Where we live greatly affects how happy we feel. Using data from WalletHub’s 2025 study, we’ve identified which states have the happiest residents based on emotional well-being, work environment, and community engagement. From sunny beaches to mountain retreats, these states offer something special that keeps smiles on their residents’ faces year-round.
1. Hawaii – Paradise Found With a Happiness Score of 68.7
Island living proves unbeatable for happiness! Hawaii claims the top spot with an impressive 68.7 score, dominating in emotional well-being categories. Residents enjoy the nation’s highest life expectancy and lowest depression rates, likely influenced by abundant sunshine and the laid-back ‘aloha spirit.’
Economic indicators remain strong despite the high cost of living, with unemployment rates well below national averages. The unique blend of cultures creates strong community bonds, while pristine beaches and lush landscapes offer unlimited outdoor recreation.
Daily access to natural beauty and a culture that prioritizes work-life balance contributes significantly to resident satisfaction. The traditional Hawaiian value of ‘ohana’ (family) extends beyond blood relatives to create supportive communities throughout the islands.
2. Maryland – East Coast Excellence With a 64.7 Happiness Score
Proximity to the nation’s capital brings Maryland residents both economic security and quality of life. Ranking second overall with a 64.7 score, Maryland particularly shines in the emotional and physical health categories, securing third place nationally.
The state’s diverse landscape—from Chesapeake Bay to Appalachian highlands—provides varied recreational opportunities year-round. Highly rated school systems and four distinct seasons attract families seeking balance between urban amenities and natural beauty.
Maryland’s strong job market, particularly in healthcare, defense, and technology sectors, contributes to financial stability. Communities throughout the state benefit from rich historical heritage and cultural diversity, creating vibrant neighborhoods where residents forge meaningful connections and enjoy high-quality public services.
3. New Jersey – Garden State Contentment at 62.5
Forget the jokes about New Jersey—residents are having the last laugh with the nation’s third-highest happiness score of 62.5. The Garden State boasts the lowest suicide rate nationally and ranks third for lowest divorce rate, indicating strong social bonds and emotional health.
Access to both Philadelphia and New York City provides cultural and employment opportunities without the full urban cost-of-living burden. Four beautiful seasons, from summer shore days to colorful autumns, give residents year-round outdoor enjoyment.
Excellent healthcare facilities and public education systems contribute significantly to family well-being. Despite high property taxes, residents benefit from strong economic conditions, with median household incomes consistently ranking among the nation’s highest and unemployment rates trending below national averages.
4. Utah – Mountain State Bliss Scoring 62.2
Spectacular mountain landscapes might be Utah’s most famous feature, but its happiness score of 62.2 comes from more than just scenery. The state ranks first nationally in both work environment and community engagement, with the highest volunteer rate in America.
Reasonable work hours allow residents to enjoy the state’s five national parks and world-class skiing. Young families appreciate the state’s safety, with crime rates significantly below national averages and strong emphasis on family-centered activities.
The booming tech sector in ‘Silicon Slopes’ provides economic opportunity without big-city congestion. Religious traditions, regardless of personal faith, have created a culture of neighborliness and mutual support that extends throughout communities, while outdoor recreation opportunities promote physical health and natural connection year-round.
5. Delaware – Small State, Big Happiness at 60.4
Size isn’t everything! Tiny Delaware packs impressive happiness into its borders with a 60.4 score. Ranking fourth nationally in community and environment categories, the First State offers tax-free shopping, beautiful beaches, and charming small towns where neighbors know each other by name.
Strategic location provides easy access to major East Coast cities while maintaining a slower, more manageable pace of life. Residents benefit from lower property taxes than neighboring states while enjoying quality public services and well-maintained infrastructure.
The state’s small geographic footprint creates unique advantages—residents can experience beach mornings and countryside evenings on the same day. Strong economic ties to the financial and pharmaceutical industries provide stable employment, while the absence of sales tax stretches family budgets further than in neighboring states.
6. Minnesota – Land of 10,000 Smiles With 60.4 Points
‘Minnesota nice’ isn’t just a saying—it’s a lifestyle that contributes to the state’s impressive 60.4 happiness score. Tying with Delaware for fifth place, Minnesota excels in both well-being and work environment metrics, with notably low depression and divorce rates.
The state’s famously cold winters create a resilient, community-minded population that looks out for neighbors. Residents embrace seasonal activities, from summer lake adventures to winter ice fishing, fostering year-round outdoor engagement regardless of temperature.
High civic involvement translates to excellent public schools, parks, and libraries. The Twin Cities offer cultural amenities and employment opportunities while maintaining affordable housing compared to coastal urban centers, creating an appealing balance that attracts young professionals and families seeking quality of life without coastal price tags.
7. Connecticut – New England Contentment at 60.1
Beautiful fall foliage isn’t Connecticut’s only claim to fame—the state ranks seventh nationally with a happiness score of 60.1. Particularly strong in emotional and physical well-being (sixth nationally), residents benefit from excellent healthcare access and safety metrics.
The state’s perfect positioning between Boston and New York provides career opportunities while charming colonial towns offer escape from urban hustle. Four distinct seasons give residents year-round outdoor enjoyment, from summer sailing on Long Island Sound to autumn hikes through vibrantly colored forests.
Strong education systems consistently rank among America’s best, giving families confidence in their children’s futures. Historical character and architectural beauty create communities with strong sense of place, while proximity to both mountains and coastline provides diverse recreational options within short drives, contributing to residents’ quality of life.
8. Idaho – Western Wonder With 58.8 Happiness Points
Potatoes might be Idaho’s most famous export, but happiness deserves equal billing with the state scoring 58.8 on the well-being index. Idaho particularly excels in community and work environment categories, creating a balance that residents clearly appreciate.
The state’s breathtaking landscapes—from jagged mountain peaks to serene lakes—provide endless recreational opportunities. Housing affordability remains better than many Western states, allowing families to secure comfortable homes without excessive financial strain.
Strong economic growth, particularly in technology and manufacturing sectors, has created abundant job opportunities. Small-town atmospheres persist even in growing cities like Boise, where neighbors still know each other and community events draw strong participation, creating the social connections that research shows are crucial for personal happiness and resilience.
9. Nebraska – Heartland Happiness Scoring 58.6
Nebraska’s reputation for friendliness translates to measurable happiness, with residents scoring 58.6 on the well-being index. The state particularly shines in emotional and financial stability categories, with strong social support systems that residents can depend on.
Low cost of living means even modest incomes stretch further, reducing financial stress. The state’s agricultural heritage has created communities where neighbors genuinely help each other through difficulties, from weather emergencies to personal challenges.
Residents enjoy uncrowded spaces and minimal traffic, reducing daily stress factors common in more densely populated areas. Nebraska’s work ethic is balanced by community celebrations and family-centered activities, while the state’s central location provides reasonable travel access to both coasts while maintaining the advantages of heartland living—affordability, space, and tight-knit communities.
10. Massachusetts – Bay State Bliss at 58.2
Rounding out our top ten, Massachusetts scores 58.2 on the happiness index, particularly excelling in work-life balance metrics. The state ranks fourth in overall well-being and fifth in work environment, creating a powerful combination for resident satisfaction.
World-class healthcare and education institutions provide both peace of mind and employment opportunities. Four distinct seasons offer varied recreational activities, from summer Cape Cod beaches to autumn hikes through brilliantly colored Berkshire forests.
The state’s rich history creates strong sense of place and community identity. Despite high housing costs in some areas, strong public services and cultural amenities deliver substantial quality-of-life returns on resident investment, while the innovation economy centered around Boston provides career advancement opportunities that attract ambitious professionals seeking both meaningful work and personal fulfillment.
