Location can play a major role in how happy or dissatisfied one is in life, and a new report from WalletHub revealed there’s a substantial difference in happiness levels in several regions of the country.
The new report measured states’ happiness levels based on several metrics, including the depression rate and productivity levels as well as income growth and the unemployment rate.
Based on these factors, the following states ranked lowest in happiness levels in the report:
- Louisiana
- Arkansas
- West Virginia
- Tennessee
- New Mexico
Meanwhile, these states took the Top 5 spot for the happiest in America:
- Hawaii
- Maryland
- New Jersey
- Utah
- Delaware
Hawaii likely took the top spot for its tropical weather. The state also saw the lowest depression rate of all 50 states, showing location can deeply impact mental health. Around 86 percent in the state also said they are in good or better health.
Meanwhile, Maryland had one of the lowest unemployment rates at just 2.9 percent, and New Jersey had the third lowest separation and divorce rate.
Cost-of-living can also affect happiness levels, and with many Americans currently unable to make ends meet with inflation, feelings of sadness and hopelessness can develop quickly.
For other regions, work-life balance plays a major role in residents’ happiness levels.
“In addition to pursuing your passions, having a good work-life balance and maintaining an emotional support network, another key way to boost your happiness is living in the right place,” Chip Lup, a WalletHub analyst, said 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.”
People walk along the water in Brooklyn on July 9 in New York City. A new report from WalletHub revealed there’s a substantial difference in happiness levels in several regions of the country.
Spencer Platt/Getty Images
Alex Beene, a financial literacy instructor for the University of Tennessee at Martin, told Newsweek that Americans tend to associate high incomes with happiness, but it’s not the only factor in the equation.
“Yes, the states that tend to be poorer economically do trend on the lower part of this list, but there are also some surprising states like Texas and Colorado that have seen economic booms in the last two decades, and yet were in the lower half of happiest states,” he said. “I think it speaks to the need for work and life balance and the availability of resources that can make life easier day-to-day.”
For the states struggling with low happiness scores, adding in public services, entertainment options and a more “laid back” approach to life could make a major difference, Beene said.
“Those traits certain states have boosted their appeal to their residents and make life there happier and more fulfilling,” he added.
