The Midwest state famed for manufacturing has been named America's laziest state after it was ranked one of the least hardworking in all of the US, according to a new report.
WalletHub, a personal finance company, reported that Michigan is officially the laziest state, with Oregon just behind in 49th place for productivity.
In their research, analysts found that people from Michigan logged some of the lowest numbers of hours worked per week. They also had one of the lowest employment rates compared to other states.
Chip Lupo, a WalletHub analyst, told the Daily Mail that to determine where Americans have worked the hardest, researchers used a ten key metric system across two different categories including direct and indirect work factors.
'The ranking doesn't necessarily mean the state lacks any key or demanding industries. It doesn't measure the strength or their economic importance,' said Lupo.
Instead, they looked at the highest weighted metrics that fell into the direct category including average workweek hours, employment rates and share of households where no adults worked.
Their indirect category featured lower weighted metrics such as average commute-time, share of workers with multiple jobs and average leisure time spent per day.
Once researchers determined each states weighted average across all metrics, they calculated its overall score out of 100.
Since the early 19th century, Michigan has earned its reputation as the heart of the car manufacturing industry. Areas such as Detroit are famously known as the 'Motor City' as it served as the epicenter of US car production
Detroit became home to the big three automakers, Ford, General Motors and Chrysler which collectively shaped the market on a global scale
Since the early 19th century, Michigan has earned its reputation as the heart of the car manufacturing industry. Areas such as Detroit are famously known as the 'Motor City' as it served as the epicenter of US production.
Henry Ford pioneered the moving assembly line that drastically reduced production time and cost. This made cars affordable for the average American.
Michigan became home to the big three automakers, Ford, General Motors and Chrysler which collectively shaped the market on a global scale.
In 2026, the automotive industry contributed approximately $225 billion to Michigan’s economy annually and the state accounted for nearly 20 percent of all US vehicle production according to a Detroit Regional Chamber report.
Their cars became cultural icons with models such as Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Corvette representing high status. The brands were praised for their design, performance and influence on transportation culture throughout history.
The new WalletHub data findings have sparked controversy with people living in Michigan who were not happy about their ranking.
One person online wrote: 'Can you blame us? We have a state other states travel to because its so beautiful! Nobody vacations in North Dakota lol.'
Workers assemble Chevy Bolt EV cars at the General Motors assembly plant in Orion Township, Michigan
Pictured: Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer
Another said: 'We work smart, not hard!'
While a third commented: 'Least hard working because we are starting to know better and to value our health and minds and bodies?
'We work smarter. We build better. Eventually we will get to the point where we use our energy to lift even our most fragile people up. And we help each other to value time and life force.'
In a similar way, for the past 125 years, Oregon has been well known for its leading reputation in the manufacturing industry. Its abundant forests have supplied timber and wood used to create lumber, plywood, engineered products and furniture.
For the past 125 years, Oregon has been well known for its leading reputation in the manufacturing industry
Their abundant forests have supplied timber and wood used to create lumber, plywood, engineered products and furniture
In Portland, the Silicon Forest serves as a critical hub for electronic and semiconductors like Intel, the computer company who uses Oregon as their production base.
They also specialize in consumer goods like outdoor sports equipment with big name brands such as Nike and Columbia Sportswear.
But the question being raised is not the success of their manufacturing but rather their lack of job growth and the decline of employment rates.
According to the U.S Bereau of Labor Statistics, Oregon’s unemployment rate is currently 5.2 percent which is slighter higher than the national median.
In response to these growing concerns ongoing debates have sparked on social media with some community members agreeing with the data found and others completely disagreeing with its findings.
In a Facebook post, state representative Dwanye Yunker wrote: 'ANOTHER OREGON RANKING WE DON’T WANT: 49TH IN THE NATION'
He encouraged the Oregon commenters to share their thoughts and opinions.
In a Facebook post, state representative Dwanye Yunker encouraged the Oregon commenters to share their thoughts and opinions on the recent data report
A CNBC report found Oregon also ranked 42 out of 50, bottom ten nationwide for top states for businesses. As a result, workers have struggled to afford living and find jobs which in turn makes it harder for businesses to recruit and retain employees.
Researchers suggest these factors have changed the perception of the state as whole and could mean it is becoming less competitive than many other parts of the country.
Despite the negative outcomes, Lou explained the goal of their report was to start the conversation around necessary reforms that need to be made for the working community.
'The overall objective with studies like these are for people to start lobbying your local lawmakers. Thinking about what we can do. What can we do to get up where the Dakotas are on the list?' said Lupo.
'A huge reason we do this is to raise resident awareness and maybe kickstart some change in public policy. We hope that it can turn the situation around.'
Lupo suggested making improvements to Oregon's welfare programs or job training systems that directly impact workforce metrics and data.
The Daily Mail reached out to Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Governor Tina Kotek and several Representatives from each state for comment but have not yet received a response.
