The organization analyzed 2021-22 data from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s National Survey on Drug Use and Health to identify the percentage of adults reporting a mental, behavioral or emotional disorder in the past year. KFF noted the estimates reflect indicators of mental illness rather than direct diagnoses.
The national rate of adults who reported having a mental health illness over the past year was 23.1%.
Six states with the highest rates (includes a tie):
- Utah — 29.2% of adults reported mental illness in the past year
- Idaho — 28.0%
- Oregon — 27.5%
- Wyoming — 27.4%
- Montana — 27.1%
Washington — 27.1%
Five states with the lowest rates:
- New Jersey — 19.4%
- Florida — 20.4%
- Delaware — 20.9%
- Connecticut — 21.0%
- New York — 21.1%
See the complete list of states and their mental illness rates here.
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