Happiness in America: How Does Your State Rank?

It's a well-worn phrase to say, 'happiness is a state of mind.' But we know it can also be noted that there is a state of happiness. Indeed, there are several of them spread across the USA.

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WalletHub.comd has again compiled its annual study and rankings of happiness across America. In addition, the study lists the U.S.'s happiest to least happy states for 2022.

With thirty different metrics applied to measure people's moods and quality of life, while not 100% scientific, the fun study offers insights into each state's state of mind. Metrics include emotional and physical health, career satisfaction, employment or unemployment, life expectancy, depression, and the weather play a role in determining overall happiness, according to WalletHub.com.

The ten least happy states have some great qualities, but the overall picture doesn't make for a chipper population.

Living and working across the U.S. provides some personal experience and insights into the ranking's accuracy.

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#41 Living in New Mexico, I found that it has tremendous amounts of natural beauty, year-round outdoor recreation, and 300 days of sunshine, making it an attractive place to live. However, its poor education system, high violent crime & murder rates, and lack of career opportunities cause it to rank low on the happiness scale, placing it at 41 out of 50 states.

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In contrast, it won't likely surprise you that life in paradise puts Hawaii at #1 for the happiest state. While housing, food, and essentials can be pricey, the sunsets and beaches are free. The warm ocean trade winds, an abundance of vitamin D, fresh seafood, year-round recreation, swaying palm trees, and ukulele music make the Hawaiian Islands a happy place to call home.

According to the rankings, people are also happy living in the midwest and the Tri-States.

Illinois made the top 10 coming in at #8. In addition, it scored a #3 ranking on emotional and physical well-being to help catapult it into the top ten.

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Iowa ranked as the #16 overall happiest state. It registered as #21 on emotional and physical well-being, #6 for the work environment, and #29 for community & environment.

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Wisconsin landed at #21 overall with solid & steady positions. Its ranked #20 for emotional and physical well-being, #16 for the work environment, and #37 for community & environment

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