Report: Hawai‘i is Happiest US State in 2018

Kauna’oa Beach fronting the Mauna Kea Hotel. Photo Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Hawai‘i is the happiest state in the nation, according to a new study published by the personal finance website WalletHub.

In 2018’s Happiest States in America, Hawai‘i ranked No. 1 in the 50 states for happiness factors related to emotional and physical well-being, working environment, and community and natural environment.  In specific categories, Hawai‘i also ranked third in the nation for the lowest percentage of depressed adults, and fifth for the least separation and divorce rates.

People in Hawai‘i appear to have trouble sleeping according to the study results. Aloha State residents ranked fiftieth nationwide for the category of sleep quality.

In other measures of happiness and well-being as defined by the study, Hawai‘i ranked as follows (1=Happiest, 25=Average):

• 10th – Suicide Rate
• 19th – Long-Term Unemployment Rate
• 30th – Number of Work Hours
• 13th – Income Growth
• 8th – Safety

WalletHub drew upon previous research findings on happiness and well-being to determine the study results, identifying key factors that contribute to a person’s overall satisfaction in life. Previous analyses have shown that favorable economic, emotional, social and physical health are all key contributors to personal well-being and happiness. According to WalletHub, happiness only increases with wealth up to an annual income of $75,000.

Graphic courtesy of WalletHub.