To determine the nation’s happiest states, analysts compared states across three dimensions — emotional and physical well-being; work environment; and community and environment — using 31 metrics. Metrics ranged from the suicide rate and the positive COVID-19 testing rate to income growth and unemployment rate.
Data for COVID-19 testing rates is from the week of Aug. 5, and data for the remaining metrics range from 2014 to 2021, depending on when the most recent information was available. Read more about the methodology here.
Here are the 10 happiest states, according to the analysis:
1. Utah
2. Minnesota
3. Hawaii
4. California
5. North Dakota
6. South Dakota
7. Idaho
8. Maryland
9. New Jersey
10. Massachusetts
Here are the 10 unhappiest states, according to the analysis:
1. West Virginia
2. Arkansas
3. Louisiana
4. Mississippi
5. Oklahoma
6. Kentucky
7. Tennessee
8. Alabama
9. Alaska
10. New Mexico
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.