The Happiest State in The US For 2025
- Editor OGN Daily
- Sep 15
- 2 min read
If you live in Hawaii, you can officially say you live in the happiest state in America. But what's that based on?
The annual happiest state rankings are based on 30 key metrics, including the depression rate, the share of adults feeling productive, and income growth. It's a survey conducted by WalletHub and is shaped by the belief that happiness is a mix of internal and external factors. Their analyst Chip Lupo explained in a statement, “The happiest states are those that provide above-average quality of life in a wide variety of areas, from strong state economies and high-quality physical and mental health care to adequate amounts of leisure time and good weather.”
In this study, WalletHub drew upon the findings of “happiness” research to determine which environmental factors are linked to a person’s overall well-being and satisfaction with life. Previous studies have found that good economic, emotional, physical and social health are all key to a well-balanced and fulfilled life.
The Aloha State, with a population of approximately 1.5 million people, topped the list due to multiple factors: residents reported the highest levels of life satisfaction in the nation, the second-lowest depression rate, and one of the lowest unemployment rates. Hawaiians also have the longest life expectancy in the US, and almost three quarters of adults report being active and productive every day.
Coming in second place in the 2025 study is Maryland, followed by Nebraska, New Jersey and Connecticut to round out the top five. If you're wondering where your state fits into the list, here's WalletHub's happiness index.
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