It’s not like we need more confirmation that living in paradise will make you happier, but a new report from WalletHub helps solidify it. The personal finance site announced its 2025 Happiest States in America study and Hawaii took the top spot.
To compile the report, WalletHub experts explained that they “drew upon the findings of ‘happiness’ research to determine which environmental factors are linked to a person’s overall well-being and satisfaction with life.” The team analyzed the 50 states across 30 key metrics, which included physical health index, career well-being, life expectancy, current unemployment rate, ideal weather, separation & divorce rate, and safety.
The Aloha State’s residents report the highest levels of life satisfaction in the nation and the second-lowest depression rate. The WalletHub study also found that 85% of adults in Hawaii report that they are in good or better health—the 10th-best percentage in the nations, plus 72% of adults say they are active and productive on a daily basis.. Hawaiians also have the longest life expectancy in the U.S.
But health isn’t the only thing that keeps Hawaii residents happy—the state has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the nation at 2.4%, and the second-highest share of households with an annual income above $75,000. It also has the 11th-lowest share of adults with financial anxiety.
“In addition to pursuing your passions, having a good work-life balance, and maintaining an emotional support network, another key way to boost your happiness is living in the right place,” WalletHub Analyst Chip Lupo says. “The happiest states are those that provide above-average quality of life in a wide variety of areas, from strong state economies and high quality physical and mental health care to adequate amounts of leisure time and good weather.”
Three Western states also made the list: Utah is number 6 with an Emotional & Physical Well-Being Rank of 26; California is number 7 with a Work Environment Rank of 45; and Idaho placed 10th with an Emotional & Physical Well-Being Rank of 29.
Take a look at the top 10 happiest states in the U.S. below:
- Hawaii
- Maryland
- Nebraska
- New Jersey
- Connecticut
- Utah
- California
- New Hampshire
- Massachusetts
- Idaho
