10 states with highest, lowest mental illness prevalence

Advertisement

Oregon had the highest prevalence of any mental illness among states, while New Jersey had the lowest, according to KFF.

The data comes from the 2023-2024 National Survey on Drug Use and Health — the latest data available — and reflects the estimated share of adults who experienced prevalence of serious mental illness among U.S. adults. 

Adults were classified as having any mental illness if they reported symptoms consistent with a probable mental, behavioral or emotional disorder in the previous year, based on criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders fourth edition. 

Here are the 10 states with the highest and lowest prevalence of any mental illness among adults:

Highest

1. Oregon — 31.6%

2. Vermont — 29.1%

3. District of Columbia — 29%

4. West Virginia — 28.1%

5. Washington — 27.9%

6. New Hampshire — 27.7%

7. Tennessee — 27%

8. Utah — 26.7%

8. Maine — 26.7%

10. Arkansas — 26.6%

Lowest

1. New Jersey — 18.1%

2. Hawaii — 19.8%

2. South Carolina — 19.8%

4. Mississippi — 20.5%

5. Texas — 20.7%

6. Florida — 20.8%

7. North Carolina — 21.4%

8. California — 21.6%

9. South Dakota — 21.8%

10. New York — 21.9%

At the Becker's Fall Behavioral Health Summit, taking place November 4–5 in Chicago, behavioral health leaders and executives will explore strategies for expanding access to care, integrating services, addressing workforce challenges and leveraging innovation to improve outcomes across the behavioral health continuum. Apply for complimentary registration now.

Register to Attend Webinar

Caring for the caregivers: How health systems are building benefits strategies with mental health at the core

Wednesday, August 12
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM CDT

Presenters: Mark DeFee, Lyra HealthDeborah Visconi, Bergen New Bridge Medical CenterSuneel Kumar Parvathareddy, MD, Advocate/Atrium Health Wilkes Medical CenterEric Parmenter, Quantum HealthMary Beth Lardazabal, DO, DFAPA, Allina Health

Advertisement

Next Up in Mental Health

Advertisement