This Is the Happiest State in the U.S.—and It Has Amazing Beaches, Too

What makes each of us happy is certainly subjective. However, there is one easy way you can increase your chances of feeling that emotion: choosing to live in a happier state.

In September 2025, WalletHub released its study ranking the happiest states in the U.S. It came to its conclusion after evaluating all 50 states across three key dimensions: emotional and physical well-being, work environment, and community and environment. Those three dimensions were evaluated using 30 metrics, including the physical health of the population, sleep rates, food insecurity, commute times, income growth rate, average leisure time per person, safety, and more. Each metric was graded on a 100-point scale, with a score of 100 representing maximum happiness. WalletHub then averaged each state’s numbers to calculate its overall score.

And after crunching the numbers, the company named Hawaii the happiest state of all. 

“Hawaii is the happiest state, living up to its reputation as an island paradise, with residents reporting the highest levels of life satisfaction in the nation and the second-lowest depression rate,” the WalletHub team wrote in its findings. The researchers noted that Hawaii residents exhibit fantastic physical health, with roughly 85 percent of adults reporting that “they are in good or better health,” which represents the 10th-best percentage in the U.S.

Additionally, the team found that Hawaii residents have the longest life expectancy in the nation. 

“To top things off, positive economic conditions 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,” WalletHub noted.

Other top-ranking states include Maryland, which came second thanks to its population’s high income and low stress levels, followed by Nebraska in third, which made its way to the top of the list in part due to its population’s low divorce rate. New Jersey, Connecticut, Utah, California, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Idaho round out the top 10.

However, no matter where you live, you can find a little happiness in those around you. “While happiness can be defined in varied ways, from emotional joy to life satisfaction (e.g., happiness ‘in’ life versus happiness ‘with’ life), high-quality relationships stand out as important predictors of individuals’ happiness,” said Theresa DiDonato, a psychology professor and associate dean of social sciences and graduate programs at Loyola University Maryland. “Having rewarding interactions with people whom you value and who value you may provide the support, comfort, laughter, and intimacy that elevate individuals’ happiness.”

See the full ranking of the happiest states at wallethub.com.