Where are the happiest people in America? These states rank highest
Here are the colleges with the happiest students
The Princeton Review surveyed thousands of college students to come up with its 2020 list.
Where you live could have a surprising impact on how happy you are.
A new WalletHub analysis ranking all 50 states found that some places stood out for their combination of strong mental and physical health, financial security, supportive relationships and quality of life.
The study compared the 50 states across three key dimensions: emotional and physical well-being, work environment, and community and environment.
Hawaii named happiest state
By the numbers:
Hawaii topped the overall ranking as the happiest state in America, with residents reporting the highest levels of life satisfaction in the country and the nation's second-lowest depression rate.
Hawaii ranked as the happiest state, driven by high life satisfaction. (Credit: Getty Images)
The state also scored well on physical health. About 84% of Hawaii adults reported being in good or better health, the 12th-highest rate nationally, while the state had the country's longest life expectancy. Nearly 72% of adults also reported feeling active and productive on a daily basis.
In addition, Hawaii's economic conditions contributed to its top ranking. The state had a 2.5% unemployment rate, among the lowest in the country, and the third-highest share of households earning more than $75,000 annually. It also had the nation's second-lowest share of adults reporting financial anxiety.
Happiest states in America
- Hawaii
- New Jersey
- Utah
- Idaho
- Maryland
See the full report here.
Dig deeper:
New Jersey ranked second overall, helped by strong measures of mental health and personal relationships. The state had the lowest depression rate in the country and the highest share of residents reporting that they have supportive relationships and love in their lives.
Meanwhile, Utah rounded out the top three happiest states. It had the nation's highest level of economic security, a measure that considers factors such as employment, insurance and financial stability. Utah also had the 12th-lowest unemployment rate, at 3.4%.
Americans continue to face financial pressures
Big picture view:
The findings come as Americans continue to face financial pressures and economic uncertainty. WalletHub noted that just 44% of Americans say they are "very satisfied" with their lives.
While individual choices and relationships can influence happiness, the analysis suggests that broader conditions — including financial security, health, employment, leisure time and the surrounding environment — can also play an important role.
RELATED: These are the happiest cities in America in 2026, data finds
"The happiest states are those that provide above-average quality of life in a wide variety of areas, from strong state economies and great physical and mental healthcare to adequate amounts of leisure time and good weather," Chip Lupo, a WalletHub analyst, said in a statement. "It’s also important to note that while the adage that money can’t buy happiness has a lot of truth to it, having enough money to live comfortably is still essential. But anything beyond that won’t necessarily enhance happiness as much as having fulfilling hobbies, relationships and opportunities for personal growth."
The Source: The information for this story was provided by WalletHub. This story was reported from Los Angeles.