WalletHub Releases ‘2026 Happiest States in America’ Study
Ranks 10th in Physical and Mental Well-Being… Work and Community Environment Sits in the Middle at 30th Tier
Virginia has made the top 20 in a happiness study covering all 50 U.S. states.
According to the "2026 Happiest States in America" study released on the 8th by the personal finance website WalletHub, Virginia ranked 16th overall with a total score of 56.08 points.
This study ranked the states by combining key metrics across three core dimensions: Emotional & Physical Well-Being, Work Environment, and Community & Environment.
Virginia achieved strong results by ranking 10th overall in "Emotional & Physical Well-Being," which evaluates residents' health metrics. This category is determined by factoring in depression rates, life expectancy, physical health indices, and suicide rates.
Conversely, the state placed in the middle of the pack for indicators reflecting daily infrastructure and economic conditions. It ranked 31st in "Work Environment," which reflects average unemployment rates, working hours, and economic security, and stood at just 32nd in "Community & Environment," which covers volunteer rates, weather, average daily leisure time, and safety from crime.
Meanwhile, Hawaii claimed the title of the happiest state in America this year, followed by New Jersey (2nd), Utah (3rd), Idaho (4th), and Maryland (5th). In contrast, West Virginia ranked at the very bottom in 50th place.