SALT LAKE CITY — Utah is the sixth-happiest state in the nation, while Idaho cracked the top 10 at No. 10, according to WalletHub’s 2025 Happiest States in America report released recently.
The analysis compared all 50 states across 30 metrics grouped into three categories: Emotional and Physical Well-Being, Work Environment, and Community and Environment. Factors ranged from depression and sleep rates to income growth, safety, and volunteerism.
Utah earned top marks for its volunteer rate, fewest work hours, and lowest separation and divorce rate. The state also ranked sixth in income growth and fifth in safety.
Idaho ranked second in both Work Environment and Community and Environment, but just 29th in Emotional and Physical Well-Being. The Gem State’s balance across categories helped secure its top-10 overall ranking.
“Happiness is deeply individualistic, but broadly speaking, people thrive on community and connection,” said Jeanette M. Bennett, associate professor at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, in commentary provided with the report.
For Cache Valley and Northern Utah/Southeast Idaho, the findings highlight long-standing cultural patterns of family stability, volunteer service, and economic growth. WalletHub noted that where people live can shape opportunities for health, safety, and connection, all of which influence life satisfaction.
Hawaii took the top spot, while West Virginia was ranked the least happy state.