Happiness = Where You Live?
Feeling down and not sure why? It might have more to do with where you live than you think. A recent WalletHub study ranked all 50 US states based on happiness, and the results are eye-opening. Is your state in the top 20?
22. Illinois
Illinois ranks 29th in overall happiness. While the Land of Lincoln benefits from a diverse economy, it faces challenges such as a higher-than-average unemployment rate, set at 4.9% as of March 2025. As a result, many residents suffer from financial anxiety.
Ken Lund from Reno, Nevada, USA, Wikimedia Commons
22. Illinois (Cont.)
Additionally, Illinois has a moderate depression rate and limited access to mental health services, impacting overall well-being. These factors contribute to its position in the lower half of the happiness rankings and make it a less desirable place to live.
21. Maine
Believe it or not, Maine ranks low in happiness surveys because of its long, cold winters. The higher prevalence of seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, makes many citizens suffer from low mood, irritability, loss of pleasure, and feeling lethargic.
21. Maine (Cont.)
Moreover, commuting once the snow has melted becomes a nightmare because of the mud season. On the other hand, many citizens report getting adequate sleep. Moreover, the state has a relatively low crime rate, enhancing community well-being.
Victoria Stauffenberg, Wikimedia Commons
20. Wyoming
One of the biggest problems in Wyoming is the wind. It's not uncommon for the wind to reach 40 or 50 mph in winter. Moreover, the state struggles with high suicide rates and the lack of healthcare services, particularly in rural areas.
20. Wyoming (Cont.)
The lack of dynamic interactions is another problem, as most people are pretty conservative. Yet, the state has low commute times and a strong sense of community. If you're into hunting and don't mind living in rural areas with poor access to entertainment events, it might not be that bad.
19. North Carolina
If you choose to live in the Old North State, you'll enjoy the prospects of a growing economy with moderate income growth. But that's it. Unfortunately, the residents struggle with a higher than average adult depression and lower access to mental health services.
Michael Tracey, Wikimedia Commons
19. North Carolina (Cont.)
Residents also suffer from the lack of public transportation and overall higher-than-average taxes, which increase the cost of living. Additionally, hurricanes and floods are quite common occurrences. And that's not all. North Carolina also has a relatively high divorce rate, which affects community stability.
18. Kansas
Many consider living in Kansas because of the affordable cost of living, which makes it a good place to build a family and an excellent choice for retirees. Moreover, the low commute times are also appealing. However, the cons of living in Sunflower State can be overwhelming.
Pam Broviak from Geneva, IL, USA, Wikimedia Commons
18. Kansas (Cont.)
Citizens face challenges such as a high percentage of adults experiencing financial anxiety and a moderate depression rate. Additionally, Kansas has limited access to recreational activities, which affects residents' overall life satisfaction. You'll also have to get a car to travel longer distances.
17. South Carolina
Next on the lower half of the happiness rankings, South Carolina stands with a higher-than-average violence rate. This makes people who live alone, like retirees, feel less safe most of the time. Moreover, public transportation is limited.
17. South Carolina (Cont.)
Despite many people suffering from financial anxiety, some still move to South Carolina to enjoy its warm climate and southern charm. Also, a relatively high percentage of residents engage in leisure activities, especially BBQs and other community-based interactions.
Akhenaton06 (talk), Wikimedia Commons
16. Ohio
Ohio offers affordable housing and a rich cultural history, which are positives for its residents. Nonetheless, Ohio struggles with a high prevalence of adult depression and a lower life expectancy compared to the national average.
Pi.1415926535, Wikimedia Commons
16. Ohio (Cont.)
This is mainly due to a large percentage of the population working extraction-industry-based jobs. Additionally, the unemployment rate is 4.6%, which leaves many struggling with financial responsibilities.
Mike Sharp - User: (WT-shared) 2old at wts wikivoyage, Wikimedia Commons
15. Indiana
There are many reasons why Indiana scored less on the overall happiness ranking. Many people suffer from frequent mental distress and a lower-than-average income growth rate. Additionally, limited healthcare services in certain areas affect overall well-being.
15. Indiana (Cont.)
Although many consider living in Hoosier State for its average cost of living and strong community ties, you might suffer while commuting due to the limited public transport. Plus, the unemployment rate is 4.4%, higher than the national average.
14. Michigan
Nature lovers might consider living in Michigan, which offers natural beauty and access to the Great Lakes. These features provide plenty of recreational opportunities for residents. However, Michigan struggles with economic challenges, including a high unemployment rate and significant income inequality.
14. Michigan (Cont.)
However, the weather is unpredictable. Snow in spring and summer storms aren't that uncommon. The state also has a higher-than-average rate of adult depression and lower access to mental health services, which impact overall well-being and place it in the lower tier of the happiness index.
13. Montana
Moving to Big Sky Country means ditching almost everything you know about city amenities behind. This is the perfect state for nature lovers who enjoy solitude. Although there's a strong sense of community in some areas, people aren't always very welcoming of outsiders.
13. Montana (Cont.)
Harsh winters represent another problem, and limited access to healthcare services in its vast rural areas can make it less desirable for families and retirees. Although the unemployment rate is low, the people of Montana have a lower-than-average weekly income compared to other states.
12. New Mexico
New Mexico is rich in cultural heritage and offers stunning natural beauty, which positively influences community engagement. However, the residents face significant challenges, including one of the highest divorce rates in the country as of 2022, which highlights potential issues in personal relationships.
12. New Mexico (Cont.)
The average unemployment rate is set at 4.4% as of March 2025. Additionally, the state has a high poverty rate and struggles with crime, both of which negatively impact residents' overall well-being and contribute to its lower happiness ranking.
Ron Reiring, Wikimedia Commons
11. Missouri
Across all 50 states, Missouri is ranked 40th in terms of happiness. The state offers a rich culture and affordable housing, which attracts residents. However, Missouri faces challenges like adult depression and a higher-than-average crime rate due to the presence of gangs.
Brian Hillegas, Wikimedia Commons
11. Missouri (Cont.)
You'll make less money for your job if you work in Missouri, although the unemployment rate is below the national average. Overall, living in rural areas comes with poverty and limited access to health services, and these factors place Missouri in the lower tier of the happiness index.
Eric Rogers from Kansas City, MO, USA, Wikimedia Commons
10. Oregon
Nature lovers would enjoy living in Oregon as it offers many outdoor activities like hiking and bird watching. Moreover, if you're interested in a healthy lifestyle with access to natural beauty and environmental consciousness, this might be the right place for you.
10. Oregon (Cont.)
However, high rates of adult depression are a big issue in Oregon, as a significant percentage of residents experience frequent mental distress. Additionally, the state has a higher-than-average cost of living and issues related to housing affordability, which contributes to financial stress.
9. Alaska
Unless you can tolerate long, dark winters, living in Alaska won't work for you. Although the state offers unparalleled natural beauty and opportunities for outdoor activities, the climate can be too much for most outsiders.
9. Alaska (Cont.)
Unfortunately, Alaska faces one of the highest suicide rates in the US, and many of the residents struggle with depression. Moreover, healthcare costs 60% more than in other states, housing is 17% higher, and utilities cost 52% more.
Frank K. from Anchorage, Alaska, USA, Wikimedia Commons
8. Alabama
Despite the rich southern cultural heritage and warm climate, people in Alabama lack high-quality educational and healthcare services. Moreover, plenty of residents suffer from depression and mental distress.
Carol M. Highsmith, Wikimedia Commons
8. Alabama (Cont.)
The cost of living is low compared to other states, and the rate of employment is below the national average. Nevertheless, public transportation is limited, especially in rural areas. Moreover, Alabama has one of the lowest life expectancy rates in the country.
7. Mississippi
As long as you don't mind the humidity and extreme weather, Mississippi could be a good place to call home. It offers a rich cultural history and strong community ties, which can enhance residents' sense of belonging. However, the lack of recreational facilities leaves many feeling isolated and bored.
7. Mississippi (Cont.)
Mississippi has one of the lowest sports participation rates in the nation, indicating limited engagement in physical activities. Additionally, the state has a high poverty rate and struggles with healthcare access, both of which negatively impact residents' overall well-being.
chmeredith from Jackson, MS, USA, Wikimedia Commons
6. Tennessee
If you live in Nashville, you'll have access to a vibrant music scene with diverse cultural attractions. However, as you move away from the capital city, problems arise, as 37.3% of adults struggle with depression in 2023, compared to the national average of 32.3%.
6. Tennessee (Cont.)
The Volunteer State has one of the lowest life expectancies in the country. It's a landlocked state with no access to beaches, and the high divorce rates affect family stability. In 2020, the state spent 43.3% less than what the top state, Maine, spent on healthcare per capita.
5. Kentucky
Tornadoes and floods occur often in Kentucky, which affects the mental well-being of residents. Many of the citizens suffer from depression due to low-income growth rates and associated financial difficulties. Moreover, separation and divorce rates are high.
Madgeek1450 at English Wikipedia, Wikimedia Commons
5. Kentucky (Cont.)
The unemployment rate is 5.3%, which is higher than the national average. Moreover, it has one of the lowest life expectancies, ranking number 47 in overall health, according to Lane Report. The widespread chronic disease and lack of preventative care leave many dealing with health issues.
William Alden from Louisville, Kentucky, USA, Wikimedia Commons
4. Louisiana
Louisiana is always celebrated for its delicious cuisine and festivals. However, it has a low life expectancy compared to the other states, which reflects a decline in access to healthcare. Moreover, the unemployment rate is set at 4.5% as of March 2025.
Stuart Adams, stuadams.com, Wikimedia Commons
4. Louisiana (Cont.)
Hurricanes are pretty common and can leave many suffering. Louisiana has a high combined tax rate of more than 10% as of 2025, and access to education is challenging. Moreover, the state has a high obesity rate, which can impact physical health and overall well-being.
Michael Maples, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Wikimedia Commons
3. Oklahoma
Although Oklahoma has no inheritance tax, it has one of the highest rates of local sales tax. It's the second worst state when it comes to the percentage of the insured population and one of the worst five in income growth.
RobertKixmiller, Wikimedia Commons
3. Oklahoma (Cont.)
People of the Sooner State lack the amenities of big city life in most areas, and many suffer from depression. Public transportation access is limited, especially in rural areas, and there are fewer restaurants than in most other states. This reduces the opportunities for engagement and socializing.
2. Arkansas
Despite the natural beauty and low cost of living, the happiness survey ranked Arkansas as one of the worst states. Many people struggle with depression, and the life expectancy is lower than the national average. Moreover, low-income growth leaves many people dealing with financial issues.
2. Arkansas (Cont.)
In 2022, Arkansas had the highest divorce rates in the country, with 23.27 women divorcing per 1,000 married women. Extreme weather and the lack of public transportation also leave many isolated, especially in rural areas. The sales tax is 9.46%, which is higher than most other states.
Brandonrush, Wikimedia Commons
1. West Virginia
According to the survey, West Virginia was one of the worst states in which to live. Although the unemployment rate aligns with the national average, the median household income is 28% lower than the rest of the US.
Carol M. Highsmith, Wikimedia Commons
1. West Virginia (Cont.)
People usually suffer from depression, and access to healthcare is limited. The public transportation and educational institutions are worse than the rest of the states. Moreover, the divorce and separation rates are high, which affects family stability. All of this puts them at the bottom of the happiness scale.
