MississippiMississippi continues to have a staggering unemployment rate of 8.7 percent, leaving over 116,000 without work. Many of those who are employed report being stuck in low-skilled jobs and feeling pessimistic about economic improvement, according to the GallMississippi continues to have a staggering unemployment rate of 8.7 percent, leaving over 116,000 without work. Many of those who are employed report being stuck in low-skilled jobs and feeling pessimistic about economic improvement, according to the Gallup survey. In addition, 13 percent of Mississippi’s population suffers from diabetes, 32 percent are obese, and 23 percent are uninsured. The prospect of an untrained and unhealthy labor force could detract businesses and residents in the future.ReutersKentuckyWith a struggling automobile and energy fuel industry, Kentucky has an unemployment rate on par with the national average at 8.2 percent. The state also has a health crisis on its hands: 13 percent of the population is obese and almost 20 percent is uninsWith a struggling automobile and energy fuel industry, Kentucky has an unemployment rate on par with the national average at 8.2 percent. The state also has a health crisis on its hands: 13 percent of the population is obese and almost 20 percent is uninsured.iStockphotoAlabamaAlabama’s unemployment rate remains high at 7.4 percent and job creation continues at a slow pace. Some of the state’s biggest metro areas and school districts, most notably the county surrounding Birmingham, have recently filed for bankruptcy. Twenty-eigAlabama’s unemployment rate remains high at 7.4 percent and job creation continues at a slow pace. Some of the state’s biggest metro areas and school districts, most notably the county surrounding Birmingham, have recently filed for bankruptcy. Twenty-eight percent of the population is also obese and 18 percent lack health insurance.ReutersTennesseeThe future for Tennesseans isn’t looking so bright. Goods-producing and manufacturing industries, in which Tennessee specializes, are expected to decline 1.5 percent per year for the next decade, according to the Tennessee Labor Department. Tennesseans miThe future for Tennesseans isn’t looking so bright. Goods-producing and manufacturing industries, in which Tennessee specializes, are expected to decline 1.5 percent per year for the next decade, according to the Tennessee Labor Department. Tennesseans might see their median household income, already 41st in nation, continue to fall and their economic confidence falter. The state also lags in health, with 28 percent of residents obese and 12 percent diabetic.iStockphotoNew YorkThough home to the country’s biggest financial and cultural center, New York City, the overall state is lagging in job creation and leading in housing costs, compounding in unaffordable living standards. On top of which, 32 percent of the population is obThough home to the country’s biggest financial and cultural center, New York City, the overall state is lagging in job creation and leading in housing costs, compounding in unaffordable living standards. On top of which, 32 percent of the population is obese, 25,000 die annually from smoking, and 23 percent are uninsured.iStockphotoNew JerseyNew Jersey has one of the country’s worst unemployment rates at 9.2 percent, in addition to slow job creation. Home to some of the nation’s highest crime neighborhoods, it’s little surprise that 51 percent of residents are pessimistic about their future sNew Jersey has one of the country’s worst unemployment rates at 9.2 percent, in addition to slow job creation. Home to some of the nation’s highest crime neighborhoods, it’s little surprise that 51 percent of residents are pessimistic about their future standard of living.iStockphotoPennsylvaniaPennsylvania matches the dismal figures of its neighbors—only 66 percent of residents reported good overall wellbeing and 49 percent were optimistic about the economic progress in their area. That’s likely due to Pennsylvania’s 7.4 percent unemployment raPennsylvania matches the dismal figures of its neighbors—only 66 percent of residents reported good overall wellbeing and 49 percent were optimistic about the economic progress in their area. That’s likely due to Pennsylvania’s 7.4 percent unemployment rate and, despite having the 6th highest GDP in the nation due to the state’s coal and steel industries, Pennsylvanians' GDP per capita ranks 29th among the 50 states.Getty Images
