Happiest in Hawaii: Aloha State Tops Well-Being List

Happiest in Hawaii: Aloha State Tops Well-Being List

Sun and waves might be good for the soul, according to a new national survey naming Hawaii as tops in well-being among U.S. states but the sunshine doesn't necessarily elbow out Northern Lights and snow, as Alaska also made the top 10 happiest states list.Low population density, low crime, lots of outdoors and or nice outdoors. I believe it. Im getting tired of living in a crowded state with lots of people and crime. I hate worrying if someone is going to break into my car again or if some one is going to try to rob me when walking to my car from the store late at night.

The 2010 telephone survey was conducted by the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31. Results showed the South may need some smile help, with 10 southern states falling into the lower range of the list. Many western states, however, shined in well-being, with five of the top 10 located in that region of the country.

The top 10 states and their average well-being scores (out of a possible 100 points):

1. Hawaii: 71.0

2. Wyoming: 69.2

3. North Dakota: 68.4

4. Alaska: 68.3

5. Colorado: 68.0

6. Minnesota: 68.0

7. South Dakota: 68.0

8. Utah: 67.9

9. Connecticut: 67.9

10. Nebraska: 67.8

11. Massachusetts: 67.8

The bottom 10 states

1. West Virginia: 61.7

2. Kentucky: 61.9

3. Mississippi: 63.0

4. Arkansas: 63.7

5. Alabama: 63.7

6. Ohio: 63.8

7. Delaware: 64.2

8. Nevada: 64.2

9. Louisiana: 64.3

10. Michigan: 64.6

Hawaii's stellar placement was due to its scores on three well-being categories: life evaluation, emotional health and physical health. At the other end of the spectrum, West Virginia came in last by performing worst on those same three categories.

Delaware residents reported the worst work environments in the country, while those living in South Dakota were most positive about work conditions.

Compared with 2009 well-being results, Vermont still boasted the best overall health habits in America, and Kentucky continued to have the worst. Massachusetts residents indicated the best access to necessities crucial to high well-being, while Mississippi residents again reported the worst, with a score on this index even lower than it was in 2009.

Climbing the well-being ladder

They say states must find a way to increase residents' access to good jobs and basic necessities including medical care while decreasing costly, chronic conditions, such as obesity and diabetes. These steps, Gallup says,vintage wedding invitationswill be the most likely ways to improve well-being.

But the role these factors play in a person's happiness has been up for debate. Happiness, it seems, is a pretty complex state.

Research published in December 2009 issue of the Journal of Research in Personality looked at the relationship between 2008 well-being scores and various factors, including economic indicators, education levels, personality traits and levels of inclusiveness. They found the states with higher gross regional product (GRP) per capita (level of productivity and standard of living), higher income levels and higher median housing value were significantly happier than poorer areas.

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