These Are America’s 20 Happiest States in 2022

Personal happiness is subjective, but there are many factors that contribute to someone’s well-being. Income, sleep habits, and work-life balance are a few examples. By gauging how these factors affect people across the country, WalletHub was able to put together a list ranking the happiest states in the U.S. in 2022.

To compile the list below, the personal finance website determined how all 50 states performed in three categories: emotional and physical well-being, work environment, and community and environment. These three labels cover more than 30 specific criteria, including depression rates, participation in sports, adequate sleep levels, and job security.

Though it’s fallen by a few points since WalletHub’s 2020 report, Hawaii still tops the list. It earns a total score of 66.31 out of a possible 100, ranking first in emotional and physical well-being and seventh in community and environment. Just behind The Aloha State is Maryland, which climbed from fifth place to second between 2020 and 2022. Minnesota, Utah, and New Jersey round out the top five. You can read the full list of America’s 20 happiest states below.

Judging happiness levels by state is just one way to view the country’s mental health. For an even more localized snapshot of happiness across the U.S., check out the country’s happiest cities.

The 20 Happiest States in America in 2022

1. Hawaii
   
2. Maryland
   
3. Minnesota
   
4. Utah
   
5. New Jersey
   
6. Idaho
   
7. California
   
8. Illinois
   
9. Nebraska
   
10. Connecticut
    
11. Virginia
    
12. South Dakota
    
13. North Dakota
    
14. Massachusetts
    
15. New Hampshire
    
16. Iowa
    
17. Delaware
    
18. Florida
    
19. Georgia
    
20. North Carolina

A version of this story originally ran in 2020; it has been updated for 2022.