Do You Live in a Happy State? The Happiest States in the U.S. in 2026

A study published in September by WalletHub identified the “happiest” states in the United States. Northwestern states top the list, while several Southern states rank among the lowest.

WalletHub compared three key aspects across all 50 states: emotional and physical well-being, work environment and community, and the environment. Using 30 indicators (including working hours, commute times, financial security, and health indicators), the study calculated an overall score out of 100 for each state to determine its ranking.

The happiest states scored between 66 and 69.53 points overall, while the least happy states scored between 31 and 38.44 points.

The Happiest States in the United States

Hawaii, New Jersey, and Utah took the top three spots. These states showed a combination of lifestyle satisfaction, low unemployment rates, and even higher levels of marital satisfaction. The following WalletHub findings explain why they rank among the happiest states:

Hawaii — 69.53 Overall Score

Hawaii claimed the top spot because its residents report the highest levels of life satisfaction in the country, and the state has the second-lowest depression rate. In addition, Hawaiians enjoy excellent physical health and have the highest life expectancy in the United States. Nearly 72% of adults in the state say they remain active and productive on a daily basis.

Favorable economic conditions are another factor contributing to residents’ happiness. Hawaii has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country (2.5%), as well as the third-highest share of households earning more than $75,000 annually. As a result, a smaller proportion of adults experience financial anxiety.

New Jersey — 67.09 Overall Score

New Jersey ranks as the second-happiest state, thanks in part to its low percentage of residents who report experiencing traumatic events during childhood. It also has the fifth-highest life satisfaction rate. The state has the lowest depression rate and the highest percentage of people who have supportive and loving relationships in their lives, contributing to good mental health among most of its residents.

New Jersey residents also report happiness in their marriages, as the state has the second-lowest separation and divorce rate in the country, at around 17%.

Financially, New Jersey has the second-highest share of households earning more than $75,000 a year. It also has the seventh-lowest rate of food insecurity and ranks 17th among states with the lowest proportion of people who feel anxious about their personal finances.

Utah — 66.45 Overall Score

Utah is the third-happiest state. It has the 12th-lowest unemployment rate (3.4%) and the highest level of financial security in the country. The “Beehive State” also has the second-highest proportion of people with supportive and loving relationships in their lives, along with the eighth-highest percentage of adults who report being in good health or better.

When it comes to work-life balance, Utah residents work fewer hours per week than residents of any other state. To top it all off, the state also has the second-best climate in the country.

The remaining states are ranked as follows:

The 10 Happiest States in the United States

1. Hawaii
2. New Jersey
3. Utah
4. Idaho
5. Maryland
6. Nebraska
7. Connecticut
8. Minnesota
9. California
10. New Hampshire

The 10 Least Happy States in the United States

1. West Virginia
2. Louisiana
3. Arkansas
4. Alaska
5. Kentucky
6. Alabama
7. New Mexico
8. Wyoming
9. Oregon
10. Tennessee

So, do you live in a happy state?