Minnesota Ranked Third Happiest State

(KNSI) — According to a new study, Minnesota is one of the happiest states in the U.S.

Personal finance website Wallethub, researchers drew upon the findings of “happiness” research to determine which environmental factors are linked to a person’s overall wellbeing and satisfaction with life. Previous studies have found that good economic, emotional, physical and social health are all key to a well-balanced and fulfilled life. All 50 states were weighed against 30 metrics ranging from the depression rate and the percentage of adults feeling productive to income growth and unemployment. Minnesota’s current unemployment rate is 1.9%, according to the Department of Employment and Economic Development.

Minnesota ranked third overall. The state scored second in work environment, which looks at commute times, the number of work hours, unemployment, income, job satisfaction and job security. Minnesota was ninth in community and environment. That includes volunteer rate, daily leisure time, safety, divorce rates and the weather. The state was tenth in emotional and physical wellbeing for things like career wellbeing, physical health, adult depression, social wellbeing, alcohol use, adequate sleep rates, and the share of adults feeling active and productive.

Three of our Upper Midwest neighbors ranked in the top ten. South Dakota was 12th, North Dakota was 13th, and Iowa was 16th. Wisconsin ranked 21st.

Read the entire study here.

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