The Ten Happiest States — and Why Colorado Places So High

Colorado is traditionally ranked among the happiest states in America.

And that’s the case again according to a new study by WalletHub.

Why? The site’s methodology touches on dozens of topics, including physical health, the depression rate and the average commute time. And while Colorado doesn’t excel by every metric, it consistently finishes in the upper 50 percent among states in each – and number one in at least one key area.

Continue to count down the postcard-illustrated top ten, followed by graphics showing categories in which the state excelled and more Colorado-centric data. To see the original post, click here.

State: Wyoming
Overall Rank: 10
‘Emotional & Physical Well-Being’ Rank: 17
‘Work Environment’ Rank: 12
‘Community, Environment & Recreational Activities’ Rank: 9

State: Massachusetts
Overall Rank: 9
‘Emotional & Physical Well-Being’ Rank: 11
‘Work Environment’ Rank: 16
‘Community, Environment & Recreational Activities’ Rank: 13

State: Iowa
Overall Rank: 8
‘Emotional & Physical Well-Being’ Rank: 27
‘Work Environment’ Rank: 2
‘Community, Environment & Recreational Activities’ Rank: 11

State: Washington
Overall Rank: 7
‘Emotional & Physical Well-Being’ Rank: 22
‘Work Environment’ Rank: 4
‘Community, Environment & Recreational Activities’ Rank: 5

State: Nebraska
Overall Rank: 6
‘Emotional & Physical Well-Being’ Rank: 9
‘Work Environment’ Rank: 14
‘Community, Environment & Recreational Activities’ Rank: 6

State: North Dakota
Overall Rank: 5
‘Emotional & Physical Well-Being’ Rank: 17
‘Work Environment’ Rank: 3
‘Community, Environment & Recreational Activities’ Rank: 7

State: Colorado
Overall Rank: 4
‘Emotional & Physical Well-Being’ Rank: 3
‘Work Environment’ Rank: 18
‘Community, Environment & Recreational Activities’ Rank: 8

State: Hawaii
Overall Rank: 3
‘Emotional & Physical Well-Being’ Rank: 2
‘Work Environment’ Rank: 24
‘Community, Environment & Recreational Activities’ Rank: 2

State: Minneosta
Overall Rank: 2
‘Emotional & Physical Well-Being’ Rank: 1
‘Work Environment’ Rank: 7
‘Community, Environment & Recreational Activities’ Rank: 3

State: Utah
Overall Rank: 1
‘Emotional & Physical Well-Being’ Rank: 4
‘Work Environment’ Rank: 1
‘Community, Environment & Recreational Activities’ Rank: 1

Happiness in Colorado (1=Best; 25=Avg.)

20th – Depression Rate
2nd – Adequate-Sleep Rate
3rd – Obesity Rate
18th – Volunteerism Rate
23rd – Divorce Rate
25th – Safety Ranking
27th – Income Growth Rate