Hawaiʻi Ranked Third Happiest State in US

Mauna Kea Sunrise / Image: James Grenz

According to a new study assessing key indicators of happiness in the U.S., Hawaiʻi ranks third in the nation for 2017’s Happiest States in America.

The analysis, conducted by personal-finance website Wallethub, compared all 50 states using previously gathered research data indicating levels of happiness across three key areas: emotional and physical well-being, work environment, and community and environment.

Conversely, Hawaiʻi placed No. 1 in the nation for the highest percentage of depressed adults among residents. The study also revealed the following data on Hawaiʻi’s happiness levels, according to specific categories (1 = happiest and 25 = average):

• 16th – Suicide Rate
• 19th – Long-Term Unemployment Rate
• 5th – Separation and Divorce Rate
• 28th – Income Growth
• 10th – Safety

According to WalletHub, previous studies have found that good economic, emotional, physical and social health are all crucial factors in leading a well-balanced and fulfilled life.