To accurately compare happiness across different states, a comprehensive methodology is essential. A study by Zippia measured each state’s average happiness by evaluating six key factors: depression rates, household income, unemployment, commute length, hours worked, and marriage rate.
The states were ranked based on their performance in these categories; the better the ranking, the happier the state. This approach captures economic and social elements that contribute to happiness.
1. Louisiana: The Bayou Blues
Louisiana ranks as the unhappiest state due to a combination of economic and social factors. The state has a low average household income of $47,905 and a workweek averaging 39 hours.
One of the nation’s lowest marriage rates, at 46%, may also contribute to Louisiana’s ranking as the unhappiest state in America.
These conditions create stress, making it difficult for residents to achieve financial stability and work-life balance.
2. Mississippi: Hard Work, Little Payoff
Mississippi residents often find that their hard work doesn’t translate into financial security. The state has an average household income of just $44,717, despite residents putting in long hours.
This disparity between effort and reward can lead to dissatisfaction and contribute to Mississippi’s status as one of the unhappiest states. The lack of financial security overshadows the efforts of the residents.
3. Tennessee: Overworked and Dealing with Depression?
In Tennessee, a significant concern is the balance between work and mental health. Residents work an average of 39 hours per week, which may contribute to the state’s fairly high depression rate.
This combination of long hours and mental health challenges makes for an unhappy population. Addressing mental health along with work-life balance is crucial.
4. Alabama: Income Struggles Hamper Happiness
Alabama’s residents struggle with similar financial challenges, impacting their overall happiness. The state has an average household income of less than $50,000, which doesn’t sit well with many residents.
Even a relatively short commute of 24 minutes doesn’t compensate for the lack of income, leaving many feeling financially strained and unhappy. Economic stability is a key concern.
5. Rhode Island: New England’s Most Depressed
Rhode Island stands out as the unhappiest of the New England states, facing unique challenges. The state has a low marriage rate of 44% and one of the nation’s highest depression rates, which are significant contributing factors.
The state’s small size does not seem to equate to greater happiness, as social and mental health issues weigh heavily on its residents.
6. Georgia: Gridlock and Moderate Incomes
Georgians face the challenges of Atlanta traffic, which contributes to lower happiness levels. Residents spend an average of 28 minutes in rush hour gridlock, which is not likely enjoyable.
However, a slightly higher household income than in other Southern states might help to make up for it. Balancing income with commute frustrations is key.
7. Florida: Beyond the Sunshine, Struggles Exist
Despite its sunny reputation, Florida residents face challenges that impact their happiness. Between hurricane season and sweltering summers, Florida residents aren’t exactly enjoying the breezy beach life.
An average 38-hour workweek and 27-minute commute don’t do much to boost morale. Natural challenges and work conditions affect overall happiness.
8. West Virginia: Income Woes Despite Social Ties
West Virginia struggles with the nation’s lowest average household income, impacting residents’ happiness.
Having the nation’s lowest average household income ($44,097) is a pretty good reason for West Virginians to be unhappy.
As a silver lining, a 50% marriage rate seems to lift at least half the population’s spirits in comparison to the states in the bottom seven.
9. Delaware: High Cost of Living Dampens Spirits
In Delaware, a higher average household income is offset by a high cost of living, affecting happiness.
Money doesn’t buy happiness in Delaware, where a higher average household income of $64,805 still has to contend with a significantly higher cost of living. This financial discrepancy could explain why this tiny state has such a high depression rate.
10. Massachusetts: Work and Commute Challenges
Massachusetts residents face challenges related to work and commuting, which affect their happiness.
A long workweek and average 29-minute commute don’t exactly spell out happiness for Massachusetts locals.
A low marriage rate of 48% could also contribute to the Bay State’s generally more depressed population. Work-life balance and social factors are crucial.
11. North Carolina: Hard Work vs. Compensation
North Carolina residents face a demanding work culture that impacts their overall happiness. Averaging around 24 minutes, the daily commute is relatively good in North Carolina.
But the 39-hour workweek still takes its toll on hard-working locals, who don’t seem to think that their average household income of $53,855 is worth the extra effort.
12. Connecticut: Depression Despite Decent Income
Connecticut residents struggle with depression despite having a sufficient average household income.
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.
13. South Carolina: Long Workweeks Impact Happiness
South Carolina locals face challenges due to long workweeks, affecting their overall well-being. 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. Balancing work demands with personal time is essential.
14. Oklahoma: Commute Benefits Amidst Work Struggles
Oklahoma residents experience mixed factors influencing their happiness levels. 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.
15. Texas: Hard Work, High Income, but Strained
Texas residents work hard, but the strain impacts their overall happiness despite high incomes. 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.
16. New Mexico: Long Hours and Economic Struggles
New Mexico residents face challenges with long working hours and low incomes, affecting their happiness.
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.
17. Nevada: Income Slightly Improves the Outlook
Nevada residents fare slightly better than their neighbors due to higher incomes, but still face challenges.
With almost identical stats to New Mexico, Nevada fairs 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, too.
18. Illinois: Commute Challenges Amidst Decent Conditions
Illinois residents face commuting challenges that impact their happiness, despite other positive factors.
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.
19. Michigan: Long Hours Don’t Always Pay Off
Michigan residents face long working hours that don’t always translate to bigger paychecks, affecting happiness.
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.
20. New York: The Strain of the Longest Commute
New York residents face significant challenges due to long commutes, impacting their overall happiness.
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 definitely doesn’t bode well for state-wide morale.
Alicia Richards