Are you happy? It's funny how your mood can be determined by where you are, well, at least in America. Yes, you are reading this right. America has its own way of guessing whether you are happy or not according to the level of contentment that your place has. Reports even say that the "best practices" in a certain place can improve the quality of your life in one way or another.
Amazingly, there's an agency that can even indicate that a place is merrier than others. Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index says so as it can measure regional contentment levels. Surprisingly, the happiest and unhappiest states come in ranks in GHWB Index's annual list.
Wallet Hub reports that people who make more money tend to report higher positive emotions. However, money isn't only the factor determining one's personal happiness. It is through the overall state of being of a person which comprises physical health, environment, career satisfaction, social connection, and one's general outlook in life.
Here's the overall ranking of the happiest and the unhappiest states in the U.S. as of Feb. 1, 2016:
Hawaii
Hawaii has been the top one happiest state five times since 2008 and this year is the state's fifth time with a Well-Being Index Score of 64.8. One research director for surveys admits that Hawaii is a beautiful state in America in its own way. Huffington Post says it ranks No. 1 in the United States because it has the highest overall well-being. According to the source, many people adore this state as it is known for its welcoming spirit. So, say "aloha" now if you think it might be time for you to move and be the happiest.
Alaska
Alaska was the top one happiest state in 2015 and is now in the second spot with a Well-Being Index Score of 64.1. Realtor reports that Hawaii and Alaska have breathtaking views especially if you are in Matanuska Glacier or Waikiki Beach. Survey's research director even said Alaska and Hawaii are both beautiful states in their own unique way but distinctly different. Apparently, the place becomes the happiest if people would find it as a place where they can get plenty of sunshine. In fact, Huffington Post says Alaska is where people embrace the great outdoors.
Montana
Montana comes in third place with a Well-Being Index Score of 63.8. This is the perfect place for introspection as people in this place are few and far between. Literally, you will get to enjoy tracts of empty land as your neighbor is a mile away. According to Movoto, agriculture is the primary source of income in Montana including cereal grain farming and ranching. Oil, coal, gas and hard rock mining are also another livelihood in this state. Next to Montana are Colorado and Wyoming as the fourth and fifth happiest state in America.
West Virginia
This state has been out in the ranks of the happiest states in the U.S. for the past seven years already, which moves us to say it belongs to the pool of unhappiest states in America then. One commentator in Topix says it is a horrible place to live as drugs are bad in some of its areas and employment opportunities are low.
Kentucky
Amid bad reports about Kentucky, one visitor says via Quora that Kentucky is a very good place to live as the people are generous, friendly and hardworking. Kentucky has its own shortcomings and faults as an American state just like any state.
Oklahoma
Oklahoma is named the most affordable city in America since the height of recession in eight years ago. Movoto reports that Forbes even considered OKC the most recession proof city in America. After all, it is still one of the best places to live in the U.S.
