Michigan Ranks 25th Among Most 'Sinful' States

New analysis compares states on violent crime, gambling, adult entertainment and more

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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A new WalletHub analysis ranked all 50 states by "sinfulness," comparing everything from violent crime and theft to gambling, adult entertainment and rates of excessive drinking. Michigan received a "vice" grade of 40.25, placing it 25th in the ranking. The study also found that Michigan ranked 18th for anger and hatred, 29th for jealousy, 19th for excesses and vices, 38th for greed, and 14th for lust.

Why it matters

This study provides an interesting look at how different states compare when it comes to various "vices" and "sinful" behaviors. While the rankings may be subjective, they shed light on regional differences in things like crime, gambling, and adult entertainment across the country.

The details

The WalletHub analysis gave each state a "Vice Index" score based on data from the FBI, CDC, IRS, FTC, Google search trends and other national sources. Nevada, home to Las Vegas, ranked as the most "sinful" state, while Wyoming was the least sinful. California landed in second place, largely due to the prevalence of violence such as mass shootings and elder abuse complaints. The study also found that California residents search Google for terms relating to strip clubs, pornography, and affairs more than people in any other state.

  • The WalletHub analysis was published on February 23, 2026.

The players

WalletHub

A personal finance website that provides credit scores, credit reports and other financial tools and information.

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The takeaway

This study highlights the diversity of "sinful" behaviors across the United States, with each state exhibiting its own unique vices and virtues. While the rankings may be subjective, they provide an interesting snapshot of regional differences when it comes to crime, gambling, adult entertainment and other social issues.