Louisiana Ranked as One of the Least Happy States in the Nation

Years ago, Lafayette was named the happiest city in the United States. And we agreed! But a new ranking seems to tell a different story for the state as a whole. WalletHub ranked the 50 states for three specific factors: emotional and physical well-being, work environment, and community and environment.

Behind The Numbers

Overall, Louisiana ranked #49. The only state less happy according to the study is West Virginia at #50. Some stand-out statistics: Louisiana ranks number 46 in sports participation rates. The state also ranks number 46 for the most hours worked. Divorce rates in Louisiana ranked high as well as concerns over safety.

According to researchers, the study was centered on the key ingredients to a happy life. How important is money to someone’s happiness? What are the secrets to career advancement in a state? Unfortunately, Louisiana has a long way to go.

Is Lafayette happy?

Lafayette has been called the happiest place in America in the past. So what about now? A recent episode of HoustonLife spent some time in the hub city and it seemed to be all smiles. I'd say we're still pretty happy around here.

How do other states rank?

Overall Rank*	State	Total Score	Emotional & Physical Well-Being	Work Environment	Community & Environment
1	Utah	69.79	16	1	1
2	Hawaii	66.42	1	25	30
3	Maryland	64.62	8	4	5
4	Minnesota	62.82	10	3	13
5	New Jersey	61.98	3	14	29
6	Connecticut	60.68	6	32	8
7	California	60.53	5	34	10
8	Florida	59.31	2	21	44
9	Idaho	59.31	30	6	2
10	Nebraska	58.92	12	7	25
11	Delaware	58.68	11	29	6
12	Massachusetts	58.43	4	16	48
13	North Dakota	58.02	14	5	21
14	Virginia	57.69	13	8	35
15	New Hampshire	57.29	20	19	9
16	New York	56.71	7	39	39
17	Illinois	56.23	9	37	40
18	South Dakota	55.93	27	9	16
19	Wisconsin	55.74	19	13	32
20	South Carolina	55.27	28	20	11
21	Iowa	55.03	18	18	37
22	Washington	54.87	26	23	12
23	Kansas	54.46	29	15	14
24	Georgia	54.10	24	30	15
25	Pennsylvania	53.96	17	35	27
26	North Carolina	53.55	15	28	38
27	Arizona	53.48	21	33	23
28	Vermont	52.78	37	10	7
29	Rhode Island	52.40	22	12	46
30	Maine	51.99	31	11	24
31	Colorado	51.51	23	22	45
32	Nevada	50.71	33	46	3
33	Michigan	50.20	32	24	28
34	Montana	49.11	41	2	36
35	Missouri	48.64	39	17	22
36	Wyoming	48.06	38	26	19
37	Ohio	47.77	35	31	34
38	Oregon	47.67	34	36	31
39	Texas	47.66	25	40	50
40	Indiana	46.48	40	27	20
41	Oklahoma	44.09	46	43	4
42	New Mexico	43.49	43	45	17
43	Alaska	42.20	36	48	47
44	Mississippi	41.42	42	47	41
45	Alabama	40.82	44	44	42
46	Kentucky	40.58	47	41	26
47	Arkansas	39.72	49	42	18
48	Tennessee	38.30	45	38	49
49	Louisiana	35.86	48	49	43
50	West Virginia	35.08	50	50	33

LOOK: These Are the Richest NFL players

To uncover the richest NFL players, Stacker consulted Celebrity Net Worth and ranked them by their 2022 net worth, calculated using a proprietary formula.

Filed Under: Happiest States, louisiana, ranking

Categories: Lifestyle, Local News, News