There are many unique reasons that make the happiest countries happy, but what about particular American states? A recent WalletHub analysis on well-being identifies the happiest states in the United States for 2023, giving light on the elements that contribute to their total happiness.
WalletHub ranked 50 US states using 30 criteria from three categories: emotional and physical well-being, employment climate, and community and environment. Metrics included career satisfaction, work hours, volunteer rate, and safety.
Each indicator was assessed on a scale of 100 points, with higher scores indicating greater satisfaction. Weighted averages were used to calculate the states’ overall scores and rank them. As a result, these are the top six happiest states in the United States of America for the last year.
6. Connecticut
Total score: 60.68
Connecticut ranks sixth in mental and physical well-being and tenth in community and environment. However, its work-environment ranking is 32nd, driven by poorer scores in long-term unemployment and pay growth, both of which are in the bottom five.
This demonstrates a contradiction in Connecticut’s performance, with the state excelling in some well-being categories while struggling with other work-related characteristics that influence total pleasure.
- Emotional and physical well-being rank: six
- Work environment ranking: 32
- Community and environment rank: 8
5. New Jersey
Total score is 61.98
New Jersey excels in terms of emotional and physical well-being, with the lowest suicide rate and third-lowest divorce rate in the United States. The state’s work environment is strong, rating 14th, and its community and environmental performance is 29th.
New Jersey’s strong mental health statistics, combined with a positive work environment, help to explain its high overall well-being and happiness rankings among US states.
- Emotional and physical well-being rank: three
- Work environment rank: 14
- Community and environment rank: 29
4. Minnesota
The total score is 62.82
Minnesota has the second-highest adequate sleep rate and the third-highest volunteer rate. These elements contribute to the state’s strong overall rankings, which place it tenth in emotional and physical well-being, third in the work environment, and thirteenth in community and environmental.
Minnesota’s commitment to health, community participation, and excellent work settings distinguishes it as a state where multiple elements contribute to a strong foundation of pleasure and well-being.
- Emotional and physical well-being rank: 10
- Work environment rank: 3
- Community and environment rank: 13
3. Maryland
The total score is 64.62
Maryland stands out as a state with consistent well-being in all key areas, ranking in the top ten for mental and physical well-being, work environment, and community and environment.
This well-rounded performance demonstrates Maryland’s effectiveness in creating a positive and balanced environment for its citizens, which includes characteristics of health, job, and community that all contribute to the state’s high overall happiness ratings.
- Emotional and physical well-being rank: 8
- Work environment rank: 4
- Community and environment rank: 5
2. Hawaii
The total score is 66.42
Hawaii leads the nation in mental and physical well-being, with the lowest rates of adult depression and the fourth-lowest divorce rate. The state also has the fifth-highest safety ranking. However, Hawaii confronts issues in both work-related and community dimensions, ranking 25th in the work environment and 30th in the community and environment categories.
While Hawaii excels in mental health and safety, its lower results in other categories paint a more complex picture of overall well-being.
- Emotional and physical well-being rank: 1
- Work environment ranking: 25
- Community and environment rank: 30
1. Utah
The total score is 69.79
WalletHub ranks Utah as the happiest state in the United States. Utah won the top rank by excelling in both the work environment and the community and environment areas. The state has the greatest volunteer rate, indicating a strong feeling of community engagement, and the lowest divorce rate countrywide, stressing healthy partnerships.
These characteristics contribute considerably to Utah’s total happiness, demonstrating a harmonic balance of favorable job conditions and community well-being, distinguishing it as a top performer in the pursuit of happiness among US states.
- Emotional and physical well-being rank: 16
- Work environment rank: 1
- Community and environment rank: 1
Conclusion
In conclusion, WalletHub’s 2023 analysis identifies Utah as the happiest state in the U.S., excelling in work environment and community well-being. While other top-ranking states exhibit strengths in specific categories, Utah’s harmonious balance of favorable job conditions and strong community engagement sets it apart as a leader in overall happiness.