How Washington State Ranks In Financial Independence This July

As we lead into the 4th of July to celebrate our nation's Independence Day, we're reminded of what makes us truly independent.

The freedom of choice, the freedom to work in any industry we feel fit, the freedom to basically do, within reason, whatever we'd like to do.

How does our humble state compare to the rest of the United States? I mean, after all, our state is named after our first president of the United States so you'd think we'd be pretty high up there.

And, as it turns out, you'd be right.

Get our free mobile app

Financial website Wallet Hub ranked every state and Washington did better than average.

Not first place, but not bad.

Source: WalletHub

They took into consideration financial dependency, government dependency, job market, international trade, and vice dependency.

Washington State came in 7th place overall, but that's not all.

Washington State was 4th for share of current adult smokers.

Washington State was 5th for median credit score.

Washington State was 9th for median debt per income.

Washington State was 15th for long-term unemployment rate

Washington State was 19th for industry variety.

First place goes to our friends in the beehive state of Utah.

Leading up to Washington there's Colorado, Virginia, Idaho, Hawaii, and Massachusetts before reaching Washington State.

Last place goes to Louisiana followed by Kentucky, Mississippi, West Virginia, and finally Alaska.

LOOK: Every state's nickname and where it comes from

Spokeo analyzed state government information and other historical sources to compile this list of stories behind every state's nickname.

Gallery Credit: Stacker

LOOK: The top burger restaurant chains in America

Stacker gathered YouGov Ratings to rank the top 20 burger restaurant chains in America, according to customers in the third quarter of 2024.

Gallery Credit: Stacker

LOOK: Food and drink items that are highly restricted or banned in the U.S.

Stacker explores snacks and other food items banned in the U.S. From tasty cheeses to the famed Scottish dish haggis, these 30 foods aren't welcome in most of the United States.

Gallery Credit: Stacker

LOOK: 35 Vintage Cereals That Perfectly Captured Pop Culture Moments

Movies and TV shows have always found ways to partner with cereal companies as part of their promotion strategy. While some may have come up with a giveaway in boxes, others went big by having their own cereal connected to the movie or TV show title. Here are vintage cereals that were used to promote some of pop culture's biggest moments (and some you probably forgot about).

Gallery Credit: Rob Carroll