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 |