An Overview of the States Leading in Health, Happiness, and Overall Wellbeing
Not all states are created equal when it comes to living well. Some offer strong communities, good healthcare, and great weather - while others leave folks feeling stuck, depressed, and at the mercy of hurricanes. We’ve used data from World Population Review to rank the states where people are best off, from highest to lowest. You might be surprised at where your home state comes in.
Hawaii
The beautiful, historical island of Hawaii is number one in wellbeing according to World Population Review! People there report lots of sun, top-notch physical health, and strong community bonds. Hawaii advertises itself as a paradise and for many, it really is.
Massachusetts
Massachusetts is an underrated state that really has its act together. It has great healthcare, solid jobs, friendly folks everywhere - it just checks all the boxes, and scores 71 on the wellbeing index. Admittedly it isn’t cheap, but many people say that it’s worth the high prices.
Maryland
Maryland is another underrated state that residents actually love living in. It boasts good schools, decent jobs, and one of the best healthcare systems in the country. People tend to feel financially stable and emotionally supported. There’s a nice mix of city and nature, too. It’s not perfect, but it’s very close.
New Jersey
New Jersey doesn’t always get the love it deserves, especially from New Yorkers, but it ranks high for a reason. People here are healthier and happier than you’d think, with good access to healthcare and strong communities. The one downside is a lot of traffic, which in turn causes poor air quality.
New York
This one may come as a surprise to some people who don’t like big cities, but New York state has a lot going for it. People generally feel connected, engaged, and surprisingly healthy considering all the crowds and traffic. There’s access to everything - from top hospitals to gorgeous green areas like Central Park.
California
California looks great, and on the whole is actually great too. Sunshine, fresh food, beaches, and mountains all contribute to people’s wellbeing. There’s a stereotype that people in California are health-conscious, and it’s true, but that can only be a good thing. Be prepared to deal with a ton of tourists if you move here, though.
Connecticut
Connecticut has a lot going for it, with a score of 66 on the wellbeing index. Generally speaking, people in the area feel safe, supported, and like they’ve got their lives together. There’s good schools, good healthcare, and a lot of beautiful scenery. Definitely a place to consider moving to if you want a change and have the money.
Colorado
Colorado’s all about that healthy, outdoorsy life. People hike, bike and the like and end up living a pleasingly long time, leading fit, happy, and financially stable lives. The community vibe is strong, and the beautiful scenery doesn’t hurt either. No wonder it rated a 65.
Utah
Utah has views that are like nothing else on the planet, but that’s not all that recommends it. The state is all about community and purpose. People are super involved, families are generally close-knit, and there’s this overall sense of positivity. Plus, if you love the outdoors, there’s so many outdoor activities offered in Utah.
Washington
Washington strikes a nice balance between techy energy and natural beauty. You’ve got Seattle’s urban flair mixed with the calm of forests, mountains, and coastlines. It’s a state where folks care about wellness and community, as well as the future. Yeah, it rains a lot - but if you can handle that, life here is pretty good.
Rhode Island
Rhode Island is proof that good things come in small packages. Residents here enjoy a slower pace, healthy coastal air, and strong local pride. Healthcare’s good, and folks here tend to feel safe and satisfied, as well as generally on good terms with their neighbors. Its wellbeing index score is an impressive 64.
Virginia
Virginia’s got a bit of everything - beaches, mountains, history, and suburbs that actually function as good neighborhoods. Reports say that people feel financially comfortable, healthcare access is good, and people have a lot of community support.
Illinois
Illinois (especially Chicago) gets a bad rep, but it holds its own in the wellbeing world. There are plenty of peaceful towns in the state with strong communities. Healthcare is accessible, and people here report feeling pretty satisfied overall. The state has its issues, sure, but it's more stable and livable than folks give it credit for.
Oregon
Oregon mixes a quirky vibe with a love for nature. The state is packed with community centers, dense forests, and a strong sense of purpose. And it has a wellbeing score of 63, which is very good. It’s not the cheapest state, unfortunately, but it’s still very loveable.
Minnesota
Minnesota’s one of those states where people genuinely seem happy, despite the odd problem cropping up. Strong communities, great healthcare, and promotion of an active lifestyle make a big difference. Even in the middle of winter, Minnesotans get out and stay healthy.
New Hampshire
New Hampshire scores high for wellbeing with a 61. It’s safe, scenic, and folks here enjoy good relationships with their neighbors. Everything from the low taxes to the high amount of trees in the state keep people happy, and financial security gives a big boost to that happiness as well.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania has its downsides, but it still scores pretty high with a 61. You’ve got history, green countryside, vibrant cities like Philly and Pittsburgh, and strong community values. Healthcare’s decent, with some great hospitals, and the cost of living isn’t too bad either.
Delaware
Delaware’s small, but that just adds to the charm of it. It boasts short commutes, no sales tax, and easy access to beautiful beaches where people can lounge all weekend. Reports say that people here generally feel financially stable and connected to their communities.
Nebraska
Nebraska’s a down-to-earth sort of place. It’s great if you like bright open skies, affordable homes, and a slower pace. On the flip side, winters are cold, and entertainment options are generally pretty limited. Still, it’s a solid, dependable state to raise a family in, with a wellbeing index score of 60.
North Dakota
North Dakota has strong job markets, tight-knit communities, and a low cost of living. Folks feel secure and generally satisfied with life. But unfortunately the winters can be brutal, and it can feel pretty isolated as well. Some people love it and some people hate it, let’s say.
Alaska
Alaska offers jaw-dropping scenery, a sense of adventure, and a close connection to nature. Many people report back that they’re perfectly happy living there. But if you’re thinking of moving, it does have its cons - harsh weather, high prices, and limited access to healthcare in remote areas. Many visit first and see what they think.
Florida
Florida’s got sunshine and no state income tax - what’s not to love? Well, hurricanes and rising living costs is the answer there. Still, people come here for the weather, friendly communities, and endless things to do, including some of the world’s best theme parks. It’s especially popular with retirees.
Nevada
Living in Nevada means no income tax, endless entertainment in and around Vegas, and gorgeous desert landscapes. Reviews have given it a score of 59 on the wellbeing index. But bear in mind that outside of Las Vegas and Reno, services can be a bit sparse – and access to water is becoming a problem.
Vermont
Vermont is without a doubt charming, and on the whole people like living there. Healthcare is pretty good and it has a lot of peace and quiet. But on the downside, job opportunities are limited and winters are long. It’s a bit of a mixed bag of a state really.
Arizona
Arizona is a beautiful part of the world, and it’s a popular spot for retirees thanks to warm weather and relatively affordable living. That said, the summer heat can get really bad, and water scarcity is a growing issue. It has a 58 on the wellbeing index – kinda average.
Kansas
Kansas is a low-cost state, which draws people in, and then they stay because of the great communities. It’s ideal for families or anyone who enjoys farm country life. But it’s not exactly buzzing with excitement, and not everyone is willing to put up with the tornadoes that rip through the state every so often.
Wisconsin
Wisconsin’s got a strong sense of community, great food, and a surprisingly healthy lifestyle. The place is affordable and friendly, with plenty of lakes and festivals. It has downsides, though - long, cold winters and high taxes in some areas.
Maine
Maine is peaceful, scenic, and full of small-town close-knit charm. Folks love the slower pace, proximity to the water, and the close community that comes with good neighbors. It’s considered a great place to unwind, make friends, and enjoy nature. But remember that winters can be harsh, and jobs can be limited.
South Dakota
South Dakota is quiet and affordable with lots of open space. There’s low unemployment, financial security and little traffic - what’s not to like? Well, like a lot of these lower-scoring states, winters can be rough in South Dakota, and remote living isn’t for everyone.
Wyoming
Wyoming is all about wide-open spaces, low taxes, and serious love of independence – people here value freedom like nothing else. But the state is isolated and has limited healthcare in some rural areas, so some folks may think twice about it.
Georgia
Georgia has a little bit of everything - big cities, small towns, mountains, and beaches. It’s great for people who like variety as well as a relatively low cost of living. But it only scores 56 on the wellbeing index, middle of the road, because it can get much too hot and there’s lots of inequality.
Iowa
Iowa is pretty, affordable, and filled with genuinely nice people. It’s a great place to raise a family or retire quietly. Winters are cold and the excitement level is low, but for many, that’s part of the appeal. It scores a 56, meaning it’s not bad but there’s room for improvement.
Missouri
Missouri has both small towns and big cities, and both have their ups and downs. There’s beautiful nature, good food, and a pretty affordable cost of living in both places. But the weather can be unpredictable, and some areas struggle with healthcare access.
Montana
Montana is stunningly beautiful without a doubt – it has mountains, rivers, and endless blue sky. It’s also quiet, scenic, and full of small-town warmth. But on the flip side, it can feel isolated, especially in winter, and there’s a lot of inequality, especially when it comes to healthcare.
North Carolina
In North Carolina people enjoy a mild climate, good healthcare, and lots of recreational options, so they’ve rated the place a 56. But hurricane risks and rising housing prices in some areas can be a drawback.
Ohio
Ohio isn’t a bad place to live, but it could be better. It counts among its upsides local pride, peace and quiet in the small towns, and a family-friendly atmosphere. But its downsides are pretty major: bad winters and a lot of poverty in some places.
Texas
Some people enjoy Texas – it scored a 56 on the wellbeing rankings – but not everyone does. The heat can be unbearable, property taxes are sky-high, and infrastructure hasn’t kept up with the population surge. Health inequality and political tensions don’t help.
Idaho
Idaho’s seen a population explosion in recent years, and not everyone’s thrilled about it. Rising housing costs and gentrification are squeezing out locals, and infrastructure is starting to decay in some places. Some areas also lack healthcare access and public services.
Michigan
While some cities in Michigan do well, others still face high poverty and poor infrastructure. Winters are long and rough, and roads are constantly under construction. Outside of a few bright spots like Ann Arbor, job opportunities can be hit or miss.
South Carolina
South Carolina has that much-talked-about charm, but it's weighed down by healthcare gaps, low wages, and poor education. Hurricane season causes chaos and rapid growth has strained cities, leading to traffic and poor air quality. It’s beautiful, sure - but quality of life varies wildly depending on where you live.
Indiana
Indiana’s affordable, but that’s about it unfortunately. It scored a mere 54 on the wellbeing index. Healthcare access isn’t great, air quality can be poor, and entertainment options are pretty limited in many areas. Job growth lags behind, and winters are gray and gloomy.
Louisiana
Tourists flock to Louisiana, but actually living here can be tough. It ranks low in healthcare, education, and income. Crime is high in some cities, and hurricanes are a constant problem that rip through houses and ruin lives. You wouldn’t know it from the pretty pictures, but the state’s really not doing so well.
Tennessee
Tennessee is growing fast, but that’s brought problems. Housing prices are rising, traffic’s getting worse, and public services haven’t caught up with the infux of new people. Healthcare quality is hit-or-miss, and wages are still relatively low. If you’re outside of Nashville, amenities can be limited. Some people make it work, but not many.
Alabama
Alabama unfortunately continues to rank low in education, healthcare, and economic opportunity. Rural areas in particular lack access to vital services. There’s a strong sense of community in the state, but political problems cause friction and major divides.
Oklahoma
Oklahoma is affordable, but that doesn’t mean it’s good. It ranks low in healthcare, infrastructure, and education. Tornadoes are a real threat as well, and they can destroy lives in an instant. It scored 51 for wellbeing – not good.
Kentucky
Kentucky faces persistent issues with poverty, poor healthcare, and low educational rankings. Many areas lack good jobs or reliable infrastructure. While it has natural beauty and friendly communities, it’s not exactly the best place to move to right now.
West Virginia
West Virginia isn’t almost heaven after all. It struggles with poor healthcare access and high poverty rates. Job opportunities are scarce in many areas, especially since coal jobs declined. It’s gorgeous, but it’s not good to live in.
Arkansas
Arkansas is beautiful but battles high poverty, poor health outcomes, and a struggling education system. Rural healthcare is scarce, and public transit is almost nonexistent. It scored only 49 on the wellbeing index, and if you go there you’ll find plenty of people who just want to leave.
New Mexico
New Mexico offers great landscapes, but actually living there is really hard right now. Crime rates are high in some areas, schools underperform, and healthcare access is a big issue. It’s affordable, true, but you get what you pay for.
Mississippi
Mississippi ranks at the bottom for just about every major quality-of-life metric - healthcare, education, income, and infrastructure. Many areas suffer from deep poverty, and public services are suffering. It has a rich culture, but everyday life can be tough, especially in rural communities. It’s a shame.
