Which states are the happiest?
With a recent Gallup poll showing only 47% of Americans are “very satisfied” with the way their life is going, the personal-finance website WalletHub released its report on the Happiest States in America in 2024, to identify the places that create the best conditions for life satisfaction.
WalletHub compared the 50 states across 30 key indicators of happiness. The data set ranges from the depression rate and the share of adults feeling productive to income growth and the unemployment rate.
Happiest States in America:
- Hawaii
- Maryland
- New Jersey
- Utah
- Delaware
- Minnesota
- Connecticut
- Idaho
- Nebraska
- Massachusetts
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- California
- Florida
- New Hampshire
- Virginia
- Illinois
- Kansas
- Iowa
- Georgia
Best vs. Worst
Hawaii has the lowest share of adult depression, which is 2.3 times lower than in Tennessee, the state with the highest.
New Jersey has the fewest suicides (per 100,000 residents), which is 3.7 times fewer than in Montana, the state with the most.
Utah has the highest volunteer rate, which is 2.6 times higher than in Florida, the state where the rate is the lowest.
Utah has the lowest separation and divorce rate, which is 1.7 times lower than in New Mexico, the state where the rate is the highest.
[Read more: Which states vaccinate the most?]
“In addition to pursuing your passions, having a good work-life balance and maintaining an emotional support network, another key way to boost your happiness is living in the right place. The happiest states are those that provide above-average quality of life in a wide variety of areas, from strong state economies and high quality physical and mental health care to adequate amounts of leisure time and good weather,” said Chip Lupo, WalletHub analyst.
Lupo added, “Hawaii is the happiest state, with residents reporting the highest levels of life satisfaction in the nation and the lowest depression rate. In addition, 86% of Hawaiian adults report that they are in good or better health, the third-best percentage in the nation, and Hawaiians have the highest life expectancy in the United States. To top things off, Hawaii has one of the lowest unemployment rates, as well as the second-highest share of households with an annual income above $75,000.”
What are the key ingredients to a happy life? WalletHub provided the following commentary:
"Meaningful relationships and social connections are perhaps the most important ingredients for a happy life, according to an 85-year-long study recently published by Harvard researchers Waldinger and Schulz (2022). This is not surprising, given what we know about the ways we develop and are motivated to develop over time. From the benefits of establishing secure attachments when we are infants and toddlers to our quests for not only individual identities but also acceptance into social identities, human beings are driven by connections that generate emotional and physical security. Other key ingredients likely include finding your purpose or the overarching frame that brings meaning to your life and the pursuits you engage in. Another ingredient that aligns with both previously mentioned ingredients is a strong sense of self. When you know who you are, have awareness of what it is that you need, and are not driven by comparison to determine your own value, you can have a much more fulfilling life,” said Buffie Longmire-Avital, professor; director, Black Lumen Project: An Equity Initiative; Faculty Administrative Fellow for Mentoring, Elon University
“While happiness can be defined in varied ways, from emotional joy to life satisfaction (e.g., happiness ‘in’ life versus happiness ‘with’ life), high-quality relationships stand out as important predictors of individuals' happiness. Having rewarding interactions with people whom you value and who value you may provide the support, comfort, laughter and intimacy that elevate individuals' happiness,” said Theresa DiDonato, associate dean; professor, Loyola University Maryland.
[Read more: Which cities are the healthiest?]
How important is money to people’s happiness?
“Money doesn't bring happiness, but a lack of money brings unhappiness. We need enough resources to meet our basic needs. Once the threat of the dangers surrounding lack of sufficient money (e.g. hunger, losing one's house, divorce) are gone, the substantial relationship between income and happiness largely disappears. However, our own expectations, priorities and fears can influence the point at which we may feel that we have overcome these threats,” said Peter Harms, professor, University of Alabama
“Money has a curvilinear association with happiness. It matters to an extent (having needs met, enough money so you are not worrying about money), but after that point, having more money does not continue to predict linear increases in happiness. Despite the allure of winning the lottery, it is not the answer to finding happiness. That said, how people spend money appears connected to happiness, such that spending money on objects or things enhances happiness much less than spending money on experiences. Experiences allow for novelty and new ways for self-growth; if money supports these experiences, that money may indirectly fuel happiness. In addition, pro-social spending – spending money on other people rather than oneself – is linked to happiness,” said Theresa DiDonato, associate dean; professor, Loyola University Maryland
How much does where you live influence your happiness?
“Where you live can determine your safety and security, which are paramount to an individual’s ability to be and seek out happiness. Community psychology would also emphasize the importance of a sense of community and its role in driving happiness and well-being. When individuals have a high sense of community, meaning that they feel connected to the other people around them, they feel that they can engage with them and that there are limited feelings of isolation or loneliness. Well-being increases, and stress, anxiet, and depression decrease. Where we live also determines the schools, stores, religious or social spaces and other amenities we have access to. These are all factors that contribute to happiness. Neighborhoods with high walkability scores that are also safe and near things like parks or trails help sustain our physical and mental health, which are key factors in determining happiness. Certain zip codes come with prestige, but without the actual sense of community and alignment with life needs, happiness is likely to be fleeting,” said Buffie Longmire-Avital, professor; director, Black Lumen Project: An Equity Initiative; Faculty Administrative Fellow for Mentoring, Elon University
“It definitely plays a role. To the extent that the environment allows you to pursue your interests and meet your needs, it allows you to flourish. You won't find many happy people in solitary confinement. Where you live also impacts your health, your capacity to develop and maintain strong relationships and other factors associated with happiness. That said, humans are remarkably resilient and adaptable. People who live in harsher environments seem to be more tolerant of such conditions,” said Peter Harms, professor at the University of Alabama
The full report can be viewed online.