The list reveals how dopamine is distributed across the US (Picture: Getty)
Ever wondered just how happy your home state is? Or, for that matter, how glum everyone is there? If so, we can help.
To rank the happiest (and, by extension, the unhappiest) states in America, personal finance company WalletHub analysed all 50 across three areas: emotional and physical wellbeing, work environment and community and environment.
Using 30 weighted metrics graded on a 100-point scale, each state’s average score determined its overall rank from data available in 2024.
But which states came out on top as happiest? And which are the most despondent? It’s bad news for the home of American jazz…
1. Hawaii – 68.71
Hawaii – the happiest place in America (Picture: Reuters)
Topping The 2024 Happy States List, Hawaii stands out not only for its idyllic landscapes and world-class beaches, but also its incredible quality of life.
The Aloha State ranks first in emotional and physical wellbeing, reflecting the deep connection locals appear to have with nature and each other.
It seems like living in paradise fosters strong community bonds, contributing to the overall contentment of its residents. The state’s unique cultural blend likely adds to its overall pleasant feel.
Let’s face it, we’d all be happier if we lived in Hawaii, wouldn’t we…? Even if it does mean compulsory pineapple on pizza.
2. Maryland – 64.67
Maryland has landed in second place (Picture: Getty Images)
With its proximity to both Washington D.C. and the Atlantic coastline, Maryland has its finger on the button.
The state ranks highly here, thanks – in part – to its rich cultural offerings and relatively high income levels.
Maryland’s residents are well-connected, benefiting from excellent healthcare, a strong education system and an active social scene. All things that make a populace pretty satisfied.
3. New Jersey – 62.46
New Jersey has given us such rock legends as Bruce Springsteen (Picture: Getty Images)
The Garden State is often misunderstood, but it consistently ranks highly here, ranking well for both emotional and physical wellbeing and work environment.
Known for its strong job market, New Jersey residents are often in a pretty good financial position, which can significantly improve a person’s mental health.
Plus the state’s robust infrastructure and close-knit communities offer a sense of security, making it a good place for families and professionals alike.
Jersey types aren’t all mean and moody, like Tony Soprano, or moaning about disappearing industry, like Bruce Springsteen. They’re generally quite happy folk.
4. Utah – 62.20
Utah is known for its strong emphasis on family life and religion (Picture: George Frey/Getty Images)
Utah’s stunning natural landscapes, from the Rocky Mountains to the Great Salt Lake, might just be the key to its high ranking.
It shines in work environment (placing first), thanks to its booming economy and low unemployment rate.
The state’s close-knit communities and emphasis on family life contribute to its high emotional and physical wellbeing score.
You have to wonder if religion plays a part too. Being the home of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (more commonly known as the Mormon church), half of all Utahans are religious.
5 – Delaware – 60.43
Delaware proves that size isn’t everything (Picture: Getty Images)
With this state’s tax-friendly policies and proximity to major East Coast cities like Philadelphia and New York, Delaware presents a fairly attractive environment for both businesses and residents to thrive in.
Its high score in Community and Environment (fourth overall) suggests a strong local culture that prioritises wellbeing amongst locals. Altogether, The Small Wonder is diminutive but divine.
6. Minnesota – 60.43
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz hasn’t let his unsuccessful bid to be US VP depress him (Picture: Reuters)
Famous for its ‘Minnesota Nice’ attitude for a reason, this state is generally all smiles. Just ask its governor and former VP nominee Tim Walz up there.
Minnesota’s commitment to healthcare, education and quality public services ensures that its residents enjoy a solid foundation for life.
Though the winters can be brutal, the community spirit and general positivity make the state one of the happiest in the nation.
7. Connecticut – 60.14
High quality education and healthcare shines a light on Connecticut folks’ lives (Picture: Getty Images)
Known for its scenic beauty, Connecticut is a state that feels at peace with itself. Its emotional wellbeing score (sixth overall) reflects a high standard of living, with access to excellent healthcare and education probably helping. As does a pretty low crime rate.
The state’s proximity to New York City provides residents with the best of both worlds: quiet suburban life and the hustle of the big city whenever they fancy it.
8. Idaho – 58.84
Idaho: Land of spuds and smiles (Picture: Getty Images)
A nature lover’s dream, Idaho offers outdoor enthusiasts unparalleled beauty with its gorgeous mountains, lakes and forests.
The state’s strength lies in its work environment (third), where there’s a low unemployment rate and very affordable living. The high ranking for community and environment (second) also shows that Idaho’s tight-knit communities seem to play a key role in its residents’ happiness.
Plus, they’ve got more potatoes than they know what to do with there. And potatoes make us happy. That’s just science.
9. Nebraska – 58.60
Nebraskans just get on with their lives (Picture: Getty Images)
The Cornhusker State might not be flashy, but it boasts a strong sense of community. With its decent scores in both emotional wellbeing and community, Nebraska residents tend to enjoy peaceful, fulfilling lives.
The state’s work environment also contributes to the general contentment, offering job opportunities in agriculture, healthcare and education. It’s also just nice and quiet. And you can’t put a price on that.
10. Massachusetts – 58.24
They might not look all that perky, but people from Boston are surprisingly happy (Picture: Source unknown)
Home to some of the country’s top universities and a richer historical heritage than arguably any other state, The Commonwealth of Massachusetts excels in emotional and physical wellbeing (fourth).
Its residents also enjoy a rather high standard of living, with excellent healthcare and education systems upping everyone’s contentment levels. However, the cost of living in places like Boston can be eye-wateringly high, which may detract from the otherwise positive work and community environment.
Also, that accent is quite annoying. That has to make some who have settled there from outside the state a tiny bit unhappy, surely.
Okay, so that’s the top ten happiest. Now let’s skip all the way down to 50th spot. The most depressed US state is…
50. Louisiana – 32.97
True Detective’s Rust Cohle isn’t the only miseryguts in Louisiana (Picture: HBO)
The most unhappy American state…? The Bayou State. The Crawfish Capital of the World. It’s Louisiana.
Home to jazz, Mardi Gras, the Cajun and Creole cultures and brown pelicans. That’s right, it’s Louisiana that rounds out the list as the least happy state in the US.
Despite its vibrant culture, unique history and vibrant food scene, Louisiana faces severe challenges in terms of poverty, healthcare and unemployment. These factors are reflected in its extremely low emotional and physical wellbeing ranking, as well as its poor work environment rank.
The combination of these issues results in a significant struggle for happiness among its residents, even as they embrace the state’s rich cultural traditions.