Is Washington a Sinner? New 2026 Rankings Reveal the Truth

Is Washington a Sinner? New 2026 Rankings Reveal the Truth

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WalletHub’s list of the Most Sinful States in America has just come out.
They rated each state on 54 key indicators of immoral or illicit behavior throughout seven categories: Anger & Hatred, Jealousy, Excesses & Vices, Greed, Lust, Vanity, and Laziness.
According to these rankings, Nevada holds onto its title as the most sinful state, while Wyoming is the least sinful.
Adding more insight, an updated study was published with the following news: Nevada still wears the crown as America’s most sinful state, but Washingtonians can sleep a little easier — or at least more virtuously — after WalletHub’s 2026 ranking dropped Monday.
The personal-finance site measured every state on 54 indicators of “immoral or illicit behavior,” grouped into seven deadly-ish categories: Anger & Hatred, Jealousy, Excesses & Vices, Greed, Lust, Vanity, and Laziness. Nevada’s Vice Index score easily outpaced second-place California. Wyoming remained the nation’s least sinful.

So, where does Washington fit in on all the sin?

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Washington ranked No. 23, between North Carolina and Ohio. Residents excel in low Anger & Hatred (44th most sinful), low Laziness (37th), and are among the top 5 for exercise consistency. On the downside, the state ranked ninth in vandalism and third in thefts per capita, so keep an eye out for possible prowlers in your neighborhood.
In the Wenatchee Valley, where volunteerism is strong, the ranking feels more curious than critical. Washington’s sins seem quiet: a little envy at Mission Ridge, a few extra lattes, or a vanity plate on a Subaru.
In a nation obsessed with rankings, Washington sits comfortably in the middle: not saintly, not scandalous, just human. In the Cascades’ shadow, that seems just right.

​​Violent Crimes per Capita

Most

Tied -1. Alaska and New Mexico (7x worse violent crime than Maine)

  1. Tennessee
  2. Arkansas
  3. Louisiana

Fewest

  1. Wyoming
  2. Rhode Island
  3. Connecticut
  4. New Hampshire
  5. Maine

Thefts per Capita

Most

  1. New Mexico (4 times worse theft rate than Idaho)
  2. Colorado
  3. Washington
  4. Oregon
  5. Louisiana

Fewest

  1. Maine
  2. Massachusetts
  3. Rhode Island
  4. New Hampshire
  5. Idaho

Excessive Drinking

Most

  1. Montana
  2. Iowa
  3. Alaska
  4. Wisconsin
  5. North Dakota

Least

  1. Georgia
  2. Oklahoma
  3. North Carolina
  4. Maryland
  5. Utah

Share of Population with Gambling Disorder

Highest

  1. Mississippi
  2. Minnesota

Tied for 3. Kansas and New Jersey

  1. Nevada

Lowest

45. New Mexico and New York

47. (3-way tie) Connecticut, Florida, and Kentucky

  1. Michigan

Prostitution and Commercialized Vice Arrests per Capita

Most

  1. Nevada
  2. Arizona
  3. Oklahoma
  4. Florida
  5. Texas

Fewest

  1. Minnesota
  2. New Hampshire
  3. Vermont
  4. North Dakota
  5. Alaska

Percentage of Adults Not Exercising

Highest

  1. Mississippi
  2. Arkansas
  3. Oklahoma
  4. Louisiana
  5. Alabama

Lowest

  1. Washington
  2. Minnesota
  3. Utah
  4. Colorado
  5. Vermont

The Most Religious Counties in Washington State

Census data shows Washington is one of the least religious states, but it’s not that simple—some folks aren’t religious at all, while others are very religious. It all just depends on which county you're in.

Gallery Credit: Reesha Cosby

LOOK: How Many of These 1980s Objects Do You Remember?

Gear up for a blast from the past as we dive into a list of iconic '80s treasures that shaped a decade of vibrant style and unforgettable pop culture moments.

Gallery Credit: Stephen Lenz

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