Ever wondered which U.S. states are most prone to “hanger” – that frustrating mix of hunger and anger?
This list of the 10 most hangry states in America dives deep into data from a Zippia study, analyzing key factors like fast food availability, lunch break laws, and diabetes rates.
States with limited access to quick meals and weak employee protections tend to have higher levels of irritability caused by hunger.
From Maine’s scarce fast food joints to Mississippi’s lack of mandated breaks, discover which states are the most susceptible to hangry behavior and why.
1: Maine
Maine takes the top spot as the hangriest state in America, according to a Zippia study. The word “hangry” is a combination of “hunger” and “angry,” describing when an otherwise good-natured person behaves irrationally or snaps at someone due to hunger.
Several factors contribute to Maine’s high ranking. The state has a low number of fast food joints, with only 3.1 per 10,000 residents, making quick food options scarce.
Additionally, Maine reports a double-digit percentage of its population living with diabetes, which can significantly increase feelings of hunger and irritability.
Despite having relatively “well-off” lunch break laws, these other metrics collectively position Maine as the most predisposed to “hangry” behavior.
2: Mississippi
Mississippi ranks as the second hangriest state, primarily due to its lack of employee protections. While the state is home to 86 Walmarts, which offer residents access to cheap food, this benefit is significantly undermined by a critical issue regarding employment laws.
There are no laws in Mississippi that require businesses to provide their employees with lunch breaks. This absence of mandated breaks creates a challenging environment for hungry workers, making it a “recipe for being angry”.
The Zippia study considered various metrics, including break laws, to determine the “hangriest” states.
3: Alaska
Alaska is identified as a particularly challenging state to be hungry in, ranking third for “hangry” behavior. The state has a very limited number of convenient food options, with only nine Walmarts and a low count of 2.6 fast food joints per 10,000 residents.
This scarcity means it is difficult for Alaskans to quickly find and consume a meal when hunger strikes.
To compound the issue, Alaska’s break laws are insufficient for adults; break protections only apply to people under 18, leaving those 18 years and older without legal assurances for meal breaks.
4: Vermont
Vermont is the fourth hangriest state, largely due to its scarcity of quick and affordable food options. The Green Mountain State has a remarkably low number of fast food establishments, with a “measly” 1.9 fast food joints per 10,000 residents.
Furthermore, it has one of the lowest numbers of Walmarts on the list, with only six statewide, which further restricts access to cheap and fast food.
Vermont’s break laws also contribute to the problem, as they are ambiguous, simply stating that employers must provide employees with a “reasonable opportunity” to take a break and eat.
5: South Dakota
South Dakota’s high potential for “hangry” residents is significantly influenced by its health and labor laws. The state has a notable diabetes rate of 10.6% among its population.
People with diabetes can experience hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), which commonly manifests with extreme hunger and irritability, classic symptoms of being “angry”.
Adding to this predisposition, South Dakota does not have any break laws for employees, a deficiency that even extends to underage workers.
This combination of a higher diabetes rate and a lack of mandated breaks creates an environment ripe for “hangry” outbursts.
6: Idaho
Idaho ranks as the sixth hangriest state, where residents face limited options to manage hunger effectively. The state has relatively few Walmarts, with only 27 locations, and a modest 3.8 fast food joints per 10,000 residents, meaning quick food access is not widespread.
A significant contributing factor to “hangry” behaviors in Idaho is its diabetes rate: 10.3% of people 18 years and older have diabetes.
This high percentage of individuals prone to low blood sugar and increased hunger makes “hangry” tendencies “even more likely to run wild” among Idahoans.
7: West Virginia
West Virginia, while seemingly better off in terms of fast food availability, still ranks seventh due to a high prevalence of a key health factor.
The state boasts 44 Walmarts and 5.3 fast food joints per 10,000 residents, which are relatively higher numbers compared to some other states on the list.
However, West Virginia faces a significant challenge with its diabetes rate: 15.7% of West Virginians 18 years and older have diabetes.
This very high percentage of people living with diabetes can intensely “increase hungry feelings,” making the state one of the most predisposed to “hangry” incidents in the U.S..
8: Oregon
Oregon comes in as the eighth hangriest state, with its residents seemingly recognizing and trying to understand their own “hanger” issues.
A key metric contributing to its ranking is a high Google search volume for the term “hanger,” suggesting that Oregonians are actively seeking to comprehend or combat this condition.
In terms of food accessibility, the Beaver State has a limited number of convenient options, with only 3.6 fast food joints per 10,000 residents.
This combination of public awareness of “hanger” and limited quick food access indicates a propensity for irritability stemming from hunger.
9: Montana
Montana’s ranking as the ninth hangriest state is significantly influenced by its legal framework concerning employee breaks.
The state’s lack of break laws is cited as “prime hangry territory,” as it means employees may not have guaranteed opportunities to eat, leading to increased hunger and potential irritability.
Additionally, Montana has a relatively low number of Walmarts, with only 16 locations, limiting access to affordable and quick food options.
However, the state’s relatively lower 7.6% rate of diabetes among adults helps prevent it from ranking even higher on the list.
10: Rhode Island
Rhode Island rounds out the list, making the top ten hangriest states in the U.S.. A major factor contributing to its inclusion is the prevalence of diabetes among its adult population; over one in ten Rhode Islanders 18 years and older have diabetes.
This high rate increases the likelihood of hypoglycemia, which can cause extreme hunger and irritability, mirroring “hangry” symptoms.
Furthermore, residents in Rhode Island have limited access to fast food, with only 2.5 joints per 10,000 people, restricting convenient options for quickly alleviating hunger.
Alicia Richards