A recent Gallup survey revealed that only 47% of Americans feel “very satisfied” with their lives, but where you live could play a significant role in your happiness.
WalletHub’s annual ranking assessed all 50 states based on 30 metrics in three key categories: emotional and physical well-being, work environment, and community and environment. The report sheds light on where happiness flourished across the U.S. in 2024.
While individual satisfaction varies, the study suggests that factors such as health, job satisfaction, and community connections are closely tied to residents’ happiness levels.
Stay tuned for a detailed breakdown of the happiest states and how they achieved their rankings.
According to Chip Lupo, WalletHub Analyst, “living in the right place is another important way to boost your happiness, in addition to pursuing your passions, having a good work-life balance, and maintaining an emotional support network.” “States with above-average quality of life in many areas, from robust state economies and excellent physical and mental health care to sufficient leisure time and favorable weather, are the happiest.”
| Overall Rank* | State | Total Score | Emotional & Physical Well-Being Rank | Work Environment Rank | Community & Environment Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hawaii | 68.71 | 1 | 31 | 3 |
| 2 | Maryland | 64.67 | 3 | 10 | 6 |
| 3 | New Jersey | 62.46 | 2 | 32 | 33 |
| 4 | Utah | 62.20 | 27 | 1 | 1 |
| 5 | Delaware | 60.43 | 10 | 27 | 4 |
| 6 | Minnesota | 60.43 | 12 | 4 | 8 |
| 7 | Connecticut | 60.14 | 6 | 16 | 21 |
| 8 | Idaho | 58.84 | 30 | 3 | 2 |
| 9 | Nebraska | 58.60 | 11 | 7 | 28 |
| 10 | Massachusetts | 58.24 | 4 | 5 | 45 |
| 11 | South Carolina | 57.68 | 15 | 14 | 10 |
| 12 | South Dakota | 57.62 | 13 | 12 | 19 |
| 13 | California | 55.63 | 9 | 45 | 13 |
| 14 | Florida | 55.38 | 5 | 21 | 47 |
| 14 | New Hampshire | 55.38 | 20 | 9 | 22 |
| 16 | Virginia | 55.29 | 14 | 15 | 32 |
| 17 | Illinois | 54.39 | 8 | 34 | 39 |
| 18 | Kansas | 54.23 | 25 | 22 | 9 |
| 19 | Iowa | 54.22 | 19 | 30 | 11 |
| 20 | Georgia | 53.84 | 18 | 20 | 30 |
| 21 | Wisconsin | 53.23 | 21 | 17 | 31 |
| 22 | Pennsylvania | 53.18 | 22 | 19 | 29 |
| 23 | New York | 52.46 | 7 | 42 | 46 |
| 24 | North Carolina | 52.34 | 17 | 25 | 37 |
| 25 | Arizona | 52.13 | 26 | 28 | 14 |
| 26 | Maine | 51.56 | 32 | 13 | 17 |
| 27 | North Dakota | 51.35 | 28 | 11 | 41 |
| 28 | Washington | 51.11 | 24 | 38 | 18 |
| 29 | Rhode Island | 50.77 | 16 | 8 | 50 |
| 30 | Vermont | 50.45 | 34 | 2 | 38 |
| 31 | Michigan | 49.66 | 31 | 23 | 27 |
| 32 | Missouri | 48.30 | 37 | 18 | 26 |
| 33 | Montana | 48.12 | 43 | 6 | 12 |
| 34 | Wyoming | 47.07 | 39 | 37 | 15 |
| 35 | Colorado | 46.29 | 29 | 26 | 48 |
| 36 | Indiana | 45.92 | 38 | 41 | 23 |
| 37 | Nevada | 45.88 | 36 | 44 | 20 |
| 38 | Texas | 45.56 | 23 | 39 | 49 |
| 39 | Oregon | 44.95 | 35 | 29 | 43 |
| 40 | Ohio | 43.55 | 40 | 35 | 36 |
| 41 | Kentucky | 42.88 | 44 | 46 | 16 |
| 42 | Mississippi | 41.83 | 41 | 40 | 35 |
| 43 | Oklahoma | 41.74 | 48 | 36 | 5 |
| 44 | Alabama | 41.67 | 42 | 33 | 42 |
| 45 | Alaska | 41.44 | 33 | 48 | 44 |
| 46 | New Mexico | 40.82 | 45 | 47 | 24 |
| 47 | Tennessee | 40.32 | 46 | 24 | 34 |
| 48 | West Virginia | 38.09 | 47 | 50 | 7 |
| 49 | Arkansas | 37.09 | 50 | 43 | 25 |
| 50 | Louisiana | 32.97 | 49 | 49 | 40 |
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