New state-by-state ranking shows where Americans are most independent

Name: History of the 4th of July
Uploaded: 2026-06-23T13:07:04-04:00
Description: The celebration of the 4th of July is a tradition that dates back to our nation's earliest days. Rich Rubino joins LiveNOW from FOX to discuss the history of the holiday.

History of the 4th of July

The celebration of the 4th of July is a tradition that dates back to our nation's earliest days. Rich Rubino joins LiveNOW from FOX to discuss the history of the holiday.

As Americans prepare to celebrate Independence Day, a new study highlights which states best embody the spirit of self-reliance.

The findings, conducted by WalletHub, come at a time when many Americans are facing growing financial challenges. Persistent inflation has made it more difficult for households to maintain financial independence, leading some residents to rely more heavily on government assistance programs. Others have struggled with stress-related issues, including increased dependence on alcohol, drugs, and other personal coping mechanisms.

WalletHub ranks most independent states

Big picture view:

The financial analytics company evaluated all 50 states across five major categories of dependency: consumer finances, government reliance, the job market, international trade, and personal vices.

The study ranked all 50 states on financial, government, job market, trade, and personal independence. (Credit: Getty Images)

These categories were further evaluated using 39 key indicators of independence to determine which states were the most self-sustaining.

Idaho ranks as most independent state

Dig deeper:

According to a 2026 analysis, Idaho ranked as the most independent state in the nation, followed by Utah, Hawaii, Colorado, and South Dakota.

Idaho’s top ranking was driven by several economic and social strengths. The state has a relatively low dependence on international trade, with exports accounting for only a small share of its gross domestic product and supporting a comparatively low percentage of jobs.

The state also demonstrated strong financial stability among residents. Idaho recorded the nation’s 11th-lowest poverty rate and ranked 10th for the lowest share of millennials living with their parents, a sign of greater economic independence among young adults.

Long-term financial preparedness also contributed to Idaho’s leading position. The state has the second-highest percentage of residents with access to employer-sponsored retirement plans and the fifth-highest participation rate in those programs. Additionally, Idaho ranks 17th in the nation for the share of residents who reported saving money for emergencies during the past year.

"As we celebrate America’s Independence Day, it’s also worth taking time to recognize the individual states that have the most independent qualities as well," Chip Lupo, a WalletHub Analyst, said in a statement. "Idaho is the most independent in 2026, according to our analysis, and residents display their independence in a variety of ways, from not being heavily reliant on revenue generated through exports to other countries to not being addicted to smoking, gambling or drugs."