Where Does Iowa Rank Among America's Hardest-Working States? New Study Reveals Surprising Results

A new report from WalletHub ranks South Dakota as the hardest-working state in America, while Michigan lands at the bottom of the list for the second consecutive year. The study, released in August 2026, evaluated all 50 states using 10 indicators across two categories to determine which states truly put in the most effort.

For Iowans wondering where their state stands, the Hawkeye State came in at number 18 overall, a solid showing that reflects the state's strong work ethic and community values.

How the WalletHub study measured work ethic

WalletHub's analysis examined both direct work factors and indirect work factors to create a comprehensive ranking of each state's work culture.

Direct work factors included:

• Average workweek hours
• Employment rates
• Share of workers with unused vacation time
• Gallup polling data on employee engagement
• Rates of idle youth (residents ages 18-24 not in school or working)

Indirect work factors measured:

• Average commute times
• Share of workers with multiple jobs
• Annual volunteer hours per resident
• Average daily leisure time

The study pulled data from the US Census Bureau, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the US Travel Association, Gallup, the Annie E. Casey Foundation, and AmeriCorps.

Iowa ranks 18th nationally, excels in youth workforce readiness

Iowa tied with Minnesota for the fifth-lowest idle youth rate in the country, a key indicator that young Iowans are either pursuing education or entering the workforce rather than sitting on the sidelines.

The state ranked 17th in direct work factors, showing that Iowans show up and put in the hours. However, indirect work factors placed Iowa at 30th, suggesting there may be room for improvement in areas like volunteer hours and commute efficiency.

For a state that prides itself on its agricultural heritage and manufacturing base, the 18th overall ranking reinforces the image of Iowa as a place where hard work remains a core value.

South Dakota takes the top spot, Michigan brings up the rear

South Dakota claimed the title of hardest-working state, boasting the highest employment rate in the nation. A notable 6.5% of South Dakota workers hold multiple jobs, the 11th-highest rate in the study. The Mount Rushmore State also tied with Wyoming for the fifth-longest average workweek while maintaining the fifth-lowest idle youth rate.

At the other end of the spectrum, Michigan was ranked the least hardworking state for the second year running, with direct work factors placing 50th and the fifth-lowest employment rate in the country.

Midwest neighbors show strong work ethic

The Midwest performed well overall in the rankings, with several neighboring states landing in the top half:

• North Dakota (2nd): Over 97% employment rate, fifth-longest workweek, and the second-lowest idle youth rate
• Nebraska (6th): Ranked 5th in direct work factors
• Kansas (12th): Consistent 15th-place finishes in both categories
• Minnesota (25th): Tied with Iowa for low idle youth rates
• Wisconsin (20th): Strong indirect work factors at 17th

South Dakota's top ranking reflects a broader regional trend of Midwestern states leading the nation in employment and workforce participation.

Which states rank as the least hardworking?

The bottom five states in the WalletHub ranking were:

1. Michigan (50th)
2. Oregon (49th)
3. New Jersey (48th)
4. Ohio (47th)
5. Nevada (46th)

California had the lowest employment rate of any state, while Nevada's idle youth rate tied with Louisiana and Mississippi for the highest in the nation.

What does this mean for Iowa's workforce?

For policymakers and business leaders in Iowa, the WalletHub findings offer both validation and a roadmap. The state's strong direct work factors confirm that Iowans are showing up and working hard. However, the lower indirect ranking suggests opportunities to improve community engagement and workforce efficiency.

With Iowa's continued focus on agriculture, manufacturing, and emerging industries, maintaining a strong work ethic remains essential to the state's economic future. The rankings serve as a reminder that Iowa's competitive edge depends on keeping young people engaged and building a workforce ready to meet tomorrow's challenges.