Last year, Utah was the happiest state in America, but this year, another state took the top spot in WalletHub’s annual rankings.
To determine where America’s residents are the happiest, the personal finance website compared 30 indicators across the 50 states in three key categories:
- emotional and physical health
- working environment
- community and environment
Each indicator is rated on a 100-point scale, with 100 representing maximum happiness.
“The happiest states are those that offer above-average quality of life in every area, from strong state economies and high-quality physical and mental health care to ample leisure time and pleasant weather,” said WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo. stated in the report.
California and Florida, two states typically synonymous with year-round good weather and retirement, didn’t even make the top ten.
Hawaii is the happiest state in America
Hawaii ranks first as the happiest state in the United States with an overall score of 68.71.
Although it ranked 31st for jobs and environment, it ranked first and third for emotional and physical health and community and environment respectively.
According to WalletHub, Hawaii has the lowest rates of depression in the United States, with 86% of adults saying their health is good or better. It also has one of the lowest unemployment rates and the second-highest share of households earning more than $75,000 a year.
hawaii
Thomas Barwick | Digital Vision | Getty Images
However, Hawaii is also one of the most expensive states to live in.
In CNBC’s 2024 America’s Best States for Business study, Hawaii tied with Massachusetts as one of the most expensive states to live in.
According to a May report from the University of Hawaii, only one in five households in the state can afford to purchase a single-family home.
The report also stated that the Maui wildfires and rising interest rates in 2023 will worsen the housing situation in the Aloha State.
The 10 happiest states in America
- hawaii
- Maryland
- New Jersey
- Utah
- delaware
- minnesota
- connecticut
- idaho
- nebraska
- Massachusetts
Maryland moved from No. 3 on the list to No. 2. According to WalletHub’s report, the Old Line State’s overall score is 64.67.
The state ranks third in emotional and physical health indicators, 10th in work environment, and sixth in community and environment.
Maryland
Richard T. Nowitz | Richard T. Nowitz Image Library | Getty Images
Annapolis, Maryland’s capital, is also known as the sailing capital of the world, according to the state.
Annapolis, home to the Maryland State Capitol, is the oldest state capital still in continued legislative use.
Although Maryland is the second happiest state in the United States, it’s worth noting that the cost of living in Maryland is 16% higher than the national average, according to RentCafe. Home prices are 44% higher than the national average, and utilities are 10% higher.
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