These Are the Saddest States in the U.S.
Research shows that these are the unhappiest states in America.
Just like how where you live can influence your physical health, the state where you reside can also have an impact on your mental health, especially when it comes to feelings of happiness—or in this case unhappiness—in your life. That's why financial services website WalletHub analyzed data to determine the happiest and unhappiest states in America. And it's not just based on financial income.
As Money reported in 2018, a scientific analysis of a Gallup World Poll revealed that happiness tends only to increase with wealth up to an income range between $75,000 and $95,000 a year. Therefore, in order to determine the saddest states in the country, WalletHub evaluated 31 metrics—ranging from divorce rates to crime statistics—under the umbrella of three main categories: emotional and physical well-being; work environment; and community and environment. (Visit WalletHub to learn more about the methodology behind the scoring system.) Based on the weighted value of those metrics, each state was given a total score for overall level of happiness. With that, here are the 10 saddest states in the U.S. And to see who landed on the other end of the spectrum, check out These Are the Happiest States in the U.S.
10
Missouri
Total score: 42.99
Emotional and physical well-being: 41
Work environment: 33
Community and environment: 35
And for the worst places to live in terms of your physical health, check out The 10 Unhealthiest States in America.
9
Tennessee
Total score: 42.75
Emotional/physical well-being: 42
Work environment: 15
Community/environment: 42
8
Oklahoma
Total score: 40.56
Emotional/physical well-being: 47
Work environment: 35
Community/environment: 4
And for all the ways you are hindering your happiness, check out 26 Things You're Doing That Are Hurting Your Mental Health.
7
Alabama
Total score: 40.11
Emotional/physical well-being: 46
Work environment: 36
Community/environment: 36
6
Kentucky
Total score: 38.86
Emotional/physical well-being: 48
Work environment: 38
Community/environment: 8
And for things you can do right now to boost your happiness, check out 14 Expert-Backed Ways to Improve Your Mental Health Every Day.
5
Louisiana
Total score: 38.41
Emotional/physical well-being: 43
Work environment: 50
Community/environment: 34
4
Mississippi
Total score: 38.28
Emotional/physical well-being: 45
Work environment: 48
Community/environment: 27
3
Alaska
Total score: 36.48
Emotional/physical well-being: 34
Work environment: 49
Community/environment: 50
2
Arkansas
Total score: 34.07
Emotional/physical well-being: 49
Work environment: 44
Community/environment: 25
1
West Virginia
Total score: 33.73
Emotional/physical well-being: 50
Work environment: 47
Community/environment: 5
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