Which U.S. States Report Being in the Most Pain?

Posted on March 16, 2026

Whether it’s occasional and manageable or constant and disruptive, pain touches nearly every part of life for many people.

To better understand what ongoing pain looks like across the country, we surveyed more than 2,400 Americans from every state. We asked them to rate their daily pain, share whether they consider it chronic, identify where they feel it most and explain how it affects their work, routines and interactions with the health care system. We then analyzed the results by state, age and overall trends to uncover patterns in how Americans experience and respond to pain.

The findings reveal clear regional differences, generational divides and growing concerns about how chronic pain is treated. Together, the data paints a detailed picture of how common pain is in the United States, and how often it shapes decisions about medical care.

The U.S. States That Are in the Most Pain

To understand how pain varies across the country, we asked respondents to rate their average daily pain on a scale of 0 to 10. We then compared responses by state to see where residents report the highest and lowest levels of discomfort.

Nationally, Americans report an average daily pain level of 3.8 out of 10.

Which States Are in the Most and Least Pain?

The following states reported the highest average daily pain ratings:

1. Mississippi – 4.73 out of 10
2. Louisiana – 4.52
3. Iowa – 4.44
4. Arizona – 4.42
5. West Virginia – 4.28

In these states, residents report daily pain levels that sit well above the national average. While pain is a common experience across the country, respondents in these areas describe more persistent or intense discomfort in their daily lives.

At the other end of the spectrum, these states reported the lowest pain ratings:

1. California – 3.08 out of 10
2. South Dakota – 3.16
3. Montana – 3.23
4. Rhode Island – 3.3
5. New York – 3.34

Residents in these states report daily pain levels that fall notably below the national average. While that does not mean they are pain-free, it suggests that resident discomfort may be less severe or less frequent than in higher-ranking states.

Which States Report the Most Chronic Pain?

Daily pain ratings tell part of the story. We also asked respondents whether they consider themselves to be living with chronic pain, whether formally diagnosed or not.

Nationally, 53% of Americans say they believe they live with chronic pain. Of that group, 27% say they have received a formal diagnosis.

The following states are home to the highest portion of respondents who report being in chronic pain:

1. North Carolina – 70%
2. Maine – 68.8%
3. Nevada – 68.6%
4. Arkansas – 63.5%
5. Georgia – 62.7%

In these states, a clear majority of respondents describe their pain as chronic. That distinction matters. Chronic pain often affects daily routines, employment, mobility and overall quality of life, especially when left untreated or inadequately managed.

Conversely, some state residents reported much lower instances. These are the areas with the lowest frequency of chronic pain:

1. Massachusetts – 34.0%
2. Michigan – 39.2%
3. New Jersey – 40.0%
4. South Dakota – 40.0%
5. Illinois – 40.4%

In contrast, fewer than half of respondents in these states say they consider their pain chronic. The gap between the highest- and lowest-ranking states highlights how differently pain is experienced and identified across the country.

Both daily pain levels and perceptions of chronic pain vary significantly by state. For many Americans, pain is not occasional or minor. It is ongoing and deeply personal.

Next, we’ll take a closer look at how chronic pain affects daily life, from work and relationships to overall well-being.

How Big of a Role Does Chronic Pain Play on Health Care?

Pain is not just a number on a scale. For many, it shapes how they work, seek care and navigate the health system. Our survey shows that chronic pain is not isolated or rare. It is common, persistent and, in many cases, disruptive.

A Daily Reality for Millions

As noted earlier, the average pain rating nationwide is 3.8 out of 10. But that number only tells part of the story.

• 53% of Americans say they consider themselves to be living with chronic pain. 27% say they’ve been formally diagnosed.
• 41% experience physical pain every day.
• 32% experience pain a few times per week.

Pain levels also vary by age:

• 45–60 year olds report the highest average daily pain at 4.3 out of 10.
• Those 61+ report an average of an even 4.
• Younger adults (18-28) unsurprisingly report the lowest with an average of 3.3.

When it comes to identifying as living with chronic pain:

• 67% of those 61+ say they consider themselves to have chronic pain.
• 39% of those 18-28 say the same.

These figures suggest that pain increases with age, but younger adults are not immune. A significant share of Americans across all generations describe pain as an ongoing condition rather than a temporary issue.

Where Pain Shows Up and How It’s Managed

Pain affects multiple parts of the body, often at once. Respondents most frequently report pain in:

• Back – 56%
• Head – 33%
• Joints – 31%
• Neck – 30%
• Knees – 30%

To manage that pain, Americans turn to a range of strategies:

• Lifestyle changes – 58%
• Medications – 36%
• Physical therapy – 34%
• Alternative therapies – 30%

Still, many report that their pain is not improving.

• 50% say their pain has worsened over the last 3 years.
• Only 13% say it has improved.

The impact extends beyond discomfort:

• 19% say pain interferes with daily activities often.
• 48% say pain has caused them to miss work, reduce hours or change jobs.

Chronic pain, for many, is not just physical. It affects income, mobility and long-term stability.

When Pain Meets the Health Care System

More than half of respondents have sought professional help.

• 52% have pursued medical treatment specifically for ongoing or chronic pain.

Yet many report negative experiences within the health system.

• 42% say a medical professional has dismissed, minimized or not taken their pain seriously.
• 41% of adults 18-28 say they felt dismissed, compared to 32% of those 61+.

Confidence in the system remains low. We asked respondents to tell us how much they agree with the following statement:

“The U.S. healthcare system adequately understands and treats chronic pain well.”

• 63% disagree. 36% of which “strongly disagree.”
• Only 11% agree with that statement.
• 66% of adults 18-44 disagree, compared to 49% of those 61+.

Many Americans also delay care altogether.

• 59% have delayed or avoided seeking medical care for significant pain.

The primary reasons include:

• Cost concerns – 31%
• Fear of being dismissed – 15%
• Expectation that pain would resolve on its own – 12%
• Previous negative experiences with providers – 11%

When patients delay care because they expect to be ignored or cannot afford treatment, pain often progresses unchecked.

Chronic pain can play a significant role in how Americans interact with the health care system. Millions live with ongoing discomfort. Many seek treatment. A substantial share feels unheard. Others avoid care entirely.

For those whose pain is dismissed, misdiagnosed or worsened through medical negligence, the consequences can be lasting. Chronic pain is not only a personal burden. It is a health care issue with legal and systemic implications.

Closing Thoughts

Pain is a daily reality for millions of Americans. Our survey shows that average pain levels sit at 3.8 out of 10 nationwide, with more than half of respondents saying they live with some level of chronic pain. Many report worsening symptoms, disruptions to work and daily life and difficulty getting the care they need.

The data also highlights a deeper concern. A significant share of Americans say they have felt dismissed or not taken seriously by medical professionals. Others delay treatment because of cost, fear or past experiences. When pain is ignored or mismanaged, the consequences can compound over time.

For those whose chronic pain stems from medical negligence, accountability matters. Weiss & Paarz combines legal experience with medical insight to advocate for patients who were not heard, not treated appropriately or harmed by preventable errors.

Methodology

This survey was conducted online using a nationwide sample of U.S. adults. Respondents were screened for state of residence to enable state-by-state comparisons. A total of over 2,300 participants completed the survey, with quotas applied to ensure balanced representation from all states represented.

The questionnaire included up to 12 items measuring self-reported pain levels, frequency and location of pain, healthcare-seeking behavior, perceived treatment experiences, and the impact of pain on daily life, along with standard demographic questions.

Responses were collected anonymously, and the data were analyzed to identify national trends as well as differences across states and key demographic groups.

The survey ran over a two week period in January 2025.

Disclaimer: The historical information and specific statistics displayed above are solely designed to provide general knowledge to the public and are being used as a part of attorney marketing. Cited statistics and statements were taken from an anonymous online poll. Weiss & Paarz did not take any steps to replicate the findings of any sources used in this infographics, nor were the numbers or results displayed above independently verified by Weiss & Paarz.

Fair Use

You are welcome to use, reference, and share non-commercial excerpts of this study with proper attribution. If you cite or cover our findings, please link back to this page so readers can view the full methodology, charts, and context.