Any Complaints?
Forget baseball—complaining might be America’s true pastime. But depending on where you live, some states are in the major leagues of griping. We crunched the numbers so you don’t have to (because you’d just complain about it anyway). Based on national survey data, these are the states where people vent the most—about…well, about pretty much everything. It’s part science, part sass, and totally relatable.
22: Maine
Common topics: Weather, tourists, and potholes
Mainers pride themselves on being hardy—but endless winters and summer crowds test even Yankee patience. Locals love their coastlines but aren’t shy about complaining when someone from “away” forgets to yield, tip, or pronounce “Bangor” properly.
21: Washington
Common topics: Rain, traffic, and tech layoffs
Seattle’s drizzle provides the perfect soundtrack for sighs. Between never-ending construction, rising rent, and coffee that costs more than lunch, Washingtonians have earned their grumbling rights. Still, they’ll usually complain politely—unless you call it “Frisco.”
Spicypepper999, Wikimedia Commons
20: New Jersey
Common topics: Drivers, tolls, and taxes
New Jersey residents aren’t necessarily angry—they’re efficient communicators with opinions. Between the Turnpike, property taxes, and debates about the best bagel, complaining is basically a state sport. Just don’t mistake passion for hostility.
Silveira Neto, Wikimedia Commons
19: Oregon
Common topics: Rain, housing, and traffic
If it rains 150 days a year, you’re bound to have feelings about it. Oregonians love nature but not high rent or clogged highways. They’ll gripe about gentrification while sipping single-origin coffee—eco-friendly cup, of course.
M.O. Stevens, Wikimedia Commons
18: Michigan
Common topics: Potholes, snow, and sports teams
Winter lasts forever, roads fall apart, and the Lions break hearts. Michigan residents have plenty to say—but at least they’re united in shared frustration. Few states turn complaining into such a strong community bond.
Tony Webster from Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States, Wikimedia Commons
17: Pennsylvania
Common topics: Traffic, tolls, and sports rivalries
Whether you’re in Philly or Pittsburgh, the passion runs deep—and so does the venting. Pennsylvania residents don’t hold back about their teams, potholes, or endless construction on the Turnpike. It’s cathartic, really.
16: New York
Common topics: Rent, tourists, and the subway
New Yorkers don’t complain—they narrate. It’s performance art. From slow walkers to the MTA, the city gives them endless material, and they deliver it with flair. Complaining here isn’t negativity—it’s civic participation.
Aurelien Guichard, Wikimedia Commons
15: Texas
Common topics: Heat, drivers, and property taxes
Texans have big hearts—and even bigger opinions. From summer scorchers to skyrocketing taxes, they don’t hold back. Complaining is just another way of saying “we care,” preferably over barbecue and sweet tea.
Roland Arhelger, Wikimedia Commons
14: Iowa
Common topics: Weather, politics, and traffic
Midwestern nice doesn’t mean silent. Iowans keep it polite, but they’ll still grumble about icy roads, campaign season, or the price of corn. It’s friendly venting—with a smile and a casserole dish.
13: Nebraska
Common topics: Prices, roads, and service quality
Nebraska has vast open spaces—plenty of room for echoing complaints. Locals may seem quiet, but they’ll give you an earful about inflation, traffic, or rude customer service, all with polite precision.
Tony Webster from Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States, Wikimedia Commons
12: West Virginia
Common topics: Internet access, roads, and costs
Mountain life comes with breathtaking views—and unreliable Wi-Fi. West Virginians vent about spotty service and crumbling roads, but there’s genuine warmth behind the frustration. They gripe because they care.
ForestWander, Wikimedia Commons
11: Colorado
Common topics: Cost of living, traffic, and tourists
For a state full of nature lovers, Coloradans sure love complaining about all the newcomers who “discovered” nature. Between rent hikes, ski traffic, and Californians moving in, there’s plenty to talk about on the trail.
Jeffrey Beall, Wikimedia Commons
10: Florida
Common topics: Weather, politics, and traffic
Between hurricanes, humidity, and headlines, Floridians have no shortage of topics. The state’s mix of retirees, transplants, and lifelong locals ensures someone’s always mid-complaint—usually from the comfort of an air-conditioned SUV.
9: Tennessee
Common topics: Weather, rent, and traffic
Tennessee’s charm can’t mask its growing pains. Between Nashville’s boom and Memphis’s gridlock, locals are quick to gripe—but with a drawl that makes even complaints sound like lyrics.
8: Missouri
Common topics: Weather, roads, and sports heartbreak
Missouri’s forecast changes every hour, and so do moods. From winter potholes to postseason letdowns, residents have their share of grievances—and the Show-Me State has no problem showing them.
7: Oklahoma
Common topics: Weather, roads, and power outages
In tornado country, the weather alone gives Oklahomans plenty to talk about. Add bumpy highways and finicky utilities, and you’ve got a perfect storm of everyday annoyances. Still, they’ll laugh through it—eventually.
6: Arkansas
Common topics: Roads, costs, and humidity
Arkansans may be polite, but when it comes to complaining, they punch above their weight. Expect long talks about gas prices, mosquitoes, and why nothing works right after payday.
StuttgartChamber, Wikimedia Commons
5: Louisiana
Common topics: Weather, politics, and potholes
The gumbo’s rich, but patience is thin. Between humidity, hurricanes, and city streets that resemble obstacle courses, Louisianans have earned every sigh—and they’ll tell you about it over beignets.
4: Kentucky
Common topics: Traffic, taxes, and referees
Kentuckians are charming, but when the Wildcats lose, all bets are off. Between rising costs and endless detours, they have plenty to vent about—and do so with Southern flair.
FloNight (Sydney Poore) and Russell Poore, Wikimedia Commons
3: Nevada
Common topics: Heat, drivers, and tourists
Third place and proud. Whether it’s the desert heat or yet another bachelor party clogging the strip, Nevadans have perfected the art of the complaint—with a wink, a laugh, and a jackpot metaphor.
Frank Schulenburg, Wikimedia Commons
2: Alabama
Common topics: Bills, weather, and neighbors
Alabama’s chatter is friendly, but the griping is real. From humidity to home maintenance, they’ll share their frustrations freely—and then offer you sweet tea to make up for it.
1: Mississippi
Common topics: Debt, health, and service
The reigning champions of the complaint index. Mississippians might not have it easy, but they sure have opinions—especially when it comes to bills, broadband, and bureaucracy. At least they’re honest about it.
Dudemanfellabra, Wikimedia Commons
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