The 10 Happiest States in America
Well-Being Index: 70.4
In addition to having the best overall well-being score, North Dakota scored the highest on work environment and physical health. The state has benefited economically from the surge in its oil industry, and was the top state in job creation last year.
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Well-Being Index: 70.0
South Dakota landed in second-place this year, with the its highest score (70.0) in six years of measurement. This represents the first time the Mount Rushmore state has ranked in the top 10 in well-being since 2010.
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Well-Being Index: 69.7
Nebraska ranked first on the life evaluation index, with a score that was 17 points higher than the lowest-ranking state, West Virginia. The state was also among those that showed the most year-over-year improvement in its well-being score.
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Well-Being Index: 69.7
All those lakes may make residents happy, but they don’t do much to alleviate the North Star State’s tax burden. In a separate study, Minnesota placed among the worst in the country for taxes, ranking 44th in individual income taxes, 40th in unemployment insurance, and 35th in sales taxes.
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Well-Being Index: 69.7
Montana was also one of the states whose scores showed the most-year-over-year improvement. The state is also one of the best places to live in the United States for taxes, with no sales tax and a relatively low income tax rate.
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Well-Being Index: 69.1
For the second year in a row, Vermont bested all other states in healthy behaviors, and is the only northeastern state to crack the top 10 list. That could by why the rural state was ranked the second (after Hawaii) healthiest state in their country, in a separate report released late last year by United Health Foundation.
NPR
Well-Being Index: 68.9
Colorado’s seventh-place ranking in 2013 represents a five spot fall from 2012, although it remains to be seen whether the state’s recent marijuana legalization could make residents happier this year. The Centennial State may be following in top-ranked North Dakota’s economic footsteps as it begins tapping its own shale deposits.
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Well-Being Index: 68.4
After four years atop the list, Hawaii tumbled seven spots to rank 8th this year. Even so, residents of the Aloha State have plenty to smile about: the average daytime winter temperature is 78 degrees, and the state’s unemployment rate is a low 4.4 percent.
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Well-Being Index: 68.3
Last year represents the first time since 2008 that the Evergreen State has cracked the top 10 list. The state is also among the best places to live for taxes, thanks to its lack of a state income tax.
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Well-Being Index: 68.2
Rounding out the top 10 list, Iowa was one of the most improved states in terms its overall Well-Being ranking. Part of the reason for the state’s success is its Healthiest State Initiative, a privately led, government-sponsored program designed to improve the state’s well-being.
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