N.H. folk like a good time, but are among nation's most decent, study finds

Revelers during Mardi Gras festival in New Orleans (Courtesy photo)

With the decadence and debauchery of Mardi Gras a week away and Lent, a time of self-denial and discipline, beginning the day after, the personal-finance website WalletHub today released its report on 2025's Most and Least Sinful States, with New Hampshire getting some of the highest marks in a recent survey. To determine where the U.S. needs the most moral growth, WalletHub compared the 50 states based on seven sinful behaviors: anger and hatred, jealousy, excesses and vices, greed, lust, vanity and laziness. Below are some highlights from the report.

Sinfulness of New Hampshire (1=Most Sinful; 25=Avg.)

• Overall Rank: 49^th
• 49^th - Anger & Hatred
• 45^th - Jealousy
• 38^th - Excesses & Vices
• 21^st - Greed
• 49^th - Lust
• 22^nd - Vanity
• 37^th - Laziness

For the full report, please visit:
https://wallethub.com/edu/most-sinful-states/46852



"Every state has its share of residents with positive qualities. However, citizens across the nation have their own moral struggles, from violent outbursts and bullying to compulsive gambling, excessive lust and self-destructive consumption. While individual cases of negative behavior may only affect a few people, when these incidents start to make up a high share of a state's population, the majority of the state's residents suffer as a result."
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"Nevada, home to 'Sin City,' ranks as the most sinful state in America. At the heart of Nevada and Sin City is gambling, and as such, the Silver State leads the nation in casinos and gambling-related arrests per capita. Plus, the state also has the most prostitution arrests in the U.S. And sadly, Nevada's pre-occupation with its vices leaves little room for altruism, as the state has the second-lowest volunteer rate in the country."

- Chip Lupo, WalletHub Analyst


Expert Commentary

What makes some states more sinful than others? Laws? Culture?

"Regional variations in laws, cultural norms, and social pressures all play a role. A state that has...more permissive laws around gambling or the sale of alcohol, for example, may exhibit behaviors that appear more 'sinful' by residents in states with stricter regulations. However, culture also matters. States with long-standing traditions of libertarian values may openly celebrate personal freedom in ways that come across as more lenient or indulgent to conservative states. In short, it's a combination of both what the law allows and what local culture tolerates."
Deana A. Rohlinger, Ph.D. - Distinguished Professor; Associate Dean, College of Social Sciences and Public Policy, Florida State University

"Since antiquity the wise of all ages have agreed on the value of the golden rule to guide our behavior: Do unto others as you would like them to do unto you or some other like phrase. Inherent in it is the emphasis on charity toward those in need. And with charity comes self-doubt and the willingness to hear the other. Now, assuming these principles as guides to behavior it is clear to me that our society is not satisfying these ideals. You could call it a sinful polity. It is not that one state in the union is more or less sinful or that capitalism is necessarily sinful but that we depart from the golden rule and most try to do better."
Dr. Benigno E. Aguirre - Professor; Emeritus Faculty, Disaster Research Center, University of Delaware


What advice do you have for people trying to quit vices (excessive drinking and eating, gambling, unnecessary spending etc.)?

"From a sociological perspective, quitting a vice is often most effective when you address both individual behaviors and the social context that supports them. This means looking at your social networks - friends, family, coworkers - and figuring out how their norms and habits may enable or discourage unhealthy behaviors. Sociological perspectives also involve examining the broader environment, from cultural expectations around drinking or spending to workplace stressors that may feed into poor coping mechanisms. Seeking out supportive communities - such as group therapy or community-based programs - can help you form new, healthier social bonds that reinforce positive change. On a structural level, policies and institutional support (e.g., access to affordable treatment and counseling) can reduce barriers to quitting. In essence, it's not just about personal willpower. It's about creating a social and structural environment where healthier choices become the norm."
Deana A. Rohlinger, Ph.D. - Distinguished Professor; Associate Dean, College of Social Sciences and Public Policy, Florida State University


Given that U.S. hate crimes are on the rise, what can be done to reverse this uptick?

"Some sociologists would argue that the best way to reverse the rise in hate crimes requires changing the social conditions that allow prejudice and discrimination to flourish. Communities need to tackle systemic inequalities - like economic disparities and segregation - that reinforce stereotypes and foster resentment between groups. Initiatives in schools and community centers that promote intergroup contact, dialogue, and empathy can help break down biases and build social trust within communities. Additionally, ensuring local law enforcement and social services work in partnership with targeted communities signals that hate-based violence will not be tolerated."
Deana A. Rohlinger, Ph.D. - Distinguished Professor; Associate Dean, College of Social Sciences and Public Policy, Florida State Universitya