How Happy Are Illinoisans Compared to Other States?

Studies have found that good economic, emotional, physical, and social health are all key to a well-balanced and fulfilled life. So, how are we doing in Illinois?

Personal finance website WalletHub drew upon the findings of “happiness” research to determine which environmental factors are linked to a person’s overall well-being and satisfaction with life. Then, they compared the 50 states.

Here's what the numbers-crunchers at WalletHub looked at to make their determinations:

We examined the 50 states across 31 key metrics, ranging from depression rate to sports participation rate to income growth.

First, the top 5 happiest states:

1) Hawaii

2) Utah

3) Minnesota

4) North Dakota

5) California

Next, the 5 least happy states in the U.S.:

46) Oklahoma

47) Alaska

48) Louisiana

49) Arkansas

50) West Virginia

As for our state of Illinois, we come in with the #23 ranking.

Here are the numbers for some of our Midwestern neighbors:

• Minnesota is #3
• Iowa is #8
• Wisconsin is #11
• Indiana is #32
• Michigan is #34
• Missouri is #42
• Kentucky is #44

Click here to read WalletHub's full piece, "2018’s Happiest States in America."