Happiness may come from within, but there’s no denying that external factors play a major part in one’s emotional contentment. Work fulfillment, hobbies, and social support are always important pieces of the puzzle—but, if you’re an American, your literal state could be the thing that tips the scales.
According to the researchers at WalletHub, a “key way to boost your happiness is living in the right place.” The personal finance website just released its Happiest States in America report for 2025, a comprehensive ranking based on three key categories: 1) emotional and physical well-being, 2) work environment, and 3) community and environment. Within each dimension are dozens of sub-factors, including share of adult depression, life expectancy, commute time, weather, safety, and economic security. Each metric was weighted, and the numbers were added up to determine the final scores—a score of 100 represents maximum happiness.
Maryland ranks second, in part due to the state’s low unemployment rates.
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This year’s survey finds Hawaii to be the happiest state, with a total score of 65.50, and ranking second in the emotional and physical well-being column—unsurprising, given that around 72% of adults report having an active daily lifestyle. New Jersey is ranked first for emotional and physical well-being (it notably has the lowest share of adult depression in the country), and fourth on the overall list. Utah sits at number 6, but earned the top spot in both work environment and community.
West Virginia, meanwhile, places last on the list with a score of 32.04 and twice the share of adult depression as New Jersey. Along with the Mountain State, the top five unhappiest states in descending order are Louisiana, Arkansas, Alabama, and Alaska. Coming in at 25, South Carolina is the true neutral.
New Jersey ranks fourth, with the lowest suicide rate of any state and the second lowest divorce rate.
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Below, the complete ranking of the top 10 happiest states in the US:
- Hawaii
- Maryland
- Nebraska
- New Jersey
- Connecticut
- Utah
- California
- New Hampshire
- Massachusetts
- Idaho
This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
