Discover Which States Top the Happiness Charts – And Which Ones Fall Behind!
- Hawaii comes in first place with the highest happiness score of 66.31, and West Virginia comes in last place with a happiness score of 33.83.
- Although some states weren’t necessarily the “happiest,” they still ranked well in other areas. For instance, Minnesota has the third highest happiness score but the highest overall health index.
- The top 10 happiest US states in order are Hawaii, Maryland, Minnesota, Utah, New Jersey, Idaho, California, Illinois, Nebraska, and Connecticut.
With the ever-increasing stress and pressure of everyday life, there is a nationally growing interest in regional well-being disparities, and how they impact quality of life. Understanding the factors contributing to a happy existence is crucial amid fast changes and overall increasing stress levels.
Wellness experts from CBD.co share what makes these states the top 10 happiest states in the US, offering insight into what you can do to achieve a happier lifestyle.
The Happiest States
| State | Happiness Score | Health Index
(2023) |
Education Level
(2024) |
Crime rate
(per 100k People 2020) |
Access to Recreation
(2024) |
Employment rate
(2024) |
Income Level
(Per Capita 2022) |
| Hawaii | 66.31 | 61.45 | 33.60% | 5,077 | 92% | 57.90% | $61,175 |
| Maryland | 62.6 | 60.25 | 40.90% | 3,619 | 92% | 63.30% | $70,730 |
| Minnesota | 62.43 | 64.96 | 36.80% | 4,527 | 86% | 66.30% | $68,010 |
| Utah | 62.41 | 62.24 | 34.70% | 5,190 | 85% | 66.50% | $57,925 |
| New Jersey | 61.71 | 56.86 | 40.70% | 2,512 | 96% | 61.70% | $78,700 |
| Idaho | 61.6 | 61.02 | 28.70% | 2,466 | 77% | 60.30% | $54,537 |
| California | 59.97 | 50.6 | 34.70% | 4,720 | 94% | 59.30% | $77,339 |
| Illinois | 58.59 | 51.32 | 35.50% | 3,545 | 91% | 61% | $68,822 |
| Nebraska | 58.19 | 60.15 | 32.50% | 4,152 | 84% | 66.60% | $63,321 |
| Connecticut | 58.15 | 56.69 | 40.00% | 3,312 | 93% | 61.70% | $84,972 |
To determine the happiest and unhappiest states in the US, the CBD.co experts used a comprehensive methodology. The overall health index was based on 42 measures of cost, accessibility, and outcome. Education levels were determined by the percentage of adults with a bachelor’s degree or higher. Crime rates used data from 2020.
Access to recreation was assessed by the percentage of the population with access to exercise and recreational activities. Employment rates and average personal income, influenced by job market conditions and economic factors, were also considered. Their approach provided a detailed analysis of regional happiness.
CBD.co gave their interpretations of the factors impacting each state’s ranking.
Hawaii’s first place ranking comes as no surprise, as who would not want to live in a vacation paradise? Hawaii, Maryland, and Minnesota are all appealing due to their locations. Hawaii and Minnesota are both home to extensive parks and trails systems. Minnesota in particular has a very bike-friendly culture, which explains why they have such a high health index level of 64.96. CBD.co says that “while Maryland is not known for its nature, it does have an appealing location for commuters and those seeking cultural and professional opportunities along the East Coast.”
Nebraska and Idaho also made the top ten list. This could be due to their affordability, community spirit, and the low-stress lifestyle they provide.
In their own way, California, Illinois, and New Jersey are all hubs for a variety of recreational activities. Whether it’s a day at the San Diego Zoo, Lollapalooza, or a trip to Jersey City, each state has their own distinct cultural and recreational activities. In fact, 94% of California’s population has access to either exercising or other recreational activities, making it a no-brainer for people who enjoy a life centered around recreation and wellness.
Utah came in fourth place overall, but with the second best employment rate. According to CBD.co, “with the Silicon Slopes region becoming a tech hub, there are ample opportunities for various companies and startups to thrive. “
Although Connecticut is in tenth place, it does also have the highest income level per capita and the second highest education level. CBD.co says that “Connecticut has some of the best public and private schools in the country, as the home to prestigious universities such as Yale University and Wesleyan University.”
The Most Unhappy States
| State | Happiness Score | Health Index
(2023) |
Education Level
(2024) |
Crime rate
(per 100k People 2020) |
Access to Recreation
(2024) |
Employment rate
(2024) |
Income Level
(Per Capita 2022) |
| West Virginia | 33.83 | 44.26 | 21.30% | 3,155 | 58% | 49.80% | $49,169 |
| Louisiana | 34.81 | 47.4 | 24.90% | 6,408 | 75% | 54.70% | $54,622 |
| Arkansas | 38.23 | 51.27 | 23.80% | 5,899 | 64% | 55% | $51,787 |
| Kentucky | 38.36 | 54.15 | 25.00% | 3,818 | 70% | 56% | $52,109 |
| Alabama | 39.32 | 47.17 | 26.20% | 4,727 | 61% | 54.30% | $50,637 |
| Mississippi | 39.58 | 46.61 | 22.80% | 4,494 | 58% | 52.90% | $46,248 |
| Oklahoma | 40.69 | 47.99 | 26% | 5,870 | 71% | 57.70% | $54,998 |
| Tennessee | 43.35 | 50.37 | 28.20% | 5,658 | 67% | 58.20% | $58,279 |
| New Mexico | 43.64 | 51.72 | 28.10% | 6,462 | 75% | 52.90% | $51,500 |
| Missouri | 45.38 | 55.02 | 29.90% | 5,605 | 77% | 60% | $56,551 |
| Alaska | 46.27 | 47.02 | 30% | 5,359 | 78% | 59.20% | $68,919 |
According to CBD.co, the least happy states in order from least to most happy are West Virginia, Louisiana, and Arkansas.
Apart from New Mexico, Alaska, and West Virginia, all of the states listed are Southern states. Generally, these southern states are considered more rural and less industrialized–at least until more recently.
Many of these states that have lower income and a higher level of crime are lacking in community resources. For example, Mississippi and West Virginia tied for the lowest percentage of population that have access to recreation, which was 58%.
CBD.co says that “Missouri, Arkansas, and Louisiana are all prone to natural disasters such as hurricanes or tornadoes. This stressful lifestyle coupled with a poor economy and a low health index level definitely adds to what makes these states so undesirable to live in.”
Influencing Policy
Local governments would do wonders in supporting public policies that increase community engagement and personal well-being.
For example, take Minnesota, the third happiest state in the US. According to CBD.co, “Minnesota’s wellness and exercise culture is robust, supported by its natural environment, community initiatives, and state policies. It’s also home to extensive parks and trails systems, and has a very bike-friendly culture.” Minnesota’s policies regarding obesity prevention or workplace wellness grant programs reflect the state’s commitment to fostering a healthier population. “Other states should take note,” concludes CBD.co.
About The CBD.co
CBD.co is a leading online marketplace dedicated to offering a diverse range of high-quality CBD products from trusted brands. The platform provides an extensive selection, including CBD oils, edibles, topicals, and vape products, ensuring customers find the best products to meet their needs. CBD.co is committed to transparency and education, offering detailed product information and lab results to help consumers make informed decisions. With a focus on customer satisfaction, CBD.co emphasizes excellent customer service and secure shopping experiences. This makes it a preferred destination for both new and experienced CBD users seeking reliable and effective products.
Methodology
This data was calculated using a variety of sources. The overall health index score was calculated across 42 measures of cost, accessibility and outcome. The education level refers to the total percentage of adults with a bachelor’s degree or higher. Crime rate refers to the collective crime rates in the United States in 2020. Finally, the factors which affect average personal income levels include: the job market, the ratio of costs to profits, and the state of the economy.
Link to Full Data:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/13oOohXRC5aicPvhfm4jVHALfVtjc4RQIkzesu4oXI64/edit?gid=0#gid=0
For happiness score, population, education level, crime rate, employment rate, and income level: https://worldpopulationreview.com/states/
For health index – Statista Report 2023: https://www.statista.com/statistics/1334023/health-index-of-states-in-the-us/
For access to recreation – The 2024 National Findings Report (County Health Rankings & Roadmaps a program of the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute): https://www.countyhealthrankings.org/findings-and-insights/2024-national-findings-report