Have you ever wondered why some places just seem to have a gloomier atmosphere than others? Research suggests that happiness levels vary significantly from state to state.
A recent study by Zippia sought to measure the average happiness of each state, evaluating key factors such as depression rates, household income, unemployment, commute length, hours worked, and marriage rate.
The results paint a fascinating picture of where happiness thrives and where it struggles. Let’s dive into the 20 states where residents’ happiness takes a backseat.
1. Louisiana
Louisiana, known for its vibrant culture and delicious cuisine, ranks as the unhappiest state in America.
The bayou blues are real, with a low average household income of $47,905 and a long workweek averaging 39 hours not contributing to the American dream.
Adding to the challenge is one of the nation’s lowest marriage rates, at just 46%, which may further impact the state’s overall morale.
2. Mississippi
Mississippi residents work hard, but their paychecks don’t necessarily reflect their efforts. With an average household income of $44,717, the Magnolia State struggles with financial well-being.
Despite long hours at the office, the lack of adequate compensation may explain why Mississippi is consistently ranked among the unhappiest states in the nation.
3. Tennessee
Volunteering extra time at work seems to be a common theme in Tennessee, where residents also average a 39-hour workweek.
This might be contributing to the state’s fairly high depression rate, making for an unhappy population.
The combination of long hours and mental health challenges places Tennessee high on the list of unhappiest states.
4. Alabama
An average household income of less than $50,000 doesn’t sit well with residents of Alabama.
Even a relatively short 24-minute commute doesn’t seem to compensate for the lack of income, given the 39-hour workweek. Financial struggles appear to overshadow other potential positives in the state.
5. Rhode Island
As the unhappiest of the New England states, Rhode Island faces its own set of challenges.
A low marriage rate of 44% might be a contributing factor to its low morale. The nation’s smallest state also has one of the highest depression rates in America, compounding the issue.
6. Georgia
Atlanta traffic is notorious, and Georgians who spend an average of 28 minutes in rush hour gridlock are likely not enjoying their commute.
While a slightly higher household income compared to other Southern states may offer some relief, the daily traffic frustrations take a toll.
7. Florida
Between hurricane season and sweltering summers, Florida residents face unique stressors. An average 38-hour workweek and 27-minute commute don’t do much to boost morale.
The challenges of extreme weather combined with work-related stress contribute to lower happiness levels in the Sunshine State.
8. West Virginia
Having the nation’s lowest average household income ($44,097) is a significant reason for unhappiness in West Virginia.
On a positive note, a 50% marriage rate seems to lift spirits for at least half the population, in comparison to the states in the bottom seven. However, financial struggles remain a dominant issue.
9. Delaware
In Delaware, money doesn’t necessarily buy happiness. Despite a higher average household income of $64,805, residents face a significantly higher cost of living.
This financial discrepancy could explain why this tiny state has such a high depression rate, impacting overall happiness.
10. Massachusetts
A long workweek and an average 29-minute commute don’t exactly spell happiness for Massachusetts locals.
A low marriage rate of 48% could also contribute to the Bay State’s generally more depressed population. The combination of work-related stress and social factors contributes to lower happiness levels.
11. North Carolina
Averaging around 24 minutes, the daily commute is relatively manageable in North Carolina.
However, the 39-hour workweek still takes its toll on hard-working locals, who don’t seem to think their average household income of $53,855 is worth the extra effort. The balance between work and reward appears to be off for many residents.
12. Connecticut
A sufficient average household income of $76,348 seems to satisfy Connecticut residents, who brave a roughly 26-minute commute each day.
However, long winters with shorter periods of sunlight might contribute to the state’s high depression rate, impacting overall happiness despite financial stability.
13. South Carolina
Long workweeks take their toll on South Carolina locals. Luckily, a 24-minute average commute seems to help provide a bit of work-life balance. However, the strain of long hours at work remains a significant factor in the state’s happiness ranking.
14. Oklahoma
One of the nation’s shortest average commutes at just 21 minutes is a boon to the Sooner State, though Oklahoma residents still aren’t fans of their long workweeks.
That said, a 51% marriage rate and low unemployment bode well for the population’s future prospects, offering some counterbalance to work-related stress.
15. Texas
Texas unfortunately boasts the longest average workweek in the nation, at a full 40 hours.
Lone Star State residents may work hard, but they play hard too, with the highest average household income ($60,629) of the Southern states, potentially offsetting some of the work-related stress.
16. New Mexico
Long hours at the office might contribute to New Mexico’s low marriage rate of 46% and higher rates of depression.
A low average household income of $47,169 doesn’t help matters, creating a challenging environment for overall happiness.
17. Nevada
With almost identical stats to New Mexico, Nevada fares a bit better than its southeastern neighbor, thanks to a higher household income of $58,646.
More money in the bank might contribute to a slightly lower depression rate, improving overall happiness compared to New Mexico.
18. Illinois
Commuting in Illinois is no joke, with locals sitting in traffic for roughly 29 minutes every day to get to the office for an average 38-hour workweek.
A decent household income of $65,030 and a 50% marriage rate help even things out, providing some balance against the challenges of commuting and work.
19. Michigan
Long hours at the office don’t exactly equate to a bigger paycheck in Michigan, where the average household income hovers around $56,697.
However, the 24-minute average commute isn’t too terrible, offering a small consolation for the work-life imbalance.
20. New York
No one gets to work in a New York minute. The Empire State holds the distinction of the longest average commute in America, at 33 minutes, which doesn’t bode well for statewide morale.
The significant time spent commuting likely impacts overall happiness and quality of life for New Yorkers.
Alicia Richards