Fourth Floor Santa Fe,  NM  87501 Phone: 505/476-2200 Fax: 505/476-2226 Address: Washington Office of the Governor State of New Mexico 444 North Capitol Street – Suite 400 Washington,  DC  20001 Phone: 202/220-1348 Fax: 202/220-1349

Born:  Jul 14, 1959 Birth State:  Texas Party:  Republican Spouse:  Chuck Franco Family:  Married; one child School(s):  University of Texas at El Paso; University of Oklahoma College of Law

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A church is seen in downtown Truth or Consequences, New Mexico. REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson

> Employment rate: 63.8% (7th lowest)
> Household disposable income per capita: $25,183 (7th lowest)
> Homicide rate: 6.7 per 100,000 (4th highest)
> Voter turnout: 61.6% (19th lowest)

New Mexico is bigger than many European countries. Yet, its population hovers around just 2 million because it has large portions of virtually uninhabitable terrain. A low population density likely partly explains the state’s poor infrastructure. For example, only 54% of households had broadband Internet last year, less than in all but one other state. New Mexico residents were also not particularly wealthy, compared with other Americans. An average New Mexican had slightly more than $25,000 in disposable income in 2013, among the lowest in the country. And nearly 21% of the population lived in poverty that year, second only to Mississippi.

8. Louisiana Senator David Vitter (R- LA)  Senator Mary Landrieu (R- LA)

Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal

Governor's Website  State Website

Office Dates:  Jan 14, 2008 - Address: P. O. Box 94004 Baton Rouge,  LA  70804-9004 Phone: 225/342-7015 Fax: 225/342-7099

Born:  Jun 10, 1971 Birth State:  Louisiana Party:  Republican Spouse:  Supriya Jindal Family:  Married Supriya Jindal; three children School(s):  Brown University; Oxford University National Office(s) Served:  Representative

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An abandoned part of the old Lafitte housing projects in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

> Employment rate: 62.3% (3rd lowest)
> Household disposable income per capita: $28,418 (24th lowest)
> Homicide rate: 10.9 per 100,000 (the highest)
> Voter turnout: 66.3% (14th highest)

A typical Louisiana resident is expected to live less than 76 years, a lower life expectancy than in all but three other states. Many Louisiana communities are also quite dangerous. There were nearly 11 murders per 100,000 people in the state in 2013, the highest homicide rate nationwide and in the worst 10% of all OECD regions. Nearly 20% of the population lived in poverty in 2013, more than in all but two other states. Louisiana boasts a highly productive natural gas industry, with more than 3,000 trillion BTUs produced in 2012, more than any other state except for Texas. However, this also exposes the state’s economy to fluctuations in energy prices.

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7. South Carolina Senator Tom Coburn (R- OK)  Senator James M. Inhofe (R- OK)

South Carolina Governor Nikki R. Haley

Governor's Website  State Website

Office Dates:  Jan 12, 2011 - Address: 1205 Pendleton Street Columbia,  SC  29201 Phone: 803/734-2100 Fax: 803/734-5167

Born:  Jan 20, 1972 Birth State:  South Carolina Party:  Republican Spouse:  Michael Haley Family:  Married Michael Haley; two children

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Visitors walk along the boardwalk in downtown Myrtle Beach, S.C. (AP Photo/Bruce Smith).

> Employment rate: 62.5% (4th lowest)
> Household disposable income per capita: $25,055 (6th lowest)
> Homicide rate: 6.5 per 100,000 (6th highest)
> Voter turnout: 64.7% (18th highest)

South Carolina residents earned considerably less than other Americans. Households had $25,055 in disposable income per capita last year, among the lowest income levels nationwide. It also tends to be more difficult to find a job in the state than elsewhere in the nation, as South Carolina was one of only a few states with an unemployment rate greater than 9% last year. And like all of the states with the worst quality of life, South Carolina residents were far more likely to live in poverty than most Americans. While 15.8% of Americans lived in poverty in 2013, 18.6% did so in South Carolina, more than in all but a handful of other states.

6. Oklahoma Senator James M. Inhofe (R- OK) Senator Tom Coburn (R- OK)

Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin

Governor's Website  State Website

Office Dates:  Jan 10, 2011 - Address: Capitol Building 2300 Lincoln Blvd., Rm. 212 Oklahoma City,  OK  73105 Phone: 405/ 521-2342 Fax: 405/521-3353 NGA Chair

Born:  Dec 09, 1954 Birth State:  Missouri Party:  Republican Spouse:  Wade Christensen Family:  Married Wade Christensen; six children School(s):  Oklahoma State University National Office(s) Served:  Representative

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Downtown Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (REUTERS/Steve Sisney)

> Employment rate: 67.9% (22nd lowest)
> Household disposable income per capita: $27,384 (19th lowest)
> Homicide rate: 5.5 per 100,000 (14th highest)
> Voter turnout: 62.4% (3rd lowest)

While some of the states with the worst quality of life reported exceptionally high voter turnout rates, Oklahoma residents were among the nation’s least likely to make it to the ballot box. Less than 53% of eligible Oklahomans voted last year, worse than in all but two other states. This also placed Oklahoma in the bottom 16% of OECD regions for civic engagement. It may be difficult for many residents to stay engaged with politics, as high-speed Internet access was somewhat of a luxury in the state. Less than 60% of households had broadband Internet access as of last year, among the lowest rates in the country.

5. Tennessee Senator Lamar Alexander (R- TN)  Senator Bob Corker (R- TN)

Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam

Governor's Website  State Website

Office Dates:  Jan 15, 2011 - Address: Tennessee State Capitol Nashville,  TN  37243-0001 Phone: 615/741-2001 Fax: 615/532-9711

Born:  Aug 23, 1958 Birth State:  Tennessee Party:  Republican Spouse:  Crissy Haslam Family:  Married School(s):  Emory University

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A fog rises off the Tennessee River that partially obscures a view of downtown Knoxville. (AP Photo/The Knoxville …

> Employment rate: 66.5% (17th lowest)
> Household disposable income per capita: $27,734 (20th lowest)
> Homicide rate: 5.9 per 100,000 (10th highest)
> Voter turnout: 55.7% (6th lowest)

With a voter turnout rate of just 55.7%, Tennessee had among the lowest levels of political engagement in the country. Like most other states with low voter turnout, less than 60% of Tennessee’s population had access to broadband Internet. Such poor access to services was common among the states with the worst quality of life. Also, just 85% of Tennessee workers had completed at least high school as of last year, worse than in many states. However, Tennessee has made substantial efforts to improve statewide education levels. Most notably, state officials recently approved an initiative to make all Tennessee community colleges tuition free, the only state in the U.S. to do so.

4. West Virginia Representative David McKinley (R - 01) Representative Shelley Moore Capito (R - 02)

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A coal truck drives out of downtown Welch, W.Va. (AP Photo/Jon C. Hancock)

> Employment rate: 60.5% (the lowest)
> Household disposable income per capita: $25,199 (8th lowest)
> Homicide rate: 3.9 per 100,000 (22nd lowest)
> Voter turnout: 47.8% (the lowest)

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West Virginia received nearly the worst score in the U.S. for the health of its residents. The mortality rate was 10.5 deaths per 1,000 people, a higher rate than in all but two other state. Additionally, nearly 19% of the state’s population lived in poverty last year, well above a national poverty rate of 15.8%, and one of the highest rates nationwide. West Virginians were also the least likely to engage in politics, as less than 48% of eligible residents chose to vote last year, less than in any other state. While West Virginia’s homicide rate of 3.9 murders per 100,000 state residents was better than the homicide rate of many other states, it was still in the worst 20% of OECD regions.

3. Arkansas Senator John Boozman (R- AR) Representative Tom Cotton (R - 04)

Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe

Governor's Website  State Website

Born:  Dec 28, 1946 Birth State:  Arkansas Party:  Democrat Spouse:  Ginger Beebe Family:  Married Ginger Beebe; three children School(s):  Arkansas State University; University of Arkansas at Fayetteville Military Service:  Army Since taking office, Beebe has made improving education, expanding Arkansas’s economy and cutting taxes his top priorities. Under Beebe’s leadership, Arkansas was one of only four states to enter the past two fiscal years without a projected budget shortfall.

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The Broadway Street Bridge over the Arkansas River at Little Rock, Ark. (AP Photo/Danny Johnston)

> Employment rate: 65.1% (12th lowest)
> Household disposable income per capita: $24,150 (3rd lowest)
> Homicide rate: 5.3 per 100,000 (15th highest)
> Voter turnout: 53.3% (4th lowest)

Like a majority of the states with the worst quality of life, Arkansas residents were relatively poor compared to other Americans. Per capita household disposable income was less than $25,000 last year, nearly the lowest in the nation. Also, nearly one in five state residents lived below the poverty line in 2013, more than in all but three other states. Perhaps due in part to financial burdens, many residents did not participate in politics. Just 53.3% of eligible state residents chose to vote last year, nearly the lowest voter turnout rate nationwide. Arkansas voters may turn out in greater force this election season, as the state’s popular long-time Democratic governor is set to step down due to term limits.

2. Alabama Senator Richard Shelby (R- AL)  Senator Jeff Sessions (R- AL)

Alabama Governor Robert Bentley

Governor's Website  State Website

Office Dates:  Jan 17, 2011 - Address: State Capitol 600 Dexter Avenue Montgomery,  AL  36130-2751 Phone: 334/242-7100 Fax: 334/353-0004

Born:  Feb 03, 1943 Birth State:  Alabama Party:  Republican Spouse:  Martha "Dianne" Jones Bentley Family:  Married Dianne Jones, four children School(s):  University of Alabama Physician/Dentist

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Ice covers downtown Mobile, Alabama. (AP Photo/AL.com, Sharon Steinmann)

> Employment rate: 62.7% (5th lowest)
> Household disposable income per capita: $25,584 (10th lowest)
> Homicide rate: 6.4 per 100,000 (8th highest)
> Voter turnout: 61.9% (tied-22nd lowest)

Alabama was one of just a few states to adopt additional requirements for voter registration earlier this year, and these requirements' impact on voter turnout remains to be seen. With nearly 62% of eligible residents voting last year, Alabama's voter turnout was considerably better than several other states on this list. In terms of access to services, the state was rated nearly the worst, as just 56% of the population had access to broadband Internet last year, less than in all but two other states. Also, like many of the states with the worst quality of life, Alabama residents struggled with poverty. Nearly 19% of people lived in poverty in 2013, versus a national poverty rate of 15.8%.

1. Mississippi  Senator Thad Cochran (R- MS)  Senator Roger Wicker (R- MS)

Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant

Governor's Website  State Website

Office Dates:  Jan 10, 2012 - Address: P.O. Box 139 Jackson,  MS  39205 Phone: 601/359-3150 Fax: 601/359-3741

Born:  Dec 09, 1954 Birth State:  Mississippi Party:  Republican Spouse:  Deborah Bryant Family:  Married Deborah Bryant; two children School(s):  Hinds Community College, University of Southern Mississippi, Mississippi College

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A college football game against Alabama in Oxford, Miss. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

> Employment rate: 61.6% (2nd lowest)
> Household disposable income per capita: $23,957 (2nd lowest)
> Homicide rate: 7.3 per 100,000 (2nd highest)
> Voter turnout: 74.5% (the highest)

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Mississippi had the worst quality of life in the nation. With the exception of civic engagement -- nearly three-quarters of eligible residents voted during the last general election, by far the highest rate nationwide -- the state fared very poorly in nearly every OECD measure. Less than 82% of Mississippi’s workforce had completed at least high school as of 2013, lower than in every state except for Texas. Low educational attainment rates likely make it more difficult for unemployed residents to find a job. Nearly 9.5% of workers in the state were unemployed last year, among the highest rates in the country. Residents also struggled with poverty as 24% of Mississippians lived in poverty in 2013, the highest rate nationwide. Similarly, crime was a problem as there were 7.3 murders per 100,000 residents, the second-highest homicide rate in the country.

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