In a new ranking by the Associated Press (AP), it is reported that the West Coast is the epicenter of economic stress in the country.  The AP asserts that the taxing economy has inflicted maximum damage to the West Coast states and the least amount of damage to states in the Midwest.

However, economic stress throughout the country appears to be decreasing.  According to the AP's monthly Economic Stress Index, 54% of the nation's 3,141 counties experienced reduced economic stress in July. 

According to an analysis by the Associated Press, "Stress eased in counties whose work forces lean toward areas like agriculture, mining, wholesale trade and finance. By contrast, counties with many employees in the retail and real estate industries suffered higher distress in July."

States like Nevada, California and Florida have some of the most stressed counties. This is due to the fact that unemployment rates have soared as high as 30.3% and in some cases, the foreclosure rates are four times the nation's average.

The stress index created by the AP takes into consideration unemployment, foreclosure and bankruptcy rates.

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