WalletHub ranked Michigan last among US states for “hard work” in a study that the article characterises as naming it America’s “laziest” state, with Oregon second from last. The result has prompted criticism from Michigan residents and is notable because Michigan has a long-standing identity as a major manufacturing and automotive centre; WalletHub stressed that the ranking does not measure the importance or strength of a state’s industries.

The study used ten measures split between direct and indirect work factors, producing an overall score out of 100. Higher-weighted measures included average weekly hours, employment rates and households with no working adults, while lower-weighted factors included commuting time, multiple-job holding and leisure time; Michigan reportedly recorded low weekly working hours and a low employment rate. The article says Michigan’s automotive sector contributes about $225 billion annually and accounts for nearly 20% of US vehicle production.