Happiness is a mixture of many factors, internal and external. People can boost happiness by choosing to live positively, spending time with people they love and doing activities they enjoy.
However, other things out of their control, such as the cost-of-living crisis or record-high economic uncertainty, are taking a toll, with only 44 percent of Americans saying they’re “very satisfied” with their lives.
Even though people across the United States are facing difficult times, the state they live in may have an impact on how happy they are.
WalletHub, a personal finance website, looked at “happiness” research to determine which external factors are linked to a person’s overall well-being and satisfaction with life. Previous studies have found that good economic, emotional, physical, and social health are all key to a well-balanced and fulfilled life.
To determine where Americans have the best combination of these factors, WalletHub looked at the 50 states across 30 metrics, ranging from the depression rate and the share of adults feeling productive to income growth and the unemployment rate.
Hawaii is the happiest state, according to WalletHub’s research, with residents reporting the highest levels of life satisfaction in the nation and the second-lowest depression rate.
In addition, around 85 percent of Hawaiian adults report that they’re in good or better health, the 10th-best percentage in the nation, and Hawaiians have the highest life expectancy in the U.S. Also, Hawaii has one of the lowest unemployment rates, as well as the second-highest share of households with an annual income above $75,000.
The ranking of happy states in the survey are:
|
Happiest States in America |
Unhappiest States in America |
|
1. Hawaii |
41. Colorado |
Best vs. Worst
- New Jersey has the lowest share of adult depression, which is 2.3 times lower than in West Virginia, the state with the highest.
- New Jersey has the fewest suicides per 100,000 residents, which is 3.9 times fewer than in Alaska, the state with the most.
- Utah has the highest volunteer rate, which is 2.5 times higher than in Rhode Island, the state where the rate is the lowest.
- Utah has the lowest separation and divorce rate, which is 1.7 times lower than in New Mexico, the state where the rate is the highest.
“Where you live can play a role in happiness, but the effect is highly personal,” said Jeanette M. Bennett, Ph.D., associate professor at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. “If your environment aligns with your preferences, you are more likely to feel satisfied.”
However, environmental factors such as noise, light pollution, or toxins can negatively affect health, which in turn affects happiness, Bennett said, adding these factors often go unnoticed but can have real impact.
“Some cities consistently rank higher for happiness, but moving there will not guarantee the same result,” she said. “Happiness depends not just on location but on your ability to integrate, build connections, and pursue your life’s purpose in that place.”
