No Risks in Raleigh

Bad news for all the adrenaline junkies in Raleigh and beyond! A new study reports that North Carolina is the fifth most risk-averse state in the country, with a risk tolerance around 6% lower than the national average.

The study examined the most and least risk-tolerant states in the country before asking for national opinions on daily financial risks. To assess different states’ risk levels, the study surveyed respondents from every state and asked them to rate their risk tolerance on a scale of 1-4, with 1 being the least risky and 4 being the riskiest.

Even though North Carolinians were less risky than most other states, Wyoming, Alabama, Illinois, and Michigan residents were even more risk-averse. Interestingly, North Carolina is situated in a hesitant region. The South was the only region with an average risk tolerance under the national average.

Some Raleigh thrill-seekers might be surprised that the state has so many risk-averse residents. After all, from rock climbing out in the Foothills to taking on the waves of the Outer Banks, there are so many fun, high-thrill activities that North Carolinians love.

That’s not to say that there aren’t plenty of reasons for North Carolinians to go through life with measured risk. A recent history of hurricane devastation likely prompted many North Carolinians to be a little more careful with their homes, cars, and property. Further, North Carolina has a lower-than-average median household income. For many North Carolinians, having less money to fall back on is all the reason they need to be more careful and purposeful with the money they do spend. Maybe these residents don’t take major financial risks, but they surely put their checkbooks towards what matters.

You can review the full study to see North Carolina and national results here.