The Midwest State That's Been Named the Happiest in the U.S.

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According to a study released this week, the happiest state in America is Minnesota.

The study, by WalletHub, examined all 50 states across 28 different categories to determine where people are most likely to report higher levels of happiness and satisfaction.

Although Minnesota did not place highest for any single category, it was consistently among the top. There were three primary areas of analysis, including well-being (both emotional and physical), work environment, and community and environment. The top states ranked highly in lowest rates of adult depression, fewest work hours, and safety.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, West Virginia was named the least happy state in the country. The next least-happiest states were Oklahoma and Louisiana.

However, the concept of “happiest state” is subjective — and always in contention. Earlier this year, a poll from Gallup-Healthways named Hawaii the happiest state in the U.S., with Alaska as the runner up. Unfortunately, the results were the same for West Virginia.

But despite the ever-changing results, those pining for a happier lifestyle can scroll through this year’s 20 happiest states and plan a move — or at least an extended vacations — to where the grass is always greener. To see where every state ranked, check out the full study.

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20. Illinois

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59.41

2 of 21

19. Massachusetts

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59.42

3 of 21

18. Connecticut

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60.06

4 of 21

17. Idaho

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60.14

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16. Washington

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60.35

6 of 21

15. Colorado

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60.84

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14. North Dakota

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61.08

8 of 21

13. Vermont

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61.34

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12. Virginia

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62.43

10 of 21

11. Maryland

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63.18

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10. New Hampshire

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63.47

12 of 21

9. Wisconsin

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64.16

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8. Iowa

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64.52

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7. South Dakota

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64.71

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6. New Jersey

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64.97

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5. Nebraska

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65.65

17 of 21

4. California

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66.55

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3. Hawaii

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67.90

19 of 21

2. Utah

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68.16

20 of 21

1. Minnesota

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70.81

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The Midwest State That's Been Named the Happiest in the U.S.

1 of 21

20. Illinois

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19. Massachusetts

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18. Connecticut

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17. Idaho

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16. Washington

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15. Colorado

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14. North Dakota

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13. Vermont

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12. Virginia

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11. Maryland

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10. New Hampshire

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9. Wisconsin

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8. Iowa

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7. South Dakota

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6. New Jersey

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5. Nebraska

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4. California

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3. Hawaii

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2. Utah

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1. Minnesota

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