Hawaii has been named the happiest state in America, topping a new nationwide ranking that measured how residents across all 50 states are faring financially, emotionally, and socially. The report comes at a time when many households nationwide are dealing with money pressures, with only 44% of Americans saying they are very satisfied with their lives.
Hawaii residents reported the highest life satisfaction levels in the country, along with the second-lowest depression rate among all states. About 84% of adults in Hawaii described their health as good or better, and the state also recorded the longest life expectancy in the nation. Nearly 72% of residents said they felt active and productive every day.
Hawaii leads America’s happiest state rankings for 2026
On the economic side, Hawaii posted one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country at 2.5%, along with the third-highest share of households earning more than $75,000 a year, which helped give the state the second-lowest rate of financial anxiety among adults.
Still, being the happiest state did not mean everything was perfect, as Hawaii also recorded the lowest adequate sleep rate of any state.
How happy are people in your state? Check out WalletHub’s latest report to find out where your state ranks for happinesshttps://t.co/3EYm2PBsqf pic.twitter.com/zksXhLGtev
— WalletHub (@wallethub) September 8, 2026
New Jersey came in second place, followed by Utah, Idaho and Maryland to round out the top five. At the bottom of the list, West Virginia was ranked the least happy state in the country, trailing Louisiana, Arkansas, Alaska and Kentucky.
New Jersey earned high marks for having the lowest share of residents who experienced traumatic events during childhood, along with the lowest depression rate and the highest share of people who reported having supportive relationships in their lives.
Utah stood out in the work environment category, with residents working fewer hours per week than any other state, along with the lowest divorce rate in the country and the second-best weather.
The factors behind each state’s happiness score
The rankings were compiled by the personal finance website WalletHub, which compared the states across 30 different measures grouped into three broad categories: emotional and physical well-being, work environment, and community and environment.
Data used for the report was collected as of August 11, 2026, from sources including the U.S. Census Bureau, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Chip Lupo, an analyst at WalletHub, said the happiest states tend to offer strong economies, quality healthcare, and enough leisure time, along with good weather.
He added that while having enough money to live comfortably plays a real role in happiness, income beyond that point tends to matter less than having meaningful relationships, hobbies, and opportunities for personal growth.
Top 10 happiest states of America in 2026
The overall list covered all 50 states, and the following 10 states made up the top tier for happiness in 2026:
10. New Hampshire
9. California
8. Minnesota
7. Connecticut
6. Nebraska
5. Maryland
4. Idaho
3. Utah
2. New Jersey
1. Hawaii
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