(The Center Square) - Hawaii is the happiest state in the nation, according to a newreport.
Personal finance website WalletHub weighed states based on 30 metrics to determine which residents enjoyed the best balance of good economic, emotional, physical, and social health.
The analysis drawn from previous research indicated to correlate with happiness, including career well-being, health, depression, adverse childhood experiences, adequate sleep, suicide rate, economic security, unemployment rate, divorce rate, and other factors.
Hawaii came in first place with a total score of just under 66%. It ranked first for emotional and physical well-being, seventh for community and environment, and 17th for work environment, the report said.
Emotional and physical well-being made up 50% of states' scores. Work environment accounted for 25%, and community & environment rounded out the last 25%.
Hawaii had the lowest share of adult depression, but it also had one of the worst rates for adequate sleep. The state was also among the five worst states for long-term unemployment rates.
"The COVID-19 pandemic was one of the biggest stressors during the past two years, but now rampant inflation is more of a threat to Americans' mental health. In fact, 87% of Americans are "anxious" or "very anxious" about inflation, according to a recent American Psychiatric Association poll," the report said.
Hawaii ranked fifth from the bottom for long-term unemployment. A recentreportshows Hawaii's economic picture may be worsening. Inflation and high interest rates continue to impact Hawaii residents, and economists at the University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization expressed a pessimistic outlook for the state's economic future.
Hawaii's unemployment rate rose slightly to 4.1% in August, and job numbers have not yet recovered to pre-pandemic levels.
However, Hawaii's environment, community, and the emotional well-being of residents kept the state at the top of the list in terms of happiness. The divorce rate among Hawaii's residents is among the lowest in the nation.
Other states boasting some of the happiest residents include Maryland, Minnesota, Utah, and New Jersey. States that ranked last included Arkansas, Louisiana, and West Virginia.
FAQs
Utah is the happiest state in America
Utah ranks as the No. 1 happiest state in the U.S. with an overall score of 69.79 out of 100. Though it came in 16th place for emotional and physical well-being, Utah took the top spots both for work environment and community and environment.
What is the #1 happiest state in the US? ›
Utah is the happiest state in America
Utah ranks as the No. 1 happiest state in the U.S. with an overall score of 69.79 out of 100. Though it came in 16th place for emotional and physical well-being, Utah took the top spots both for work environment and community and environment.
Why is Hawaii the happiest state? ›
According to the study conducted annually by Gallup National Health and Well-Being Index, Hawaii residents rank number one in reporting the highest wellbeing in the United States. Why is Hawaii the happiest state? The study took into account some main factors which included: Good physical health and energy.
What is Hawaii's happiness Index? ›
Happiest States of the United States Ranked
Hawaii follows closely behind with a score of 66.42, leading the nation in Emotional & Physical Well-Being. The top ten states in terms of happiness also include Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, Connecticut, California, Florida, Idaho, and Nebraska.
Where are the happiest people in the United States? ›
Happiest Cities in the U.S.
| Overall Rank | City | Total Score |
|---|
| 1 | Fremont, CA | 74.16 |
| 2 | Overland Park, KS | 69.78 |
| 3 | San Jose, CA | 69.54 |
| 4 | Madison, WI | 68.99 |
75 more rowsFeb 27, 2024
Hawaii. Hawaii's emotional and physical well-being was ranked highest out of any other state, with the lowest rate of adult depression and the fourth-lowest divorce rate. It was also ranked the fifth-safest state. It placed 25th, however, in work environment and 30th in community and environment.
What are the 5 happiest states in the US? ›
New Jersey, Minnesota, Maryland, Hawaii, and Utah are the top five happiest states in the US according to WalletHub's research. Factors like low suicide rates, low divorce rates, and access to leisure activities contribute to the happiness rankings of these states.
Why do people love Hawaii so much? ›
There's something about the culture and the beautiful landscape that always leaves us wanting more. It's hard to describe how Hawaii makes you feel. You can get lost in the natural beauty of the place, even in developed areas like Waikiki, but it's something more. Hawaii's vibe instantly calms the mind.
Why do so many people love Hawaii? ›
The natural beauty is a major draw for tourists. Culture and Aloha Spirit: Hawaii's unique culture, often referred to as the "Aloha Spirit," emphasizes kindness, hospitality, and respect. Visitors are often welcomed with warmth, and they appreciate the sense of community. Activ.
Is it healthier to live in Hawaii? ›
This makes Hawaii an ideal place for anyone who craves a healthier lifestyle or who may be dealing with a chronic illness, substance abuse and unhealthy lifestyle habits. According to research, Hawaii residents have the longest life expectancy nationwide with the average age of death hovering around 80.87 years.
Hawaii Rankings
| Crime & Corrections | #10 |
|---|
| Health Care | #1 |
| Infrastructure | #37 |
| Natural Environment | #1 |
| Opportunity | #45 |
3 more rows56.4% were overweight, with a Body Mass Index of 25 or greater. 22.7% were obese, with a Body Mass Index of 30 or greater. 32.9% of adults reported having consumed fruits at the recommended level of 2 or more times per day.
What is Hawaii's poverty rate? ›
Table
| Population | |
|---|
| Income & Poverty | |
| Median household income (in 2022 dollars), 2018-2022 | $74,238 |
| Per capita income in past 12 months (in 2022 dollars), 2018-2022 | $37,236 |
| Persons in poverty, percent | 14.6% |
57 more rowsWest Virginia was named the unhappiest state in the country. The landlocked state has the worst rates of adult depression, emotional and physical well-being, work environment, and adequate sleep of all 50 states.
What is America's happiest city? ›
At what age are people happiest? ›
Life satisfaction: The study revealed that life satisfaction follows a nuanced trajectory across the lifespan. It showed a decline between the ages of 9 and 16, possibly due to the significant physical and social changes accompanying puberty. However, life satisfaction gradually increased until around the age of 70.
What is the least happy state? ›
West Virginia was named the unhappiest state in the country. The landlocked state has the worst rates of adult depression, emotional and physical well-being, work environment, and adequate sleep of all 50 states.
Which state has nicest people? ›
Topping the chart, Minnesota claims the position as the friendliest state in the U.S. Its Midwestern charm and welcoming locals have earned the state the top spot on the Politeness Index. In second is Tennessee, a Southern state that has lived up to its reputation for hospitality.
What is the best state to live in? ›
Overall Rankings
- #1. Utah.
- #2. Washington.
- #3. Idaho.
- #4. Nebraska.
- #5. Minnesota.
Top 5 Best States for Families To Live on the Average Salary
- Connecticut: The Best State Financially for Families. Among all states, Connecticut provides the most optimal conditions for a comfortable lifestyle, with the average two-earner household earning $144,146 a year. ...
- New Hampshire. ...
- Maryland. ...
- New Jersey. ...
- Virginia.
