Texas Isn’t Even Close to the Happiest State in the U.S.

An annual study found the happiest states in the U.S. in 2024.

All 50 states were ranked based on 30 different metrics, including stuff like:  Emotional and physical health, career satisfaction, unemployment, life expectancy, depression,  sleep, and weather.

The 10 happiest states in the U.S. are:

1. Hawaii
2. Maryland
3. New Jersey
4. Utah
5. Delaware
6. Minnesota
7. Connecticut
8. Idaho
9. Nebraska
10. Massachusetts

The 10 LEAST happy are:

1. Louisiana
2. Arkansas
3. West Virginia
4. Tennessee
5. New Mexico
6. Alaska
7. Alabama
8. Oklahoma
9. Mississippi
10. Kentucky

Right in the middle, the 25th state, which apparently doesn't lean happy or unhappy, is Arizona.

What about the Lone Star State? We're all the way down at #38! Which is surprising to me. I would think we would be on of the happiest!

Maybe I just have a sunny disposition...or maybe not. MOST fellow Texans I meet are happy people!

Texans are happy for a variety of reasons, including a sense of pride, a unique culture, and a strong sense of community.

Pride!

Texans have a unique sense of pride that comes from their state's iconography, including the flag, colors, and state. The Battle of the Alamo is a pivotal event in Texas history that is a source of pride.

Community!

Texans have a strong sense of community that comes from being isolated for long periods of time in history.

Spirit!

Texas has a good spirit that makes people feel happy.

Culture!

Texas is known for its unique culture, which includes its music, rodeos, cattle and oil industry, and food.

Independence!

Texas is known for its personal freedoms and independence.

Football!

Football has deep cultural roots in Texas and is more than just a pastime, it's a symbol of Texan identity.

Friendship!

Texas' state motto is friendship, which was likely chosen because the name of Texas comes from the Spanish pronunciation of the local Indian tribe's word for friends or allies.