Hawaii earned the No. 1 spot as the happiest state in the U.S., thanks in part to residents reporting the highest levels of life satisfaction and the lowest depression rate in the nation, according to a new analysis published by WalletHub.
The personal finance company released its 2024 survey, "Happiest States in America," on Sept. 9. The ranking compares states across three criteria: emotional and physical well-being, work environment, and community and environment.
WalletHub subdivided its criteria across 30 metrics, ranging from a state's depression rate to the share of adults feeling productive. Each metric was graded on a 100-point scale, with 100 representing maximum happiness. WalletHub then calculates a weighted average across all metrics for each state to determine its overall score and ranking.
Hawaii is the happiest state, according to WalletHub. Its residents report the highest levels of life satisfaction in the nation and the lowest depression rate. WalletHub noted other factors, such as 86% of adults reporting good or better health (second-best in the U.S.) and nearly 72% being active and productive daily. More information on the study methodology and the complete listing from WalletHub is available here.
The 10 happiest states, per the analysis:
1. Hawaii
2. Maryland
3. New Jersey
4. Utah
5. Delaware
6. Minnesota
7. Connecticut
8. Idaho
9. Nebraska
10. Massachusetts
The 10 least happy states, per the analysis:
1. Louisiana
2. Arkansas
3. West Virginia
4. Tennessee
5. New Mexico
6. Alaska
7. Alabama
8. Oklahoma
9. Mississippi
10. Kentucky