Can you guess which one it is?
Can you really measure happiness? According to new data from WalletHub, the answer is yes—even amid the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. Taking into account depression rates, productivity, and average unemployment rates, the personal finance company recently ranked all 50 U.S. states to find the happiest.
The data sought to evaluate rankings based on four standards: social, physical, economic, and emotional health, using 30 key metrics to encompass both the internal and external factors that impact overall happiness. It found that our 50th state, Hawaii, is home to the happiest citizens in our nation.
Below, we break down how Hawaii has held onto the throne and why the top five states in the study ranked a cut above the rest.
Maryland
Maryland ranks fifth on WalletHub’s list, with an overall score of 62.01 on the 100-point scale. Home to Chesapeake Bay, the Appalachian Mountains, and an abundance of American history, the Old Line State also ranked in the top 10 for emotional and physical wellness.
Widely known as “America in miniature,” Maryland features a diverse landscape of sandy shores, quaint streets, mountain forests, and rolling farmlands. The bustling streets of downtown Baltimore, the state’s largest city, are bursting with hidden gems and some of the best seafood in the country.
Idaho
The Gem State ranked in the top three for work environment, but its real showstopping feature is its abundance of untouched wilderness.
Boasting sweeping canyons, lava fields, and the deepest river gorge in North America, Idaho is a hub for outdoor lovers, with snowboarding, white-water rafting, and natural hot springs drawing in visitors. In fact, its impressive landscape earned the state second place in community and environment. The capital, Boise, is brimming with wineries, scenic views of the Boise River Greenbelt, and rich local heritage.
Utah
Ranking first for community and environment, Utah is famous for its stunning national parks with rose-colored sandstone towering over visitors in walls, pillars, arches, and natural amphitheaters. International Dark Sky Parks offer some of the best stargazing in the country, as Salt Lake City combines the mountain landscape with a growing cultural hub ripe for a bustling entertainment scene and culinary innovation.
New Jersey
New Jersey came in a close second, with an overall score of 67.09, but the Garden State did manage to snag the top spot in rankings for emotional and physical well-being.
New Jersey is home to dense pine forests, rolling hills, and a section of the famous Appalachian Trail, in addition to vibrant urban culture shaking up Jersey City, which offers access to history-defining sites like Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty, as well as breathtaking views of the New York City skyline along the Hudson River.
Hawaii
Hawaii has long been regarded as a tropical oasis with sandy shores, swaying palm trees, and an abundance of tropical fruit, but the state offers much more than just perfect waves. The archipelago, made up of over 130 islands, is home to a unique volcanic landscape, rich mālama traditions, and endemic marine life.
The Aloha State boasts both the highest levels of life satisfaction and one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country. Coming in first place for the seventh consecutive year, the youngest state earned an overall score of 69.53, ranking second in emotional and physical well-being and fifth in work environment rankings.
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