However, happiness is not solely dependent on financial wealth. In fact, Money reported in 2018 that a scientific analysis of a Gallup World Poll revealed that happiness tends only to increase with wealth up to an income range between $75,000 and $95,000 a year. Therefore, in order to rank the happiest states in the U.S., WalletHub evaluated 31 metrics—from social well-being to unemployment rates—across three main categories: emotional and physical well-being; work environment; and community and environment. (Visit WalletHub to learn more about the methodology behind the scoring system.) Based on the weighted value of those metrics, each state was given a total score for overall level of happiness. With that, here are the 10 happiest states in the U.S. And to see who landed on the other end of the spectrum, check out These Are the Saddest States in the U.S. Total score: 57.93 Emotional and physical well-being: 6 Work environment: 34 Community and environment: 33 And to see where your place of residence measures up in terms of physical well-being, check out Every U.S. State Ranked From Healthiest to Unhealthiest. Total score: 59.04 Emotional and physical well-being: 9 Work environment: 14 Community and environment: 18 Total score: 59.53 Emotional and physical well-being: 5 Work environment: 40 Community and environment: 14 And to see what the life expectancy is where you live, check out Here’s How Long You’re Likely to Live in Every State. Total score: 60.50 Emotional and physical well-being: 8 Work environment: 3 Community and environment: 43 Total score: 60.51 Emotional and physical well-being: 33 Work environment: 2 Community and environment: 1 And for all the ways you are hindering your happiness, check out 26 Things You’re Doing That Are Hurting Your Mental Health. Total score: 60.54 Emotional and physical well-being: 2 Work environment: 45 Community and environment: 24 Total score: 64.11 Emotional and physical well-being: 4 Work environment: 12 Community and environment: 16ae0fcc31ae342fd3a1346ebb1f342fcb Total score: 65.57 Emotional and physical well-being: 3 Work environment: 6 Community and environment: 15 Total score: 65.93 Emotional and physical well-being: 15 Work environment: 1 Community and environment: 2 Total score: 66.48 Emotional and physical well-being: 1 Work environment: 25 Community and environment: 12 And for more helpful information, sign up for our daily newsletter.
