What is the Happiest State in America?

Ranking the States: 1st Hawaii, 2nd Maryland

The World Happiness Report evaluates various areas that can ​affect a happy ⁣life,‍ such as ⁤financial stability, crime rate, and quality medical services. According to a‍ 2024 report jointly released by Gallup, Oxford University’s Institute for Wellbeing, and the United Nations,⁢ the United States fell eight places from the previous year to 23rd place. This is the first time the United States has fallen out‍ of the top‌ 20.

The​ top rankings were held by Nordic countries such as Finland (1st), Denmark (2nd), and Iceland (3rd), while⁣ Korea ranked 52nd. In⁤ the United States, the ​World Population Review combines 31 indicators, including working hours, job security, and mental illness, to announce⁤ the happiness index and rankings by state.

The happiest state was Hawaii (66.3 points), followed by Maryland (62.6 points) and Virginia (57.8 ‍points) in 11th place. A ⁤recent study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ⁤(CDC) found​ that Hawaii had the lowest rate of adult depression (12.7%), while Maryland had the highest median income ($94,991) in the country.

On the​ other⁢ hand, West Virginia (33.8 points) ‌had the lowest happiness index, scoring lowest in both physical and emotional well-being, and also​ receiving poor evaluations for community and work environment. In addition, ‍more than a quarter of residents (27.5%) were diagnosed with depression.