Happiness levels across the United States vary dramatically due to economic stability, health resources, and community dynamics.
To quantify this elusive concept, WalletHub’s 2024 analysis evaluates the quality of life through a data-driven framework, scoring all 50 states across 30 key metrics grouped into three core dimensions: emotional and physical well-being, work environments, and community & environment factors. The analysis revealed a stark divide between America’s most and least happy states.
Each metric is normalized to a 100-point scale, with states receiving a weighted average total score based on the relative importance of each category. The methodology draws from federal data sources like the U.S. Census Bureau and Bureau of Labor Statistics, supplemented by proprietary surveys measuring life satisfaction. Notably, economic factors account for 40% of the scoring weight, while social/community metrics comprise 35% and environmental factors 25%.
Below, we break down the extremes of this spectrum.
The 5 Most Miserable States to Live In
5. Louisiana
Louisiana’s vibrant culture—home to Mardi Gras, jazz festivals, and Creole cuisine—masks a stark reality of systemic struggles that cement its place as America’s unhappiest state (ranked 50th with a total score of 32.97 in Wallet Hub’s Happiest States in America (2024) report).
Despite its lively spirit, the Pelican State grapples with a trifecta of woes: sky-high divorce rates (48th nationally), exhausting work hours (47th for adequate sleep), and alarming safety risks (dead last in safety due to crime and natural disasters).
The report further paints a grim picture, ranking residents’ emotional and physical well-being and work environments 49th nationwide, weighed down by poverty and limited access to healthcare. Even its community & environmental rank struggles at 40th.
4. Arkansas
Natural beauty can’t always buy happiness, and the Natural State proves it. Arkansas claims an unfortunate podium position as America’s second-most miserable state, with WalletHub’s 2024 report ranking it 49th overall (score: 37.09).
Residents face an uphill battle: dead last in Emotional & Physical Well-Being, a dismal 47th in adult depression rates, and a sleep-deprived populace tied with Ohio for second-worst adequate-sleep rates—perfect for insomniac vampires, less so for humans.
Even its work culture offers little reprieve (43rd rank), while shockingly low sports participation (49th) suggests Arkansans might prefer binge-watching Stranger Things over breaking a sweat.
Yet there’s a glimmer of hope: it defies expectations with a mid-tier Community & Environment rank (25th), proving even the most beleaguered states can foster pockets of connection.
3. West Virginia
West Virginia clinches a spot among America’s least happy states, holding down the fort at #48 overall with a dismal total score of 38.09.
The Mountain State’s struggles are stark: it ranks dead last in the work environment (50th) metric and near the bottom in emotional and physical well-being (47th), with many adults battling depression (48th) and sleep deprivation (49th). Even its sports participation rate limps in at a tie for #46 (alongside Alabama).
But here’s the twist – West Virginians’ tight-knit communities and natural surroundings shine as a rare bright spot. Surprisingly, the state leaps to #7 nationally in terms of community & environment, proving that rolling Appalachians and porch-side bonds still offer solace even when paychecks and mental health falter.
2. Tennessee
Tennessee lands at #47 in WalletHub’s ranking of America’s most miserable states, presenting a paradox of economic resilience shadowed by systemic well-being challenges.
While its 24th Work Environment rank hints at stable job markets and labor protections, the Volunteer State crumbles under the nation’s worst adult depression rates (ranked 50th) and a 46th rank in Emotional & Physical Well-Being score that reveals alarming mental health crises.
As CNBC’s quality-of-life reports note, Tennessee’s “tsunami of discriminatory legislation” continues to offset its business-friendly reputation — a cautionary tale of economic progress undermined by cultural regress.
1. New Mexico
While scenic landscapes attract tourists, New Mexico’s ranking as the 5th most miserable state reflects a landscape where optimism struggles to grow in the desert heat. The Land of Enchantment is saddled with the nation’s worst divorce rate (ranked 50th), an abysmal work environment (ranked 47th), and a suicide rate that places it fourth from the bottom.
While its community & environment metrics (24th) suggest some cultural resilience through traditional festivals, residents have much to contend with—emotional and physical well-being languishes at 45th, making this Southwestern state’s beauty better suited for postcards than daily contentment.
The 5 Happiest States to Live In
1. Hawaii
Hawaii secures its position as America’s happiest state through a combination of natural advantages and strong community values. WalletHub’s 2024 data reveals that 86% of adults report excellent health—the highest self-rated wellness in the nation—while its 2.8% unemployment rate demonstrates economic stability rarely matched elsewhere.
The islands’ lowest depression rate and 4th lowest divorce rate in the U.S. align seamlessly with their year-round tropical climate, an environment where residents thrive physically and emotionally—however, their 50th-place adequate sleep ranking reveals a paradoxical trade-off.
Hawaii’s third-place community score highlights the enduring “aloha spirit,” where neighborly bonds and environmental advocacy remain cultural essentials. Even its 31st-ranked work environment becomes a secondary consideration when balanced against access to ocean vistas, volcanic landscapes, and a lifestyle that prioritizes well-being over hustle culture.
2. Maryland
Maryland proves you don’t need endless sunshine to scintillate with purpose, securing its spot as America’s second-happiest state with a balanced recipe of coastal charm and urban vitality. The Chesapeake Bay state dazzles with a third-place emotional and physical well-being ranking and fourth-lowest suicide rate thanks to its thriving fitness culture, abundant green spaces like serene Assateague Island, and a healthcare system that keeps residents in peak form.
Its 6th-place community & environment score reflects tight-knit neighborhoods—from the historic brick sidewalks of Annapolis to the artsy pulse of Baltimore’s Inner Harbor—paired with a sustainability drive that’s turning solar farms and oyster reef restoration projects into local pride points.
While its 10th-place work environment might lack Silicon Valley glamour, Marylanders enjoy a “work hard, crab feast harder” ethos, with hybrid schedules and federal job stability balancing the grind. Dubbed “America in Miniature” for its geographic diversity, this Mid-Atlantic gem blends New England-style fall foliage with Southern hospitality—a mosaic of happiness where crab cakes and cutting-edge biotech labs coexist seamlessly.
3. New Jersey
New Jersey is America’s third-happiest state, punching above its weight by combining East Coast hustle with surprising quality-of-life perks.
The Garden State shines in Emotional and Physical Well-Being (ranked 2nd nationally), with the second-lowest adult depression rate and the lowest suicide rate nationwide—likely fueled by its top-tier healthcare access, above-average life expectancy, and proximity to both beach escapes and urban energy.
While its Work Environment (32nd) and Community/Environment (33rd) rankings suggest room for improvement, residents clearly thrive where it counts most. The state’s secret sauce? Turning “bridge-and-tunnel” commutes into opportunities for metro-area salaries without Manhattan rent checks – a trade-off that keeps 9.3 million New Jerseyans firmly planted in their home turf.
4. Utah
Utah’s reputation as a beacon of happiness is backed by WalletHub’s rankings, where it clinches the No. 4 spot with a 62.20 score. The state leads the pack in its work environment and community & environment; both ranked first nationwide.
With the fewest work hours and highest volunteer rate, Utahns have mastered the art of balancing productivity with purpose. Utah even ranks 1st for the lowest divorce rate, reflecting a cultural emphasis on family stability.
While its emotional and physical well-being rank (27th) might not say much, Utah compensates with a second-place sports participation rate and fourth-place safety ranking—proving that hitting the trails or slopes is practically a civic duty. The state also ties with North Dakota for the third-lowest long-term unemployment rate, reinforcing its reputation as a land of opportunity.
5. Delaware
Delaware might not have superhero-level name recognition like its Marvel Cinematic Universe neighbors, but this First State packs a surprisingly powerful happiness punch—think Ant-Man quietly saving the day.
The state’s secret weapon is its tight-knit communities and green spaces, which earned it an impressive 4th place in the Community & Environment category. With a 60.43 score, it ranks 5th overall in WalletHub’s 2024 report.
While its 27th-place Work Environment ranking might sound as appealing as a Monday morning alarm clock, Delawareans more than compensate with top-tier Emotional & Physical Well-Being (10th place)—picture yoga sessions on Brandywine Creek trails followed by farm-to-table brunches.
Source: WalletHub, CNBC