The Angriest States in America

In a nation as diverse and dynamic as the United States, emotions can run high—and anger is no exception. Anger, with its multifaceted manifestations, finds its way into various aspects of American life, from the roads we drive on to the virtual realms we navigate daily.

As we delve into understanding the angriest states in America, we turn to reliable sources for insight. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's most recent Fatality Analysis Reporting System sheds light on the impact of road rage on fatalities, while Wired magazine's investigation into online trolls unravels the tangled web of toxic internet comments. Needless to say, this gives us some idea as to the problem of anger in each state.

To examine the prevalence of anger in a broader societal context, BestLife drew upon the FBI's hate crime data, along with the other reporting mentioned above, to reveal the disturbing reality of anger-motivated incidents across the nation. By analyzing these sources, we can gain a glimpse into the complex and evolving landscape of anger in the United States, providing a nuanced perspective on the angriest states in the country.

With that said, let’s take a closer look at the 15 angriest states in America from calmest to angriest…

Tennessee ranks as the first state on our list, coming in at number 30. While it’s the least angry state on our list, it's not without its issues. Fatalities caused by road rage, for example, are at 0.2%. Fortunately, that is relatively minimal, which is why road rage fatalities per capita are estimated at 0.

Hate crimes per capita come in at 1.71, though this may not be the worst state for this particular statistic, it’s certainly nothing to be proud of. Meanwhile, toxic internet comments at 7.2% show some level of hatred manifesting over virtual online spaces.

North Carolina comes in at the number 29 spot, despite the encouraging statistics of 0.0% fatalities caused by road rage and road rage fatalities per capita. The prevalence of toxic internet comments at 7.1% reflects a troubling trend of anger online.

North Carolinians appear to struggle with aggressive online behavior, contributing to a toxic digital environment. Additionally, the relatively high rate of hate crimes, standing at 2 per capita, highlights the presence of racial bias and anger toward minorities.

It’s not all fun in Hawaii. Although the low speed limits in the state might have to do with its 0% of fatalities caused by road rage and 0 fatalities per capita, anger manifesting online and hate crimes in the real world are very much a problem for its residents.

Around 5.7% of internet comments coming from Hawaiians are toxic, distinguishing that much of the state’s anger is coming from the shadows and the certain level of anonymity that social media provides. And then there are the hate-related crimes at a surprising rate of 2.90 per capita.

Iowa unexpectedly stands out as one of the angriest states, despite recording 0.0% fatalities caused by road rage and road rage fatalities per capita. Its problem lies in toxic internet comments at 10.3%, revealing Iowans projecting their anger in virtual spaces.

Additionally, the rate of hate crimes, while relatively low standing at 0.32 per capita, still highlights a certain level of prejudice and hatred toward minorities in the community. Perhaps the state could benefit from some online anti-bullying campaigns to improve their stats.

Everything is bigger in Texas, including their anger issues. Despite road rage fatalities per capita being recorded at 0, the presence of 0.2% fatalities caused by road rage indicates that aggressive driving behaviors pose a significant risk to road safety.

Beyond the roads, Texas experiences a notable collective of toxic internet comments at 8.2%. Even more severe is its rate of hate crimes, standing at 1.57 per capita. The Lone Star state is not alone in its anger, it seems.

Georgia stands out as the 25^th angriest state, even with its relatively low rate of fatalities caused by road rage at 0.1%. Road rage fatalities per capita were closer 0. However, the prevalence of toxic internet comments at 9.5% shows us there’s plenty of anger in the virtual world.

Georgians appear to channel their frustrations and hostility into the online sphere, contributing to a highly toxic and divisive digital environment. Additionally, the state's rate of hate crimes stand at 0.96 per capita, demonstrating that discrimination, whether by race or sexual orientation, is definitely a problem.

Despite registering 0% fatalities caused by road rage and 0 road rage fatalities per capita, Virginia, nonetheless, ranks as one of the angriest states in the nation. Its statistics reveal the prevalence of toxic internet comments at 8.1%, leading to a contentious and divisive online environment.

And not to forget the state's rate of hate crimes, standing at 1.91 per capita. These figures demonstrate that while road rage incidents may be minimal, the state struggles with racist and prejudice root causes of anger, both online and offline. The state of Virginia could do a bit better with some compassion in their lives.

North Dakota stands out as one of the angriest states, with 1% of fatalities caused by road rage. On a broader scope, we're talking about 0.1 fatalities per capita. The state suffers a significant impact from aggressive driving behaviors that make its roads more unsafe than most.

Moreover, the prevalence of toxic internet comments at 5.7%, projecting a hostile online environment. Additionally, North Dakota records a concerning rate of hate crimes, standing at 2.36 per capita. Such animosity hasn’t gone unnoticed, as North Dakota takes the number 23 spot.

Montana emerges as the 22nd angriest state, with concerning statistics that point to underlying issues of aggression and hostility. The figures reveal a troubling 0.6% of fatalities caused by road rage, with 0.1 road rage fatalities per capita, indicating the occurrence of aggressive driving habits.

 Beyond the roads, Montana's virtual landscape also experiences a significant impact of anger, with approximately 5.6% of internet comments being classified as toxic. Additionally, the state's hate crimes per capita stands at 2.99, making it a fairly significant problem in “The Treasure State.”

At the number 21 spot, Kansas presents itself as one of the angriest states, with a notable 0.8% of fatalities being caused by road rage and a road rage fatalities per capita at 0.1. These figures suggest that aggressive driving behaviors contribute significantly to traffic fatalities, underscoring a concerning trend of road rage incidents.

Moreover, the state's online environment reflects a similar pattern, with approximately 6% of internet comments being classified as toxic. The prevalence of hostile online interactions indicates that Kansans are grappling with underlying anger issues that extend into the virtual world. Additionally, Kansas records a significant rate of hate crimes, standing at 2.68 per capita.

The Golden State comes in at the number 20 spot. Although it performs well when it comes to managing its road rage, with 0 road rage fatalities per capita, the prevalence of hate crimes and toxic internet comments shows California is manifesting its deep-seated anger in other unhealthy ways that have a detrimental effect on society.

It’s almost mind-boggling that a state as diverse as California boasts a statistic of 2.57 hate crimes per capita. Meanwhile, Californians are also projecting their anger through online outlets, with 7.5% of internet comments being toxic.

Arizona stands out as one of the angriest states, despite its relatively low fatalities caused by road rage at 0.1% and a commendable road rage fatalities per capita of 0. While road rage incidents may not be a leading cause of fatalities, the prevalence of toxic internet comments at 7% paints a troubling picture of anger manifesting in the virtual world.

Nevertheless, when it comes to personal prejudices, the state is holding nothing back. Arizona's rate of hate crimes stands at 2.87 per capita, highlighting the deep-rooted animosity prevalent within the community.

It’s not just Walter White with anger issues in New Mexico. Evidently, everyone is Breaking Bad in the “Land of Enchantment.” The state's hate crimes per capita, standing at 2.38, underscore the presence of underlying animosity and prejudice within the community.

However, the more pronounced signs of anger are witnessed in the digital realm, with approximately 7.9% of internet comments being classified as toxic. While the road rage fatalities per capita remain low at 0, the fact that 0.3% of fatalities are caused by road rage indicates that the state's roads are not immune to aggressive driving behaviors.

Despite registering 0% fatalities caused by road rage and 0 road rage fatalities per capita, Oregon surprisingly finds itself grappling with anger-related issues in other domains. The prevalence of toxic internet comments accounts for 5.8%, pointing to a concerning trend of hostility in the digital world. Additionally, the high rate of hate crimes, standing at 4.15 per capita, demonstrates underlying anger and prejudices within the state.

Overall, the state appears to struggle with keeping its anger at bay while projecting frustrations within society on select individuals. Perhaps in a society that celebrated empathy a bit more, such anger would be better managed in society as a whole.

Despite Ohio's seemingly positive record of 0% fatalities caused by road rage and 0 road rage fatalities per capita, the state ranks as the 16th angriest in the country. The data reveals that anger has found an alternate outlet in the virtual world, with approximately 7.2% of internet comments being categorized as toxic. This alarming trend showcases that Ohioans are channeling their frustrations and hostility into online interactions.

Furthermore, the state's concerning rate of hate crimes, standing at 3.34 per capita, adds to the evidence that anger-related issues extend beyond the roads, permeating into real-life actions with destructive consequences.

How can such a small state cause such a ruckus? Providence actually managed to make our list of American Cities with the Worst Drivers, so in terms of road rage, we weren’t too surprised to see Rhode Island make the cut at number 15. Although road rage fatalities per capita were only at 0.1, fatalities caused by road rage were still at 2.1%.

Toxic internet comments were among the most prevalent in the entire country, with about 8% of them being toxic in nature. Hate crimes, on the other hand, were at 1.60 per capita. Having the seventh-smallest population evidently doesn’t make Rhode Island the quietest by any means.

Nevada makes the list at number 14 due to the sheer number of toxic internet comments. Around 10.1% of comments on the internet from Nevada residents happen to be quite negative to say the least. To put it another way, 1 out of every 10 comments is going to be a troll comment from a Nevadan.

But how did Nevada do under the other parameters of this study? Not terrible, but not great either. Nevada has a minor issue with road rage, having had 0.7% of fatalities caused by road rage. Road rage fatalities per capita rounded out to about 0.1. And lastly, there were 1.43 hate crimes per capita.

Delaware also has its issues with toxic internet comments. Around 8.8% of its population is taking to the world wide web to spread its negativity. While not quite as bad as Nevada, it received a higher percentage than that of Rhode Island.

Hate crimes were the second biggest issue in the state with 2.26 for every 100,000 residents. On top of that, Delaware had 0.9% of fatalities caused by road rage. Although there are only 0.1 road rage fatalities per capita, the number of incidents is still fairly significant, all help bringing in Delaware at the unlucky number 13 spot.

Cheeseheads evidently have anger issues as the state of Wisconsin made it to the number 12 spot on the list. Fatalities due to road rage were significantly high at 4.0%. In other words, there were 0.4 road rage fatalities per capita. But all that is just some of the Badger state’s shortcoming.

Hate crimes reached a rate of 1.27 per capita in 2021. While this is on the lower side compared to other states on the list, it’s nothing to ignore. When it came to toxic internet comments, around 6.6% were toxic in nature, according to the Wired study on internet trolls.

The fast-paced lifestyle and overcrowded urban environment can create a breeding ground for frustration and impatience. The relentless traffic jams, hurried pedestrians, and a constant sense of urgency can easily ignite the anger of even the most patient individuals, which is probably why 1.1% of fatalities are caused by road rage.

Likely due to its diversity, hate crimes are somewhat common, with 3.14 per capita. Online people can be just as hateful, with 8.3% of comments being toxic. Yet, despite its reputation for anger, New York also possesses a resilience and determination that fuels its inhabitants, making it a place where passions run deep, and emotions are worn on its sleeves.

Michigan, a state nestled in the heart of the Great Lakes region, stands out as a place characterized by its relative calm and harmony. The statistics support this notion, with road rage fatalities accounting for only 0.1% of all fatalities and a negligible road rage fatalities per capita rate of 0. These figures reflect the state's commitment to safe and responsible driving.

However, 7.7% of internet comments have been shown to be toxic, showing that perhaps Michigan is keeping much of that anger at home and behind their computer screens. Hate crimes per capita stand at 4.35, which is also fairly high compared to the rest of the country.

Contrary to its reputation as a bastion of education, culture, and history, Massachusetts is the ninth angriest state in the United States. While road rage fatalities and road rage fatalities per capita stand at an impressively low 0%, indicating a level of road safety, the state is not immune to other forms of anger.

With 6.8% of internet comments being toxic, Massachusetts showcases a notable prevalence of online hostility and negativity. Moreover, the state's relatively high hate crimes per capita rate of 5.63 reflects underlying societal tensions and divisions.

If you watched The Sopranos, you probably aren’t too surprised to see New Jersey on this list. New Jersey residents seem to carry the Tony Soprano-like toxicity, with 8.8% of internet comments being hateful—and to make matters worse, 5.31 hate crimes per capita.

On the plus side, New Jersey seems to have their road rage tendencies in order. There were almost no fatalities caused by road rage. So, while New Jersey may have some work to do in terms of internal anger, at least they aren’t manifesting that on the road.

Connecticut is the seventh angriest state in America. Road rage fatalities may only amount to 0.4 per capita, but road rage incidents still cause 5.7% of fatalities, and that’s certainly quite a bit, particularly in comparison to the rest of the country.

Hate crimes were a fairly huge concern, with about 2.13 for every 100,000 people. Toxic internet comments, meanwhile, were at 6.9%, which is definitely not nice. With a population of over 3.6 million, that’s a lot of negativity and hatefulness coming from the state.

Washington’s problem isn’t road rage, which probably has to do with the fact that their speed limit is so low. Fatalities caused by road rage were at 0%. On that same note, road rage fatalities per capita were at 0. But Washington definitely has its anger issues when it comes to hate.

Haters on the internet are running rampant in the Evergreen State. Toxic internet comments account for 6.8% of comments from residents. Hates crimes are the biggest problem, however, with 7.12 hate crimes per capita. All of this is what makes Washington state the sixth angriest state in America.

Vermont doesn’t seem to have much of an issue with road rage either. The percentage of fatalities caused by road rage happened to be 0, according to 2021 statistics. Road rage fatalities per capita were also at 0. So where exactly did Vermont go wrong that put them at number five among the angriest states?

When it came to both toxic internet comments and hate crimes per capita, Vermont performed exceedingly poorly. Toxic internet comments accounted for about 12.2% in Wired’s study. When it came to hate crimes, there were about 5.29 per every 100,000 residents, and that’s nothing to scoff at.

Indiana has one of the highest percentages of fatalities caused by road rage, amounting to an astounding 10%. Road rage fatalities amounted to 1.1 per capita, which is a fairly high number compared to all 50 states. But it's not just road rage that’s a problem in the Hoosier state.

Hate crimes are an issue in Indiana as well. Hates crimes account for 1.11 for every 100,000 residents. Hateful internet comments were a problem as well, at 6.5%, according to Wired magazine’s study on internet trolls. All of these stats considered bring Indiana to the number four spot.

South Carolina comes in at number three. The percentage of fatalities caused by road rage incidents is 6.8%. Road rage fatalities per capita come in at 1.2, which is greater than a majority of the states on this list.

In the realm of the internet, toxic internet comments were rampant from residents. A total of 9.8% of comments were toxic in nature as commenters took to social media to spread their anger and negativity. Hate crimes were a concern as well, with 1.32 hate crimes per capita.

Colorado has a 9.5% fatality rate for accidents caused by road rage, which is among the highest in the country, earning its spot at number two among the angriest states in America. Its road rage fatalities amount to 0.9 per capita. On top of this, hatefulness seems to be prime in the state.

Toxic internet comments account for about 6.4%, but that’s only part of what makes the state generally hateful. The biggest issue the state has are the number of hate crimes per capita which amounts to 3.65, higher than most on the list.

And lastly, Alabama comes in as the number one angriest state in America. While it may not have the highest fatality rate when it comes to road rage incidents at 6.8%, it has among the most road rage fatalities per capita at 1.3, which brings it to the top.

And the internet trolls are blooming in Alabama as well, getting just as angry behind their screens as they are behind the wheel. Its toxic internet comment rate was measured at 9.6%. It appears the Heart of Dixie is surprisingly lacking in heart.