Americans may not all agree on what brings happiness, but a new ranking suggests where people are most likely to find it.
WalletHub’s annual Happiest States in America report ranked all 50 states using measures tied to emotional and physical well-being, work environment, financial security and community life. Hawaii earned the top spot, followed by New Jersey, Utah, Idaho and Maryland.
The report comes as many Americans continue to navigate economic uncertainty. Citing Gallup data, WalletHub noted that only 44% of Americans say they are “very satisfied” with their lives, suggesting that factors such as health, employment, relationships and financial stability all play a role in overall well-being.
WalletHub based the rankings on 30 metrics spanning health, finances, employment, safety, social connections and other quality-of-life measures.
The happiest states in America ranked
According to WalletHub, here’s where all 50 states ranked when it comes to happiness:
- Hawaii
- New Jersey
- Utah
- Idaho
- Maryland
- Nebraska
- Connecticut
- Minnesota
- California
- New Hampshire
- New York
- North Dakota
- Massachusetts
- North Carolina
- South Carolina
- Virginia
- Arizona
- Georgia
- Washington
- Iowa
- Florida
- Vermont
- Kansas
- South Dakota
- Pennsylvania
- Illinois
- Wisconsin
- Delaware
- Rhode Island
- Montana
- Missouri
- Nevada
- Indiana
- Maine
- Texas
- Colorado
- Mississippi
- Michigan
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Tennessee
- Oregon
- Wyoming
- New Mexico
- Alabama
- Kentucky
- Alaska
- Arkansas
- Louisiana
- West Virginia
Why Hawaii ranked No. 1
Hawaii topped the rankings thanks to strong scores in health, life satisfaction and financial well-being.
The state had the nation’s highest reported life satisfaction and the second-lowest adult depression rate. Around 84% of adults reported being in good or better health, Hawaiians have the longest life expectancy in the country, and nearly 72% of adults said they feel active and productive every day.
Hawaii also performed well economically. Its 2.5% unemployment rate ranked among the nation’s lowest, it had the third-highest share of households earning more than $75,000 annually, and residents reported the nation’s second-lowest levels of financial anxiety.
Why New Jersey and Utah followed
New Jersey ranked second, aided by the nation’s lowest depression rate and the highest share of residents reporting supportive relationships and love in their lives. The Garden State also had the second-lowest separation and divorce rate and the second-highest share of households earning more than $75,000 annually.
Utah finished third after ranking first for economic security, a measure that considers employment, insurance coverage and financial stability. The state also had the nation’s lowest separation and divorce rate, residents worked fewer hours per week than those in any other state, and WalletHub ranked Utah second for weather.
How WalletHub measured happiness
WalletHub based the rankings on factors tied to overall quality of life, including health, finances, employment, safety, social connections and leisure time.
“The happiest states are those that provide above-average quality of life in a wide variety of areas, from strong state economies and great physical and mental healthcare to adequate amounts of leisure time and good weather,” WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo said in a statement.
“It’s also important to note that while the adage that money can’t buy happiness has a lot of truth to it, having enough money to live comfortably is still essential. But anything beyond that won’t necessarily enhance happiness as much as having fulfilling hobbies, relationships and opportunities for personal growth.”
Reporter Anthony Thompson can be reached at ajthompsoN@usatodayco.com, or on X @athompsonUSAT