WalletHub study ranks Hawaii and New Jersey as happiest U.S. states

A study by WalletHub has ranked the happiest states in the United States based on 30 different metrics, including emotional and physical well-being, work environment, and community factors. Hawaii secured the top position, followed by New Jersey in second place.

New Jersey’s high ranking is attributed to several factors, including the second-highest share of households earning over $75,000 annually, low rates of divorce and separation, and low rates of suicide and depression. The study noted that New Jersey has the lowest share of people reporting childhood traumatic events and the highest share of people with supportive relationships.

In other regions, Washington ranked 19th, placing it ahead of Oregon, which ranked 42nd. Other top-five states included Utah in third and Maryland in fifth. Conversely, West Virginia was identified as the least happy state in the country.