Can money buy happiness? A comprehensive study from the National Academy of Sciences set out to answer this age-old question, and found that indeed it can — but only up to a point. Life satisfaction and emotional well-being, two prime indicators of happiness, rise alongside income, but only up to $75,000. Beyond that, more money does not mean greater happiness.
So, which factors do contribute? A new report from WalletHub cites 26 key metrics, ranging from job security to safety to sports participation rates. The highest income growth took place in North Dakota; the lowest in Nevada. And unemployment rates vary dramatically between North Dakota, the state with the lowest long-term unemployment rate (thanks, fracking industry), and, once again, Nevada, the state with the highest unemployment.
In short, these 26 factors add up to a list that is often surprising. Just one coastal state featured in the top 10, for example, suggesting (as other studies have done) that the largest metropolitan areas may be losing some of their appeal. Wyoming, the big state with the tiny population, made the list. Overall, middle and Western states fared much better than their Eastern and Southern counterparts, with the South drawing the lowest regional rankings. Continue reading for the full list of the 10 Happiest States in America:
No. 10: Idaho
Emotional & physical well-being rank: 15
Work rank: 14
Community, environment & recreational activities rank: 7
No. 9: South Dakota
Emotional & physical well-being rank: 12
Work rank: 10
Community, environment & recreational activities rank: 12
No. 8: Hawaii
Emotional & physical well-being rank: 4
Work rank: 32
Community, environment & recreational activities rank: 1
No. 7: Iowa
Emotional & physical well-being rank: 14
Work rank: 2
Community, environment & recreational activities rank: 8
No. 6: Wyoming
Emotional & physical well-being rank: 11
Work rank: 5
