Although only 48% of workers use all of their vacation days, it's still possible to work hard without overdoing it. Hard work is crucial for success, and some states' residents grasp this better than others. According to a recent study by WalletHub, Texas is the seventh hardest-working state in the U.S.
Ranked seventh overall, the Lone Star State stands out with the second-highest average workweek hours, 13th place for average commute time and seventh for the average leisure time spent per day. But Texas’ annual volunteer hours per resident was on the lower end, ranking 46th overall.
“It’s undeniable that America has fostered a culture of hard work, with people working longer hours than residents of other developed countries and often leaving vacation time on the table,” said WalletHub analyst Cassandra Happe. “Working hard is commendable, but people in the hardest-working states may need to consider taking a break once in a while, as a lack of leisure time can have a negative impact on people’s physical and mental health.”
Maryland, South Dakota, Wyoming, Nebraska and Alaska were ahead of Texas. However, North Dakota, which came in as the hardest-working state, had the highest employment rate in the country at over 98%. Workers aged 16 to 64 also clock an average of 39.7 hours per week, making it the third-highest in the nation.
Though, Texas dropped its ranking. In 2023, Texas secured the sixth spot overall, ranking fourth in direct work factors and 40th in indirect work factors. As Local Profile previously reported, the study found that Texans have the second-highest average workweek hours, indicating a significant amount of time spent on the job. Additionally, Texas workers face lengthy commutes, with the state ranking 14th for average commute time. The year before, the state ranked fifth.
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