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Texas Tops 2026 Lust Rankings, Ranks 5th Most Sinful State

Texas ranked as the No. 1 state for lust and the No. 5 most sinful state overall in WalletHub’s 2026 study comparing all 50 states.

Published February 25, 2026 at 11:00am by Alexis Simmerman


Cielo Nightclub has been Austin's primer Latin nightlife destination for 16 years. Texas has been named the No. 5 most sinful city in 2026, ranking No. 1 for lust.
Provided by Cielo Nightclub/Elias Boukarim

Everything’s bigger in Texas — including the vices.

The Lone Star State is once again one of the most “sinful” states in America, landing at No. 5 overall in WalletHub’s 2026 rankings. And for the second year in a row, Texas claims the top spot for lust.

HOUSTON, TX - FEBRUARY 04: (L-R) Playmates Monica Sims, Hiromi Oshima, Summer Altice and Heather Rae Young poses on the Indian Motorcycle during the Playboy party with TAO at Spire Nightclub on Feb. 4, 2017 in Houston.
Christopher Polk/Getty Images for Playboy

The annual analysis compares all 50 states across 54 measures tied to immoral or illicit behavior, from violent crimes per capita and excessive drinking to gambling disorders.

“People across the nation have their own moral struggles, from violent outbursts and bullying to compulsive gambling, excessive lust and self-destructive consumption,” WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo says. “While individual cases of negative behavior may only affect a few people, when these behaviors are exhibited by a high share of a state’s population, the majority of the state’s residents suffer as a result. States should invest in resources to help people curb vices, such as robust rehabilitation programs for people with gambling and drug addictions.”

Which sins do Lone Star State residents struggle with the most, and how do they compare to residents of other states? It’s time for a hard truth: Aside from a few metrics, Texas scored high for all the wrong reasons.

A roulette wheel is pictured at the Hollywood Casino Morgantown during a preopening press tour of the facility on Dec. 17, 2021.
Ben Hasty/MediaNews Group/Reading Eagle via Getty Images

For the second year, the Lone Star State was named the fifth most sinful state — and the No. 1 state for lust. It also ranked among the top 10 for jealousy and vanity, staying consistent with 2025 rankings.

  • No. 1 for lust
  • No. 5 for prostitution and commercialized vice arrests per capita
  • No. 6 for jealousy
  • No. 7 for vanity
  • No. 19 for laziness
  • No. 28 for excesses and vices
  • No. 34 for anger and hatred
  • No. 45 for greed

The most sinful states in 2026

It seems appropriate that Nevada, home to the notorious “Sin City” of Las Vegas, was once again deemed America’s most sinful state.

Nevada is home to Las Vegas, often referred to as "Sin City." Nevada was deemed the most sinful U.S. state in 2026.
Clive Mason/Getty Images

The five most sinful states were the same as last year’s, with one switch: Louisiana replaced Florida for No. 3 as Florida slid to No. 4.

  1. Nevada
  2. California
  3. Louisiana
  4. Florida
  5. Texas

Nevada — home to Las Vegas, long nicknamed “Sin City” — once again topped the list as the most sinful state in the U.S.

Other states rounding out the top 10 include Tennessee, Mississippi, Illinois, Arizona and New York.

The least sinful states in 2026

Wyoming was ranked the least sinful state in 2026, followed by New Hampshire, Idaho, Vermont, Maine, Minnesota, Utah, Iowa, Nebraska and South Dakota.

While the rankings are tongue-in-cheek, WalletHub says they highlight broader behavioral trends that can impact communities statewide — and underscore the need for resources aimed at addiction, violence prevention and rehabilitation.