Happiness may be as much a state of place as a state of mind, and one report suggests some denizens are faring better than others.
Personal finance company WalletHub recently released its annual report on the Happiest States in America, singling out the states with optimal conditions for overall satisfaction.
The results show that happiness is primarily driven by broad factors and conditions like health, finances, work, relationships, and free time.
To determine ranking, WalletHub used 30 key indicators of happiness, including depression rate, economic security, commute time, life expectancy, and adequate sleep.
“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,” said WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo.
Lupo notes, like many before him, that when it comes to happiness, an adequate amount of money is critical but an excess is not necessary.
“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,” said Lupo.
Hawaii took the top spot for happiness, as residents of the Aloha State reported the highest levels of life satisfaction and the second-lowest depression rate.
In addition, 84 percent of Hawaiian adults report being in good health. Hawaiians also boast the highest life expectancy in the US. Living long, well, and purposefully, nearly 72% of adults report being active and productive on a daily basis.
Hawaii is also home to one of the country’s lowest unemployment rates, with a high share of households making more than $75,000 a year, which helps explain why the state has the second-lowest state of financial anxiety.
Claiming second place, to the surprise of many in the metro area, is New Jersey.
According to the study, NJ has the lowest depression rate in the country and the fifth-highest life-satisfaction rate.
New Jersey folk are also apparently dedicated to ’til death do us part: the Garden State has the second -lowest divorce rate in the country.
Residents also reported the highest share of supportive relationships and the fewest suicides.
Meanwhile, New York ranked 11th, despite being third in the nation for physical and emotional well-being and having the third-lowest rate of depression. This inability to crack the top ten likely stems from financial pressures. Last month, a report ranked New York as the fourth most expensive state in the country, requiring $124,342 as the minimum amount singletons must earn in order to survive.
In this most recent study, Utah ranked third for happiness, bolstered by the nation’s highest level of economic security.
Rounding out the top five happy places are Idaho and Maryland.
On the bottom of the satisfaction scale, West Virginia came in dead last for happiness, with Louisiana, Arkansas, Alaska, and Kentucky close behind.
