Study says West Virginia is least fun state, but it didn’t take these factors into account

CLARKSBURG, W.Va. (WBOY) — A study released on Tuesday said that West Virginia is the least fun state in America, but outdoor enthusiasts might disagree with the methodology.

The ranking by WalletHub

used 26 metrics to give each state a score for “Nightlife” and a score for “Entertainment and Recreation,” and then ranked each state based on its total combined score. West Virginia scored in 50th for Entertainment and Recreation and 40th for Nightlife, landing the Mountain State in 50th place overall—the least fun.

However, the study did not factor in certain types of fun that West Virginia is known for. The ranking used metrics like the number of restaurants, performing arts theaters, fitness centers, other entertainment establishments per capita and even factored in personal expenditures on recreation services per capita. But in a place where free, outdoor recreation is the main draw for tourists, those metrics don’t highlight West Virginia’s strengths.

West Virginia might have the 3rd lowest personal expenditures on recreation services per capita, according to the ranking, but that doesn’t factor in that West Virginia is one of the only states with free state parks.

West Virginia might be ranked 49th for fitness centers per capita, but it also has thousands of miles of hiking and biking trails.

West Virginia has a total of 36 state parks, 1.1 million acres of federal land—national forests, parks and preserves that are open for outdoor recreation—and adventure opportunities year-round, from whitewater rafting to skiing.

Based on the WalletHub ranking, the most fun states in America are California, Florida, Nevada, Illinois and New York. You can read the stull study here.