Most Redneck States

Tied to stereotypes of rural, working-class white people, the term 'redneck' encapsulates a complex matrix of social, cultural, economic, and political dimensions that are often oversimplified in popular discussions. Originally an underprivileged coal miner or farmer label, it has evolved to signify a range of characteristics, both commendable and contentious - resourcefulness, pride in one's rural roots, as well as, unfortunately, a presumed intolerance or racism in some contexts. The prominence of this identifier varies across states, with certain regions gaining a reputation for greater 'redneck' prevalence. To help make sense of this disparity, we'll be using 'Redneck Score', a combined index of mobile homes per 100 housing units and Walmarts per million people, as presented by mandatory.com.

• The 'Redneck Score' reveals certain regional patterns: five out of the top ten 'most redneck' states by this metric are located in the South (Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama, South Carolina, Louisiana), hinting at a potential cultural and economic alignment with 'redneck' stereotypes.
• The state with the highest 'Redneck Score' is Arkansas with a score of 37.2, followed by Mississippi and New Mexico with scores of 35.1 and 33.1, respectively.
• Conversely, the states with the lowest 'Redneck Score' are predominantly located in the Northeast, with the bottom three being Massachusetts (1.4), New Jersey (1.1), and Connecticut (1.94). This perhaps suggests a socio-cultural divide between the rural South and the more urbanized and suburban Northeast.
• Notwithstanding the regional biases, the 'Redneck Score' doesn't exclusively correlate with the typical 'South-Eastern' stereotype. Western states like New Mexico (33.1) and Wyoming (31.6), and Midwestern states like South Dakota (24.3) also appear in the top half of the rankings, thus challenging our preconceived notions of 'redneck' geography.

Leading the list of 'most redneck' states, according to the 'Redneck Score', is Arkansas, boasting a score of 37.2. Chasing closely behind is the state of Mississippi, with a 'Redneck Score' of 35.1. The Mississippi delta region, in particular, is often associated with the 'redneck' stereotype and is characterized by an agricultural landscape and a predominantly rural lifestyle.

The third spot is taken by an outlier from the South - New Mexico, with a 'Redneck Score' of 33.1. Contrary to the typical southeastern stereotype, New Mexico's presence in the top three is a reminder that 'redneck' culture, such as love for wide-open spaces and a penchant for rural living, can be found beyond the South.

Alabama and South Carolina complete the top five with 'Redneck Scores' of 32.97 and 32.1 respectively. These states, with their deep-rooted southern traditions, are often associated with the 'redneck' label, represented by rural, working-class populations and a strong connection to their agrarian roots.

Notably, the mountain state of West Virginia finds itself in the sixth position with a score of 31.8. West Virginia's rich history associated with the term 'redneck', especially relating to coal mining, is still very much alive in the prevalent rural lifestyle. Contrasting its usual perception as a cowboy state, Wyoming stands seven with a score of 31.6. As for the bluegrass state, Kentucky, it makes it to the eighth spot with 28.5.

The ninth position is claimed by Louisiana (26.7), with its unique blend of Southern heritage, French influence, and countryside living; followed by Oklahoma (25.9), a state known for its cowboy culture - rounding out the top 10 'most redneck' states.

The 10 most 'redneck' states:

1. Arkansas - 37.2
2. Mississippi - 35.1
3. New Mexico - 33.1
4. Alabama - 32.97
5. South Carolina - 32.1
6. West Virginia - 31.8
7. Wyoming - 31.6
8. Kentucky - 28.5
9. Louisiana - 26.7
10. Oklahoma - 25.9