The Average American Ranks Their Pain Tolerance a 7 Out of 10, Survey Says

Posted on April 27, 2026

Pain is something we all experience, but how we tolerate it can vary widely depending on where we live, our age, and even our mindset. Everyone has their own way of managing discomfort, from minor bumps and bruises to more significant injuries. To better understand these differences, we surveyed Americans nationwide to uncover how people rate their pain tolerance, how long they wait before seeking relief, and which regions are the most (and least) resilient when it comes to enduring pain.

While pain tolerance and pain threshold are often used interchangeably, they describe two distinct concepts. Pain threshold refers to the point at which a person first begins to feel pain, whereas pain tolerance measures how much pain someone can endure once it begins. For example, two people might feel pain at the same time (a similar threshold), but one might continue the activity longer before seeking relief — indicating a higher pain tolerance. Understanding this distinction helps explain why some regions or demographics appear more resilient than others when faced with discomfort or injury.

The results reveal surprising patterns: residents in some states report remarkably high pain thresholds, while others lean heavily on medication or seek professional treatment sooner. Generational habits also play a role, with older Americans more likely to “tough it out” compared to younger generations, who often dread painful situations altogether.

By analyzing the nation’s collective threshold, we’ve mapped out key trends and regional insights that paint a fascinating picture of how Americans handle one of life’s most universal challenges—pain.

California Residents Have the Highest Pain Tolerance

When it comes to enduring pain, California leads the nation with a reported pain tolerance score of 56.2. In California, more than half (53.6%) say they typically endure pain without medication — a reflection of the state’s high pain tolerance and resilient mindset. This may also indicate that Californians have developed a higher pain threshold, influenced by the state’s active, outdoor-focused culture, where residents frequently engage in activities like hiking, surfing, and skiing — experiences that often build physical resilience.

Close behind is Utah (55.9), another state known for its rugged terrain and outdoor lifestyle, which likely fosters a similarly high pain tolerance and ability to endure discomfort. Nearly one in 10 Utahns say they never go to the doctor due to sickness or illness, suggesting a population with a strong pain threshold. The Northeast also makes a notable appearance with Maine (55.8), where harsh winters and physically demanding industries such as fishing and forestry may contribute to a culture of toughness and elevated pain tolerance. Just 5.7% of Maine residents say they dread painful situations (like getting a shot at the doctor or a tough workout). Rounding out the top five are Oklahoma (55.3), where residents report the highest individual pain tolerance at 7.4 out of 10, and Oregon (55.3), a state that mirrors California and Utah’s physically active lifestyle, likely reinforcing a high pain threshold among its residents.

At the bottom of the rankings, Pennsylvania comes in last with a pain tolerance score of 48.2. This finding aligns with other trends from the state, where two-thirds of residents rely on medication as their immediate response to discomfort, suggesting a preference for quick relief over enduring pain. 

Texas (48.9) and Mississippi (49.6) also rank low. Despite a self-reported pain tolerance of 7.0 out of 10, Texans are quick to seek treatment and lay low with minor pain. Similarly, one in five Mississippians actively dread painful situations. Meanwhile, Washington (50.3) and Delaware (50.5) break from regional trends, as their scores stand in contrast to the generally higher pain tolerance seen across the Western and Northeastern U.S.

Interestingly, these state-level rankings also highlight unique attitudes toward seeking care and treatment — often reflecting differences in pain tolerance and pain threshold across the country. For example, Kentucky residents are the least likely to see a doctor, with 10% saying they never seek treatment, suggesting a population with a high pain tolerance or greater ability to endure discomfort. On the other hand, residents in states like Louisiana stand on the opposite end of the spectrum, with 13.5% seeking treatment for minor injuries like paper cuts, indicating a lower pain threshold and a greater inclination toward medical care for even mild pain.

Pain Tolerance Increases With Age, As Gen Z Is the Most Pain Averse Generation

Generational differences reveal a clear divide in pain tolerance, with older generations showing more resilience compared to younger Americans. Baby Boomers are the most likely to embrace a “keep going, no matter what” mindset, with 16.6% pushing through discomfort, while only 7.2% of Gen Z report the same attitude. This suggests a noticeable increase in pain tolerance as you age, with younger generations less inclined to endure discomfort and more likely to seek relief quickly.

When it comes to managing pain, reliance on medication is widespread, with 51.6% of Americans typically turning to over-the-counter remedies. However, habits vary by age. Gen X leads in medication use, with 56% opting for quick relief, while Baby Boomers are the most likely to explore alternative treatments (10%). Delays in seeking pain relief are also common: one in five Americans wait several days before turning to medication, and 44.7% postpone professional treatment for days, with 29.3% waiting a week or longer.

Gender trends show that men are twice as likely as women to avoid visiting a doctor when sick or injured, reflecting a higher tendency to “tough it out.” Despite this, certain types of pain — like toothache (58.4%) and earache (54.3%) — are universally difficult to endure, as these appear to be the least tolerable types of pain. Pain aversion is especially pronounced in younger generations, with 15.8% of Americans, particularly Gen Z, actively dreading painful situations like getting a shot.

Overall, the findings highlight a generational shift: Baby Boomers demonstrate a higher threshold for pain and a willingness to persevere, while Gen Z is more pain-averse and quicker to seek relief. Whether due to modern healthcare access, cultural norms, or changing attitudes, it’s clear that Americans’ ability to tolerate pain is evolving over time.

Closing Thoughts

Pain is a universal experience, but how we respond to it varies greatly depending on where we live, our age, and our mindset. From California’s high pain tolerance to Pennsylvania’s quicker reliance on medication, this study sheds light on the many ways Americans manage discomfort. Generational differences reveal a clear divide — with Baby Boomers more likely to persevere through pain and younger generations, like Gen Z, seeking faster relief. Across the board, factors like lifestyle, healthcare access, and cultural attitudes shape our individual and collective pain thresholds.

Yet while enduring pain can sometimes reflect strength or resilience, not all pain should be tolerated. When discomfort stems from medical errors, negligence, or delayed treatment, it becomes more than just a matter of endurance — it becomes an issue of justice.
That’s where Weiss & Paarz can help. Our team of dedicated medical malpractice attorneys understands the lasting physical and emotional impact of preventable pain. We’re committed to helping patients and families hold negligent providers accountable and secure the compensation they deserve.

If you’re facing ongoing pain or complications caused by medical malpractice, don’t face it alone. Contact Weiss & Paarz today to learn how we can help you recover your peace of mind and move forward towards compensation for preventable pain and suffering.

Methodology

The data is based on over 2,400 survey respondents. States not included due to insufficient survey respondents: Alaska, Washington, D.C., and Wyoming. The state ranking is based on how residents answered a series of questions about their reactions to pain, plans for anticipated pain, and self-reported pain tolerance. The ranking is on a scale of 0 to 100, with 100 indicating the highest possible pain tolerance and 0 indicating no pain tolerance at all. 

Pain Tolerance FAQs

1. What determines a person’s pain tolerance?
   Pain tolerance is shaped by a combination of biological, psychological, and environmental factors. Genetics can influence how pain signals are processed, while emotional state, stress levels, and previous pain experiences all affect how much discomfort someone can handle. Lifestyle also plays a role — regular physical activity and exposure to minor discomforts can increase both resilience and overall tolerance.
   
2. Does pain tolerance increase with age?
   Generally, yes — pain tolerance tends to increase with age. Older adults often report being more accustomed to discomfort and are less likely to seek immediate relief. This may result from life experience, changes in nerve sensitivity, or a greater ability to manage pain mentally. However, aging can also bring chronic conditions that increase pain frequency, so tolerance can vary widely among individuals.
   
3. Who has a higher pain tolerance, men or women?
   Research suggests that men and women experience pain differently, but not necessarily that one group has a universally higher tolerance. Men often report higher pain tolerance in acute situations, possibly due to social norms around “toughing it out.” However, studies have shown that women may endure pain longer in certain circumstances, such as during childbirth or chronic pain, due to hormonal and neurological differences.
   
4. How can you get a higher pain tolerance?
   While pain perception is partly genetic, pain tolerance can be improved through gradual exposure and mental conditioning. Practices like regular exercise, mindfulness, and stress management can increase endurance and reduce pain sensitivity. Building physical resilience through activities like yoga, endurance training, or controlled cold exposure can also help the body adapt to discomfort more effectively over time.