Hoarding Habits: How Utah’s Younger Population Shapes The State’s Statistics

People in Utah do not have a big problem with hoarding. This is a diagnosed disorder where the need to hang on to items results in a disruption of a person's life and can even threaten their safety.

Hoarding vs. Collecting: What's the Difference?

Have you ever been accused of hoarding? There is some confusion about what constitutes a diagnosed hoarding disorder and the common desire to collect things or not wanting to throw out items with sentimental value.

Psychiatry.org describes symptoms of a hoarding disorder like if it is causing major distress and problems in your social and work life. They also point to a special type of hoarding that involves acquiring large numbers of animals.

The Statistics of Hoarding: Who is Affected?

When your collection of household items builds up in your house, it can turn into hoarding. According to those who have studied hoarding, 2% to 6% of people in the United States suffer from this disorder that hampers their ability to let go of items that end up cluttering their living space. 

I was curious what state has the highest percentage of hoarders and where Utah falls in comparison. Turbo Haul surveyed 1000 Americans and found those who admitted to a tendency to hoard.

Where Does Utah Stand? Insights and Comparisons

The state with the highest percentage is South Carolina with 50% followed by Ohio at 42% and Alabama with 41.7%. New Jersey and Wyoming reported the lowest percentage of hoarders at just 10%.

Where is Utah? Right in the middle with 21.9%. The reason Utah has less of a problem with hoarding is due to the state's younger demographic.

Read More: Top 5 Inventions Utah Homeowners Should Know About

In studying hoarding as a disorder, they have found it is more common in people over 55 and those who are overweight. They also said it is equally divided between men and women. They have also found those with OCD are more likely to hoard.