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The 'happiest' state in the US has been revealed...but it'll cost you to live there READ MORE: Housing market freeze is the latest sign Vegas is dying By MARIANNE GARVEY, US REAL ESTATE REPORTER Published: 15:40 BST, 26 September 2025 | Updated: 20:21 BST, 26 September 2025 It's not just affordability that drives people to certain areas — they're looking for happiness too. In a world where stress, bad news and financial worries are part of daily life, some US states are proving to be an antidote. A study ranked all 50 states for happiness, using 30 measures across three categories: emotional and physical well-being, work environment, community and environment. 'In addition to pursuing your passions, having a good work-life balance and maintaining an emotional support network, another way to boost your happiness is living in the right place,' said analyst Chip Lupo, who works for WalletHub, which commissioned the study. '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.' Hawaii grabbed the No. 1 spot thanks to high satisfaction with life, an outdoor lifestyle, and the nation's longest life expectancy. Maryland followed, scoring well for job security and strong household incomes. Nebraska rounded out the top three, with residents reporting good health, solid finances, and some of the strongest family ties in the country. Hawaii topped the list thanks to life satisfaction and low unemployment rates for residents Maryland residents report liking what they do and being motivated to achieve their goals Taking the number one spot as the happiest state is Hawaii. The Aloha State topped the list thanks to the natural environment, proximity to the ocean, strong community and and overall longer life expectancy. Hawaii has a low unemployment rate, and a focus on a relaxed, balanced lifestyle with ample outdoor time. A strong emphasis on ohana (family) contributes to overall well-being. The state has the second-lowest suicide rate in the country. An active lifestyle was also a big contributor. Hawaiians also enjoy great physical health that can largely be credited to surfing, a central part of Hawaiian culture. Around 85 percent of adults there report that they are in good or better health, the 10th-best percentage in the nation. Residents there also have the longest life expectancy in the US, nearly 72 percent of adults in the state report being active on a daily basis. The Aloha State topped the list thanks to the natural environment and proximity to the ocean from so many different points on the multiple islands that make up the state Surfers in Oahu, Hawaii say that the sport, the ocean and being outside play a huge part in the mental happiness of residents there Positive economic conditions also help Hawaiians stay happy. Hawaii has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the nation, at 2.4 percent, as well as the second-highest share of households with an annual income above $75,000. This leads to the state having the 11th-lowest share of adults with money worries, rare for an expensive place to live. According to Zillow, the average cost of a home in Hawaii in 2025 is $824,130. Single people typically need to earn between $70,000 and $100,000 per year in order to live comfortably there. Families living in Hawaii usually require between $120,000 and $200,000 to maintain a similar standard of living. Island life comes with high taxes. And since many things need to be shipped to Hawaii, it makes buying most things more expensive. Still, the residents are happy. People who live there cite its breathtaking beaches, laid-back lifestyle, and year-round sunshine for making them happy. Surfers tackle a huge wave in Hawaii, where the sport is so common it can be credited to longer life expectancy and a lower suicide rate in the state In Hawaii, nature is credited for making residents happy and the state includes some of the world's best whale-watching and water activities A hike to the top of the island's most iconic landmark, Diamond Head, is a must for residents who say being outside is a huge contributor to their happiness Coming in at second place is Maryland, where the average home sells for $428,027. It has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the nation, at 3.2 percent, along with the highest percentage of households earning over $75,000 per year. Overall, Maryland residents also claim they have less work-related stress less than people in all but four other states, which shows that they have decent work conditions on top of job stability. When surveyed about happiness, locals report liking what they do as a career and say they are motivated to achieve their goals at the third-highest rate in the US. The state also has the third-lowest share of people who report having traumatic events during their childhood, like abuse, divorce, neglect or violence. Maryland has the third-highest share of people who report having supportive relationships and friendships and say they have deep love in their lives. The Old Line State also has the fifth-lowest suicide rate in the country. Maryland residents also credit the state's wide range of natural beauty, from the Chesapeake Bay, to the beautiful Atlantic Ocean beaches and boardwalks. Maryland has the third-lowest share of people who report having childhood traumatic events Maryland also has the fifth-lowest suicide rate in the country, and people report getting help Maryland has along with the highest percentage of households earning over $75,000 per year In third place for happiness was Nebraska, where the average home value is $272,499, according to Zillow. The heartland state has the fourth-lowest unemployment rate at just 2.9 percent, and also scores the second-highest economic security in the nation, with residents saying they have less worries around money. Most residents say they are employed, insured, and otherwise financially stable. The Cornhusker State also has the sixth-lowest depression rate, and its residents report strong physical health – ranking ninth in the nation. When it comes to lasting love, Nebraska also scores high with the sixth-lowest separation and divorce rate, at 18 percent. When it comes to work-life balance, Nebraskans work more hours per week than residents in most other states, but they still get to enjoy the most leisure time in the nation. State parks and rivers also contribute to residents' well being and hiking, camping, fishing, kayaking, wildlife viewing, and river rafting are a big part of life for many. Until 2024, the state's tourism tagline was, 'Nebraska, honestly it's not for everyone.' But for residents, they love life there, even with the flat landscape and lack of beaches. People across the US are facing difficult times but the state you live in may make a difference Nebraska, the Cornhusker State, also has the sixth-lowest depression rate in the nation Residents of Nebraska also demonstrate their happiness in their marriages and relationships Nebraska ninth-highest share of adults reporting good or better health across the state The Cornhusker State has the sixth-lowest separation and divorce rate in the country West Coast metro roars back to life as new tech boom turbocharges the housing market Alicia Walker, PhD at Missouri State University, explained how the study determined happiness. 'Decades of research back this up, that close, reliable relationships are what really make us happy,' she said. 'When you’re honest, set boundaries, choose authenticity, and build trust, you’re doing the very things that make those relationships thrive. 'But relationships aren’t the whole story. Purpose and growth matter, too. The sense you’re moving toward something that matters, not just grinding through your days chasing an elusive end goal. 'Once our basic needs are covered, it's our relationships, and feeling like our work is meaningful, and that our life is moving toward something that matters that brings us happiness.' Other states that made the happier end of the list were New Jersey, Connecticut, Utah, California and New Hampshire. MarylandHawaiiNebraska Share or comment on this article: The 'happiest' state in the US has been revealed...but it'll cost you to live there Add comment
