States with highest, lowest rates of adult mental illness

Utah has the highest percentage of adults reporting mental illness of any U.S. state, while New Jersey has the lowest, according to data from KFF.

The organization analyzed 2021-22 data from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's National Survey on Drug Use and Health to identify the percentage of adults reporting a mental, behavioral or emotional disorder in the past year. KFF noted the estimates reflect indicators of mental illness rather than direct diagnoses. 

The national rate of adults who reported having a mental health illness over the past year was 23.1%. 

Six states with the highest rates (includes a tie):

1. Utah — 29.2% of adults reported mental illness in the past year
2. Idaho — 28.0%
3. Oregon — 27.5%
4. Wyoming — 27.4%
5. Montana — 27.1%
   Washington — 27.1%

Five states with the lowest rates:

1. New Jersey — 19.4%
2. Florida — 20.4%
3. Delaware — 20.9%
4. Connecticut — 21.0%
5. New York — 21.1%

See the complete list of states and their mental illness rates here.