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WalletHub’s 2026 Happiest States in America ranking evaluated all 50 states across 30 measures related to emotional and physical well-being, work environment, and community and environment. The results show that happiness varies widely across the country, with Hawaii taking the top spot and West Virginia ranking last. Below are the eight highest-ranked states, followed by the complete national ranking at the end.
No. 1: Hawaii
Hawaii ranked No. 1 with an overall score of 69.53. The state benefited from the nation’s highest reported life satisfaction, the second-lowest adult depression rate and the longest life expectancy in the country. About 84% of Hawaii adults report being in good or better health, nearly 72% say they are active and productive each day, and the state’s unemployment rate is about 2.5%.
No. 2: New Jersey
New Jersey ranked second with a score of 67.09 and led the country in emotional and physical well-being. The state also recorded the lowest adult depression rate in the ranking, helping it stand out despite its high population density and relatively expensive cost of living. Its strong health and life-satisfaction results helped place it just behind Hawaii overall.
No. 3: Utah
Utah placed third with an overall score of 66.45. It ranked first nationally for both work environment and community and environment, reflecting strong results in employment, social connections, safety and opportunities for an active lifestyle. Utah’s combination of outdoor recreation, community participation and workplace conditions helped make it one of the country’s strongest overall performers.
No. 4: Idaho
Idaho ranked fourth with a score of 62.59. The state performed particularly well in work environment and community-related measures, which helped offset weaker results in some health and well-being categories. Its outdoor lifestyle, relatively strong community connections and favorable employment conditions contributed to its place among the eight happiest states.
No. 5: Maryland
Maryland ranked fifth with an overall score of 62.01. The state benefited from strong economic and workplace conditions, as well as access to major employment centers and community amenities. Its position shows that happiness rankings are influenced by more than climate or scenery, with financial stability, employment opportunities and health also playing important roles.
No. 6: Nebraska
Nebraska placed sixth with a score of 61.81. The state performed well across several measures tied to community life, work conditions and personal well-being. Its strong showing demonstrates how smaller communities can rank highly when residents have access to stable employment, social connections, safety and a manageable pace of life.
No. 7: Connecticut
Connecticut ranked seventh with an overall score of 61.38. The state benefited from strong health, income and employment conditions, although its overall position reflects a balance of strengths and weaknesses across WalletHub’s categories. Connecticut’s access to jobs, education, health care and established communities helped it remain among the nation’s top eight.
No. 8: Minnesota
Minnesota ranked eighth with a score of 60.91. The state is known for strong community participation, outdoor recreation and relatively favorable health and workplace conditions. Those factors helped Minnesota finish ahead of California and New Hampshire and complete the top eight happiest states in the 2026 ranking.
The Complete 2026 State Ranking
The complete ranking is Hawaii 1, New Jersey 2, Utah 3, Idaho 4, Maryland 5, Nebraska 6, Connecticut 7, Minnesota 8, California 9, New Hampshire 10, New York 11, North Dakota 12, Massachusetts 13, North Carolina 14, South Carolina 15, Virginia 16, Arizona 17, Georgia 18, Washington 19 and Iowa 20. The list continues with Florida 21, Vermont 22, Kansas 23, South Dakota 24, Pennsylvania 25, Illinois 26, Wisconsin 27, Delaware 28, Rhode Island 29, Montana 30, Missouri 31, Nevada 32, Indiana 33, Maine 34 and Texas 35. The remaining states are Colorado 36, Mississippi 37, Michigan 38, Ohio 39, Oklahoma 40, Tennessee 41, Oregon 42, Wyoming 43, New Mexico 44, Alabama 45, Kentucky 46, Alaska 47, Arkansas 48, Louisiana 49 and West Virginia 50.