Every U.S. state has something special to offer — but if you live in Hawaii, you can officially say you live in the happiest state in the country, according to WalletHub’s latest report.
This week, the personal finance website published its annual happiest state rankings based on 30 key metrics, including the depression rate, the share of adults feeling productive, and income growth. The indicators were sorted into three categories: emotional and physical well-being, which was worth 50 points; community and environment, worth 25 points; and work environment, also worth 25 points.
WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo explained in a statement, “The happiest states are those that provide above-average quality of life in a wide variety of areas, from strong state economies and high-quality physical and mental health care to adequate amounts of leisure time and good weather.”
The Aloha State topped the list due to myriad factors — residents reported the highest levels of life satisfaction in the nation, the second-lowest depression rate, and one of the lowest unemployment rates. Hawaiians also have the longest life expectancy in the U.S., and 72% of adults report being active and productive every day.
Baltimore, Maryland
This is the second year in a row Hawaii has nabbed the No. 1 spot, after being the runner-up in 2023. Coming in second place this time is Maryland, also for the second year in a row. The Old Line State has the highest percentage of households earning over $75,000, one of the lowest unemployment rates, and good work conditions — a factor that was identified by tracking how often residents post on social media about work-related stress.
Nebraska climbed six spots to slide into third this year, thanks in part to its low unemployment rate (2.9%) and high economic security. It also boasts many conditions that support residents’ well-being, like low depression, separation, and divorce rates, as well as high marks in marriage happiness and work-life balance.
Trenton, New Jersey
While New Jersey fell from last year’s third place to this year’s fourth, it still scored the most points in the emotional and physical well-being category and ranked lowest for adult depression. Following the Garden State is Connecticut and then Utah, which claimed the top ranking in the work environment category, as well as community and environment.
Check out the rest of the top 10 below, and click here for more details on the rankings.
1. Hawaii
2. Maryland
3. Nebraska
4. New Jersey
5. Connecticut
6. Utah
7. California
8. New Hampshire
9. Massachusetts
10. Idaho
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