Picture us not surprised at this one: according to a new study by WalletHub, Hawaii ranks as the happiest state within America at the moment—which is saying a lot given the effects that a global pandemic has had on the population at large.
When comparing the 50 states, WalletHub looked at 32 total metrics across three different categories. The latter include "emotional and physical wellbeing," "work environment" and "community and environment."
Although the website has been conducting its happiness study annually since 2014, the effort proves to be a bit different in scope and intent this year. "In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted life as we know it, causing sickness, limiting social interactions and leading to widespread job losses," writes WalletHub financial writer Adam McCann in the official blog post accompanying the survey results. "During these trials, which have had a strong negative impact on Americans' metal health, WalletHub searched for the states where people can stay positive despite the circumstances."
Overall, Hawaii ranked number one, followed by Utah, Minnesota, New Jersey and Maryland. Out of all 50 states, folks in West Virginia seem to be the least happy around the country. To note: Hawaii has actually been topping Gallup's overall wellbeing ranking for the past seven years as well.
The website also released results in subcategories. New Jersey, for example, ranked number one when measured for the lowest share of adult depression. People in Minnesota, on the other hand, record the highest adequate-sleep rate while New Jersey and New York tied for the lowest suicide rate. People in Utah work the fewest hours on average, record the highest volunteer rate and the lowest divorce rate but those in Oregon enjoy the highest income growth. Overall, Maine seems to be the safest destination in the United States, followed by Vermont, Minnesota, Utah and Wyoming.
Below, check out the full overall ranking (and start, perhaps, considering a move to Hawaii?):
1. Hawaii
2. Utah
3. Minnesota
4. New Jersey
5. Maryland
6. California
7. North Dakota
8. Iowa
9. Idaho
10. Connecticut
11. Nebraska
12. South Dakota
13. Massachusetts
14. Virginia
15. Washington
16. Vermont
17. New York
18. Wisconsin
19. Nevada
20. Arizona
21. New Hampshire
22. Georgia
23. Colorado
24. Delaware
25. Texas
26. Rhode Island
27. Florida
28. Pennsylvania
29. Illinois
30. Maine
31. Wyoming
32. North Carolina
33. Kansas
34. South Carolina
35. Ohio
36. Indiana
37. Michigan
38. Montana
39. New Mexico
40. Missouri
41. Oregon
42. Alaska
43. Alabama
44. Mississippi
45. Tennessee
46. Kentucky
47. Louisiana
48. Oklahoma
49. Arkansas
50. West Virginia
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