New York has been ranked the 11th most sinful state in the country, according to WalletHub’s 2025 “Most Sinful States” report, which evaluates states based on seven categories of negative behaviors. The report highlights both the state’s moral struggles and areas where it fares better than others.
New York placed first in the nation for vanity, making it the most image-conscious state, while also ranking 11th in both anger and hatred, as well as 12th in lust. The state landed in the middle of the pack for jealousy (19th) and laziness (16th), but ranked among the least sinful in greed (44th) and excesses and vices (46th).
The study examined factors such as violent crime, theft, substance abuse, gambling, and volunteerism. WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo explained that states with more permissive laws and cultural attitudes toward gambling, drinking, and other behaviors tend to rank higher on the list.
“Nevada, home to ‘Sin City,’ ranks as the most sinful state in America,” Lupo noted. “At the heart of Nevada and Sin City is gambling, and as such, the Silver State leads the nation in casinos and gambling-related arrests per capita.”
New York’s ranking suggests a complex moral landscape, with issues such as rising hate crimes and ongoing struggles with drug overdoses playing a role in its position. Experts emphasize that tackling these challenges requires addressing systemic inequalities, fostering community engagement, and implementing policies that promote social trust.
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