Between skyrocketing grocery bills, political chaos, and someone’s latest TikTok dance ruining family dinner, happiness feels about as rare as a decent Wi-Fi connection at the airport. But here’s the thing – where you live might actually make a bigger difference in your well-being than you think.
WalletHub just dropped its annual happiness study for 2025, and spoiler alert: location really does matter when it comes to living your best life. They crunched numbers across 30 different metrics – everything from depression rates to the amount of sleep people actually get – to determine which states are genuinely keeping their residents content.
Before you start packing your bags for what you assume is Florida (plot twist: it’s not even in the top 10), let’s dive into the real winners. Some of these rankings may surprise you, especially if you’ve assumed that sunshine automatically equals happiness.
10. Idaho
Kicking off the top ten is the Gem State. Idaho shines when it comes to the “Work Environment,” ranking second in the nation. This is bolstered by the highest income growth in the country, suggesting a thriving job market. Idahoans also seem to value their community, though they do face challenges with a higher-than-average suicide rate, which places them 47th in that specific metric.
9. Massachusetts
Massachusetts residents enjoy strong emotional and physical well-being, ranking 8th overall in this category. The state boasts the third-lowest suicide rate, indicating good access to mental healthcare and support systems. Bay Staters are also among the safest in the nation, with the state ranking 4th for safety.
8. New Hampshire
Live Free or Die? More like Live Happy and Thrive. New Hampshire lands in the top 10 with strong scores across the board. It particularly excels in “Community & Environment,” ranking 7th. It’s also the second-safest state in America, making it a secure place to call home.
7. California
The Golden State offers more than just sunny weather. California ranks 4th for “Emotional & Physical Well-Being,” with residents reporting low rates of depression. However, this happiness comes at a cost, as the state has the highest long-term unemployment rate and ranks 45th in the “Work Environment” category, proving that even paradise has its trade-offs.
6. Utah
Utah stands out for its exceptional “Work Environment,” ranking number one in the nation. Residents here work the fewest hours, allowing for a healthy work-life balance. Utah also has the highest volunteer rate, the lowest divorce rate, and is the 5th safest state, painting a picture of a tight-knit and secure community.
5. Connecticut
The Constitution State secures a top-five spot with a strong showing in “Emotional & Physical Well-Being,” where it ranks 7th. It also has the 4th lowest suicide rate. This, combined with a solid work environment and a strong sense of community, makes Connecticut a consistently happy place to live.
4. New Jersey
Don’t let the stereotypes fool you; the Garden State has plenty to be happy about. New Jersey takes the top spot for “Emotional & Physical Well-Being,” boasting the lowest depression rate and the lowest suicide rate in the entire country. The only significant drawback is its challenging job market, where it has the second-highest long-term unemployment rate.
3. Nebraska
Coming in at number three, Nebraska offers a balanced recipe for happiness. It has the fourth-lowest unemployment rate and ranks second for economic security. Nebraskans also manage their time well, enjoying the most leisure time per day on average, despite working more hours than people in most other states. This balance contributes to the state’s 9th-place ranking for “Emotional & Physical Well-Being.”
2. Maryland
The Old Line State is the second-happiest in the nation, largely due to its fantastic economic conditions. Maryland has one of the lowest unemployment rates and the highest percentage of households earning over $75,000 a year. Residents report the third-highest rate of life satisfaction and supportive relationships, creating a strong foundation for a happy life. The state also has the fifth-lowest suicide rate.
1. Hawaii
It’s official: life really is better in paradise. Hawaii takes the crown as the happiest state in America. Living up to its idyllic reputation, the state ranks second for “Emotional & Physical Well-Being,” with residents reporting the second-lowest depression rate. Hawaiians enjoy the nation’s longest life expectancy and excellent physical health. Strong economic conditions, including a low unemployment rate and a high share of financially secure households, help keep the Aloha spirit alive and well.
Source: WalletHub