New Report Ranks Unhappiest States in the U.S.
A new state happiness report is out, and it highlights the least happy states in America. To create its latest happiness ranking by state, the folks over at WalletHub looked at everything from emotional well-being to work environment and community life.
The results are that some places shine with strong mental health, economic security, and active lifestyles, while others struggle with long work hours, low sleep, and higher rates of depression.
If you’ve ever wondered where people are feeling the least satisfied, this study has some interesting answers.
The Least Happy States in America, Ranked
Happiness may feel subjective, but WalletHub tried to quantify it with some data points. The report scored states on three big categories:
Emotional and Physical Health
Work Environment
Community and Environment
The following factors also contributed to the final ranking:
Sleep
Depression Rates
Unemployment
Commute Times
Safety
Volunteer Participation
The Unhappiest States in America
So, which states had the hardest time in this year’s survey? It seems the unhappiest states in America include:
Colorado
Mississippi
Kentucky
New Mexico
Tennessee
Alaska
Alabama
Arkansas
Louisiana
West Virginia
At the very bottom sits West Virginia, which ranked lowest for both work environment and physical well-being. High rates of adult depression and low sleep scores were major factors in its ranking.
Louisiana followed closely, weighed down by long work hours and one of the nation’s lowest safety ratings.
What These States Have in Common
The worst states for happiness have a handful of recurring themes. Many report higher divorce rates, people working longer hours, and fewer community supports like volunteering and sports programs.
Several people also struggle with mental health challenges, including high depression and suicide rates.
Economic factors don’t help, either. States like Alaska and Arkansas showed weaker income growth and more financial stress, which makes daily life harder to enjoy.
Put all of these pieces together, and you can see why some places have trouble climbing the happiness ladder.
Small Bright Spots
Of course, it’s not all doom and gloom. Even states that landed in the bottom ten still have strengths. Colorado, for example, has one of the highest sports participation rates and above-average sleep quality.
Meanwhile, Alaska has unmatched natural beauty and outdoor opportunities, even if the long winters are tough on people’s well-being. These silver linings show that happiness isn’t a one-size-fits-all equation.
What the Least Happy States Teach Us
The latest happiness ranking by state makes it clear that well-being is tied to more than just personal outlook. Community, environment, work balance, and access to health resources all shape how satisfied people feel.
While the least happy states face some steep challenges, the data also points to where certain improvements might make a difference.
Happiness may be personal, but it’s also a product of where we live. And, for states like West Virginia and Louisiana, tackling issues around mental health, economic security, and community support could help to turn the tide.