These Are the 12 Happiest States in the U.S. Right Now

Hawaii has the lowest share of adult depression in the U.S., while Tennessee has the highest—a difference of nearly double. Where you live can significantly influence your mental health and overall happiness. States like Hawaii and Maryland lead the way regarding economic stability and low unemployment rates.

To determine the happiest states in the U.S., researchers examined all 50 states using 30 key metrics, including average scores for physical, social, economic, and mental health. According to Wallet Hub’s new report, these are the 12 happiest states in the U.S.

Table of Contents

Interactive Map of the Happiest States in the U.S.

Source: WalletHub

Hawaii

Hawaii earns the highest total score of 68.71 from Wallet Hub, making it the happiest state in the U.S. It ranks first in physical and emotional well-being, community, and environment.

The state has great healthcare, low unemployment, and great access to education. It also scores low for food insecurity. Home gardens and small-scale food production are trending and helping the island archipelago become more sustainable and less dependent on imports.

With access to mountains and the ocean, many people have an active lifestyle and a healthy diet. However, the state ranks 31st for work environment due to lower wages and a high cost of living.

Maryland

Maryland scores 64.67, making it the second-happiest state in the U.S. This score is reflected in the physical and emotional well-being and community and environment categories.

With low unemployment and some of the best healthcare in the country, people feel safe and secure. Cities such as Bethesda have some of the most extensive walking paths and bike lanes in the country, encouraging many of the state’s 6.1 million people to bike or walk to work.

Maryland ranks 10th in work environment. Although the cost of living is high, many wages are above the national average, raising the state’s standard of living. Maryland is also one of the wealthiest states in the U.S.

New Jersey

New Jersey is the third happiest state, with a score of 62.46. It comes in second for physical and emotional well-being.

The state’s 9.3 million people can enjoy its parks, natural areas, and beaches. It also has great healthcare and food security, and many people have access to healthy food and fresh produce.

According to the Wallet Hub study, New Jersey ranks 32 for its work environment. It has a relatively high unemployment rate and high cost of living in cities such as Jersey City and Newark, which are close to neighboring New York City.

Utah

Utah scores 62.20, making it the fourth happiest state in the U.S. The mountain state has access to national parks such as Zion National Park and world-class skiing. This helps its citizens stay physically fit and healthy.

The state ranks first for both work environment and community and environment. People in Utah have access to solid communities with high safety ratings. The healthcare system is sound and most of the state has clean energy.

Physical and emotional well-being rank 27th. This is largely because certain areas still lack reliable healthcare. The state also has the lowest divorce rate in the country.

Delaware

Delaware scores 60.43 because of several factors, including its excellent livability, safety, and access to nature. The state ranks fourth for community and environment.

Much of Delaware’s 1 million people live near water or green spaces. The state has good healthcare, and people live within a few miles of healthy food options, hospitals, and places to exercise.

Delaware ranks 27th for work environment. According to the Economic Policy Institute, its unemployment rate is 3.9%. Housing prices remain relatively higher than the national average, making it hard for many people to afford their own homes.

Minnesota

The northern state of Minnesota earns a score of 60.43, making it the sixth happiest state in the U.S. With its excellent hospitals, protected natural resources, and clean air, its population of 5.7 million enjoys a high standard of life.

Minnesota ranks fourth for work environment. This is due to its high-paying jobs and low unemployment rate. Most people in the state live near cities with good economies.

🏨 Explore all your hotel options here

Minnesota ranks 12th in the country for physical and emotional well-being. Its winters are long and cold, confining many people to the indoors and making exercising hard.

Save this

We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later.

Connecticut

The east coast state of Connecticut ranks seventh on Wallet Hub’s rankings with a score of 60.14. Connecticut has the sixth-best physical and emotional well-being score in the nation. Its green spaces, highly rated hospitals, and healthy food options give its residents plenty of resources for healthy living.

The state ranks 16th for work environment. Its proximity to major cities like New York City and Philadelphia keeps reliable and high-paying industries near. It also has lower home prices than its neighboring states.

Connecticut ranks 21st for community and environment. The state has a relatively high unemployment rate of around 4.2%.

Idaho

The northwestern state of Idaho earns a score of 58.84, making it one of the happiest states in the U.S. The state ranks second for community and environment. Most people live near clean air and are closely connected to communities with good schools.

Idaho also ranks third in the nation in terms of work environment. With access to high-paying jobs, the state has low unemployment and one of the best work-life balances in the country.

The state ranks relatively low for physical and emotional well-being, at 30th in the nation. Like other northern states, its long and cold winters increase seasonal depression.

Nebraska

Nebraska scores 58.60, putting it in ninth place. The state ranks seventh for its work environment. Many people have access to high-paying jobs, and home prices remain lower than in many other states.

It has the 11th highest ranking for physical and emotional well-being. This is largely due to its access to high-quality hospitals and medical care, healthy food options, and a strong sports culture.

It ranks 28th for community and environment. Many people live far away from their neighbors, making it necessary to drive long distances for contact with people.

Massachusetts

Massachusetts ranks 10th in overall happiness with 58.24 points. It also ranks fourth for physical and emotional well-being, with great access to outdoor sports, gyms, and healthcare.

Massachusetts ranks fifth for work environment. Cities like Boston provide great employment opportunities. The state’s small size keeps commutes short, giving people more access to jobs without the stress of distance.

The state ranks 45th for community and environment. Many people live high-pressure lifestyles close to cities.

South Carolina

South Carolina’s score of 57.68 makes it the 11th happiest state in the U.S. It also ranks 10th for community and environment. The state is home to clean industry, national parks, and green spaces like the Blue Ridge Mountains.

It ranks 14th for work environment because of its access to high-paying jobs. The state also has a well-connected highway system between cities, and many industries are spread throughout it.

The state ranks 15th in the U.S. for physical and emotional well-being. However, there is relatively high obesity in many parts of the state, especially in rural areas.

South Dakota

South Dakota is ranked the 12th happiest state in the U.S., with a score of 57.62. Its rural environment and access to open spaces and national parks put it at 13th for physical and emotional well-being.

The state has the lowest long-term unemployment rate in the country and good access to high-paying jobs. Because of this, it earns a work environment rank of 12th.

For the community and the environment, it comes in the 19th place. It has one of the highest suicide rates in the nation and many people live far away from their neighbors.