For most people, happiness is the ultimate goal. To find the happiest states in America, WalletHub has looked in this regard.
Summary:
- Nebraska‘s dedication to good physical health and enduring relationships places it in the top 10 happiest states in America to live.
- Because of its exceptional levels of economic growth and community satisfaction, Idaho is also among the top 10 happiest states in America to live.
- Utah is the happiest state in America for all of the United States, with excellent working and community conditions.
The happiest nations have many unique characteristics, but what about individual states in the United States? Examining well-being, a recent WalletHub study reveals the US states with the happiest people for 2023 and highlights the elements that contribute to these states’ general contentment. Based on 30 metrics spanning three dimensions—work environment, community and environment, and emotional and physical well-being—WalletHub ranked the 50 US states. Safety, work hours, volunteer rate, and career well-being were also included in the metrics.
Every metric had a 100-point rating system, where higher numbers denoted higher levels of happiness. Weighted averages were used to calculate the overall scores of the states and determine their rankings. Consequently, the top 10 happiest states in America to live for the past year are listed here.
Top 10 Happiest States In America To Live:
- Utah
- Hawaii
- Maryland
- Minnesota
- New Jersey
- Connecticut
- California
- Florida
- Idaho
- Nebraska
Top 10 Happiest States in America to live in detail:
10.Nebraska
- Physical and emotional well-being score: 12
- Workplace quality score: 7.
- Environment and community ranking: 25
Thanks in part to its noteworthy achievements in well-being metrics, Nebraska has not only established itself as one of the happiest states in the union, but it has also established itself as one of the top 10 happiest states in America to live. Nebraska stands out for creating environments that support general happiness, having the fifth-lowest divorce rate and the fourth-highest rate of adequate sleep.
These elements demonstrate the state’s dedication to sound physical health and enduring partnerships, positioning it as a prominent participant in the US state competition for well-being.
9.Idaho
- Rank for both physical and emotional well-being: 30
- Workplace quality score: 6
- Environment and community: 2
Idaho has achieved a notable standing in the happiness rankings of the top US states to reside in. It excels in community and environment metrics, ranking second overall. Together with Kansas and Iowa, the state has the fourth-lowest unemployment rate and the fourth-highest rate of income growth, demonstrating its outstanding performance in the economy.
Idaho’s ranking as one of the top 10 happiest states in America to live is largely due to its harmonious combination of economic growth and community satisfaction.
8.Florida
- Physical and emotional health rank: 2
- Workplace ranking: 21
- Environment and community ranking: 44
Florida is a top choice for people seeking a new place to live because of its pleasant weather and stunning beaches. In fact, these factors—along with the abundance of small towns in Florida with affordable cost of living rankings—make it a popular choice among seniors.
Furthermore, the Sunshine State ranks second nationally in this important mental health metric, indicating that it has an extremely low rate of adult depression. The state ranks 50th in volunteerism and 46th in divorce rate, which dampen the state’s happiness index.
Florida has excellent mental health, but it also has problems with relationship stability and community involvement, which paints a complex picture of the state’s happiness factors.
7.California
- Physical and emotional health score: 5
- Workplace ranking: 34
- Environment and community score: 10.
With the third-lowest rate of adult depression and the fifth-best overall emotional and physical well-being, California stands out in the field of mental health.
The state ranks 10th in community and environment and 34th in work environment, despite having a high well-being score. This points to a complicated interaction of variables, highlighting both California’s achievements in the field of mental health and its shortcomings in the areas of work-related and community well-being.
6.Connecticut
- Physical and emotional health score: 6.
- 32nd place for the work environment
- Environment and community score: 8
In terms of overall well-being, Connecticut ranks highly, coming in sixth for both physical and emotional well-being and tenth for community and environment. However, due to lower scores in the long-term unemployment rate and income growth—both of which rank in the bottom five—its work-environment ranking comes in at number thirty-two.
This demonstrates a contradiction in Connecticut’s performance, as the state does well in some areas of well-being but struggles with other aspects of work-related factors that affect happiness as a whole.
5.New Jersey
- Physical and mental well-being score: 3
- Workplace quality score: 14.
- Environment and community ranking: 29
In terms of mental and physical health, New Jersey excels, having the third-lowest divorce and suicide rates in the nation. The state performs well in the community and environment, coming in at number 29, and has a strong work environment, ranking 14th.
New Jersey has excellent mental health statistics and a good work environment, which are major factors in the state’s high rankings for overall happiness and well-being among top 10 happiest states in America to live.
4.Minnesota
- Physical and emotional health score: 10
- Workplace quality rating: 3
- Environment and community ranking: 13
With the third-highest volunteer rate and the second-highest adequate sleep rate, Minnesota leads the nation in well-being metrics. The state ranks 10th in emotional and physical well-being, third in work environment, and 13th in community and environment, which is a result of these factors contributing to its strong overall rankings.
Minnesota is positioned as a state where multiple factors contribute to a strong foundation of happiness and well-being because of its dedication to health, community involvement, and positive work environments.
3.Maryland
- Physical and emotional health score: 8
- Workplace quality rating: 4
- Environment and community: 5
Maryland sets itself apart as a state that consistently scores well in all major categories, ranking in the top 10 happiest states in America to live for work environment, community and environment, and emotional and physical well-being.
This well-rounded performance demonstrates Maryland’s ability to provide a healthy and balanced environment for its citizens, covering aspects of community, employment, and health that all work together to support the state’s high rankings for overall happiness.
2.Hawaii
- Physical and emotional health rank: 1
- Workplace quality score: 25
- Environment and community ranking: 30
Hawaii, which ranks highest among all states in terms of both physical and emotional well-being, is distinguished by having the fourth-lowest divorce rate and the lowest rate of adult depression. Additionally, the state has the fifth-highest safety rating. Hawaii ranked 25th in the work environment category and 30th in the community and environment categories, indicating challenges in these areas.
Hawaii does well in terms of safety and mental health, but its lower rankings in other areas paint a more complex picture of overall well-being.
1.Utah
- Physical and emotional well-being score: 16
- Workplace quality score: 1
- Environment and community score: 1.
According to WalletHub, Utah is the happiest state in America. Utah took first place because of its exceptional performance in the community and environment and work environment categories. The state has the lowest divorce rate in the country, highlighting stable relationships, and the highest volunteer rate, demonstrating a strong sense of community involvement.
These elements play a major role in Utah’s overall happiness, demonstrating a well-balanced combination of good employment and community well-being that sets it apart from other US states in the pursuit of top 10 happiest states in America to live.
