Iowa is one of the luckiest states in America, according to a new study released ahead of St. Patrick’s Day. The analysis ranks Iowa No. 2 in the nation, while Illinois also lands in the Top 10.
A study from The Action Network ranked the “luckiest” states in the U.S. using factors such as lottery wins, credit scores, accident rates and natural disasters.
Iowa ranks No. 2 overall, while Illinois comes in at No. 6, both landing in the national top 10.
The study says Iowa’s high ranking comes largely from strong financial stability and safety metrics. The state has an average credit score of 719, relatively low accident death rates and nine major lottery wins recorded in the data.
Illinois also scores well thanks to solid financial indicators and moderate safety risks. The state recorded 11 major lottery wins, an average credit score of 712, and 11 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents.
Overall, the Midwest performed well in the rankings, driven by strong credit scores, affordable housing and lower safety risks compared to other regions.
Top 10 “Luckiest” States:
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New Hampshire
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Iowa
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Minnesota
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Pennsylvania
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Massachusetts
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Illinois
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Indiana
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Rhode Island
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Michigan
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Connecticut
On the other end of the spectrum, Texas ranked as the “unluckiest” state, followed by California and Mississippi. Researchers say higher disaster risks, financial pressures and lifestyle factors contributed to those lower scores.
The rankings were based on 11 factors across three categories: “pure luck” (like lottery wins and lightning strikes), financial indicators such as credit scores and housing affordability, and safety metrics including accidents and natural disasters.
Here’s why Iowa and Illinois were in the top ten.
Iowa – Luck Score: 69.98
- Lottery wins: 9
- Lottery payout per capita: $140
- Average credit score: 719
- Car accident deaths: 11 per 100,000 residents
Iowa’s strong finish comes mostly from financial stability and affordability.
The state pairs excellent housing affordability (0.92) with a high average credit score (719), which points to a pretty solid financial foundation overall. Iowa also has low accident death rates and relatively few natural disasters, helping it score well on the safety side.
With nine major lottery wins on record, Iowa shows that quieter Midwestern states can still catch a few breaks.
Illinois – Luck Score: 66.44
- Lottery wins: 11
- Lottery payout per capita: $285
- Average credit score: 712
- Car accident deaths: 11 per 100,000 residents
Illinois ranks well because it balances strong financial indicators with solid safety numbers.
The state has 11 major lottery wins, affordable housing levels (0.86), and a relatively low accident death rate of 11 per 100,000 residents.
That combination keeps Illinois among the more steady performers in the national luck rankings.
