When people look for a place to live, they may research school districts, or look for places near shops and restaurants, but if happiness is the ultimate thing they seek, they may want to think about moving to Hawaii.
The annual “Gallup National Health & Well-Being Index” has just come out and for a record seventh time Hawaii has topped the list as the Happiest and Healthiest state in the U.S. Hawaii scored a 64.6 out of 100 to earn the top spot,with the list judging states in five essential elements of wellbeing:
- Career:liking what you do each day and being motivated to achieve your goals
- Social:having supportive relationships and love in your life
- Financial:managing your economic life to reduce stress and increase security
- Community:liking where you live, feeling safe and having pride in your community
- Physical:having good health and enough energy to get things done daily
Hawaii leads all states in three of these categories - career, social and financial - and is the only state to be in the Top five in all five areas.
Top Ten States With The Highest Overall Wellbeing
- Hawaii
- Wyoming
- Alaska
- Montana
- Utah
- Colorado
- Vermont
- Delaware
- South Dakota
- North Dakota
Overall, the study found that U.S. wellbeing declined in 2018, with an average score of 61.2, down from 61.5 in 2017. As for the least happy and healthy state, that would be West Virginia, which scored just a 57 out of 100.
Ten States With The Lowest Overall Wellbeing
- West Virginia
- Arkansas
- Kentucky
- Mississippi
- Tennessee
- Oklahoma
- Alabama
- Louisiana
- Illinois
- Indiana
Source:Gallup