The happiest places in the world get the most attention. But nobody seems to talk about the happiest places in our very own home, The United States Of America.
The numbers are always changing, of course. But there are a few places that seem to always come out on top.
Let’s take a quick look at the top 10 states in the US with the happiest people.
10. Texas
Texas could almost be its own country. In fact, it once was for almost ten years. But it’s also home to the tenth happiest and healthiest population in the United States. Maybe it’s all that Texas toast they consume.
9. Minnesota
The Land of 10,000 (actually 11,842) lakes comprises a very healthy and happy population. To anybody who lives in Minnesota, their spot on the top ten list isn’t a mystery.
Despite strange practices like buying their milk in a bag and eating Lutefisk (basically fish soaked in lye forever), they spend a lot of time in the outdoors enjoying, you guessed it, their many lakes and forests.
8. Montana
If the name fits… A large part of Montana is covered in mountains as the Rocky Mountain range runs through its western region. And despite fridged winters, the general niceness and rugged mountain culture lend itself to a healthier lifestyle than most.
7. Arizona
Most people think desert when they think Arizona. But Arizona inhabitants live in varied terrain. From the absurdly hot climate of Phoenix to the snowy mountain town of Flagstaff, Phoenix is an outdoorsman’s paradise.
6. Vermont
While we’ve been mostly talking about everything west of the Ohio, that great Northern state of Vermont sits near the middle of our list for good reason. It hits second overall for physical well-being. Its inhabitants are very health conscious.
5. Colorado
One of the first states in the Union to legalize Marijuana, this achievement hasn’t tarnished its well-being score. For the ninth straight year, Colorado finished in the top ten on the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index.
4. Maine
Now Maine is known for its harsh winters and Stephen King’s books. But if you have just a little exposure to Maine and Mainers, it will corroborate this placement in the well-being index. They are sociable, conscionable, and likable people.
3. South Dakota
Most people might only know South Dakota for Mount Rushmore. But it’s more than just four massive presidential faces carved in stone. People actually live in this central plains state. And they are some of the most community oriented people in the country according to Gallup.
2. Alaska
The largest state in the Union, Alaska is the most northern state as well. Its well-being index distinctions are both social and financial according to Gallup.
1. Hawaii
And coming in first, Hawaii: the envy of the states. It’s not too hard to imagine why people in Hawaii are happy and healthy. Their climate is always temperate. Their economy is almost always stable with plenty of Hawaiian real estate properties available. And they lead the top three categories on the Gallup Well-being Index. Financial. Community. And Physical.
If you are already from one of these states, you maybe enjoying a happy life. At least you know how to stop hating your life and start absolutely loving it.
Do you live in one of the top ten well-being states in the Union? Let me know how you think your state fits in.