Congrats, Michigan – Study Finds We’re Not ‘Gross’

What makes a state "gross"? Well, according to a new study it's dirty air, percentage of landfills, spread of illnesses... and searches for Crocs and and mayo recipes?

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Yep, these are the metrics by which career-research website Zippia ranked each state's level of "grossness", and apparently Michigan is among the least gross states in the nation.

Zippia says they looked at the EPA’s data on the percentage of each state’s land that is taken up by landfills, and to determine air quality, they referenced Air Filters Delivered ranking on air quality. They then looked at the CDC’s ranking on spread of illness in each state.

Tbh, I dunno what Zippia has against mayonnaise though. I'm also kind of surprised we're not searching for more mayo recipes. I'd assumed that as Midwesterners, we loved the stuff. Maybe not though? Am I alone in my "gross" love for mayo?

Or maybe Michiganders know that OG mayo is perfect as it is - in our deviled eggs, tuna salad, chicken salad, slathered on sandwiches, etc. - and so we don't need to search for recipes to improve it?

And as far as Crocs, maybe they're not the most attractive footwear... but I do think it's cool they just gave away tens of thousands of pairs to healthcare workers for free.

Here's how Zippia explains their inclusion of Google searches for a condiment and footwear:

We decided to add some cultural factors that are a bit…well, gross. AKA Google search interest in:

• Mayo recipes
• Croc wearing

Sorry Mayo lovers and Croc wearers. A line had to be drawn somewhere.

Anyway, according to Zippia, Michigan is the 42nd grossest state in the U.S. 

Here are their picks for the the Top Ten Grossest:

1. Virginia
2. South Carolina
3. North Carolina
4. Pennsylvania
5. Texas
6. New Jersey
7. Connecticut
8. Georgia
9. Delaware
10. New York

The least gross state, according to Zippia? Alaska.