The poorest right-to-work states, based on economic well-being and overall quality of life metrics, are predominantly located in the American South. These states consistently rank at the bottom of national comparisons for various economic indicators.
Right-to-work states often account for a significant portion of the lowest-performing states economically. In fact, eight of the ten lowest-ranked states in the country are right-to-work states. A majority of all right-to-work states fall into the bottom half of the country, with many ranking within the bottom 20 of all 50 states for economic prosperity and worker protections.
The Five Lowest-Ranked Right-to-Work States
Specifically, the five states ranking worst overall in terms of economic well-being are all right-to-work states. They occupy the bottom five positions nationally (46th through 50th), highlighting a consistent trend of lower economic performance in these areas.
Here is a breakdown of these states and their general ranking:
| State | Economic Ranking (out of 50) |
|---|---|
| Alabama | 46th |
| Tennessee | 47th |
| Arkansas | 48th |
| Louisiana | 49th |
| Mississippi | 50th |
These rankings reflect a combination of factors, including wage levels, poverty rates, access to benefits, and overall economic opportunity. For a deeper understanding of economic trends across states, comprehensive economic policy research often provides detailed insights.
