Massachusetts isn’t high on WalletHub’s list of most sinful states, but there is one sin Bay Staters are more guilty of than others, according to the study.
WalletHub releases an annual study comparing states using 54 metrics they say measure how “sinful” each state is based on the seven deadly sins: anger, jealousy, greed, lust, pride, sloth and gluttony.
Massachusetts found itself in the bottom half of the list — 36 out of 50. But in the category of “vanity” or “pride,” the state was ranked almost at the top.
WalletHub measures pride through 12 metrics, including number of plastic surgeons per residents 18 and older, average time spent on personal care, consumer expenditures per household on personal care products and services, and beauty salons per capita.
Massachusetts was first among states for consumer expenditures on personal care products and number two in consumer expenditures per household on apparel, according to the study.
Overall, Massachusetts ranked 6 out of 50 in most prideful or vain state.
Two of the least sinful states border Massachusetts — New Hampshire and Vermont. Vermont and New Hampshire came in at 48 and 49 respectively out of the 50 states.
Data supporting the study came from the U.S. Census Bureau, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and 20 other sources, according to the study.
The most sinful states, according to the study, were:
- Nevada
- California
- Florida
- Louisana
- Texas
The least sinful states were:
- Idaho
- New Hampshire
- Vermont
- Utah
- Wyoming
The full report can be viewed here.
