Is Florida one of the happiest states? Survey reveals ranking

Walt Disney World touts itself as the “most magical place on Earth.” (Disneyland in California has the “the happiest place on earth” slogan.)

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What about Florida?

WalletHub’s new study shows there are 20 states ahead of the Sunshine State when it comes to happiness.

The research compared the 50 states across 30 key indicators of happiness. The dataset ranges from depression rates and the share of adults who feel productive to income growth and unemployment rates.

Although Florida placed No. 21 overall, the state ranks No. 5 for the lowest share of adults with depression.

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Other factors that contributed to Florida’s score include rankings of No. 29 for work environment and No. 48 for community and environment.

Here’s a snapshot of the rest of the country.

WalletHub’s top 10 happiest U.S. states

Hawaii lives up to its reputation as an island paradise, according to WalletHub. The Aloha State tops the rankings with residents reporting the highest levels of life satisfaction in the nation and the second-lowest depression rate.

1. Hawaii
2. New Jersey
3. Utah
4. Idaho
5. Maryland
6. Nebraska
7. Connecticut
8. Minnesota
9. California
10. New Hampshire

WalletHub’s least happiest U.S. states

1. West Virginia (No. 50)
2. Louisiana (No. 49)
3. Arkansas (No. 48)
4. Alaska (No. 47)
5. Kentucky (No. 46)
6. Alabama (No. 45)
7. New Mexico (No. 44)
8. Wyoming (No. 43)
9. Oregon (No. 42)
10. Tennessee (No. 41)

Did any results from WalletHub’s study surprise you? Which state do you think is the happiest? Let us know in the comments.

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This story was originally published September 14, 2026 at 5:19 AM.