Hawaii is the happiest state in America—again: People there are 'happy with life' and have 'little financial anxiety,' expert says

For the second consecutive year, Hawaii landed the top spot on WalletHub’s annual ranking of the happiest states in America.

WalletHub’s 2025 report found that even though people across the country are facing difficult times and dealing with issues like the cost of living and economic uncertainty, the state in which you live can significantly impact your overall happiness.

To determine the ranking, WalletHub examined the 50 states across 30 metrics within three key dimensions: emotional and physical well-being, work environment and community and environment.

Each metric was graded on a 100-point scale, with a score of 100 representing maximum happiness.

Last year, California and Florida, two states known for generally good weather year-round and as go-to locales for retirement, didn’t rank in the top 10. But this year the Golden State did climb back up on the list to No. 7. Florida, on the other hand, remains at No. 14.