New Jersey has been ranked the second-happiest state in America in a newly released 2026 study, finishing behind only Hawaii.
WalletHub compared all 50 states across 30 measures covering emotional and physical well-being, work environment, finances and community conditions. New Jersey earned an overall score of 67.09, placing it ahead of Utah, Idaho and Maryland.
The Garden State ranked first nationwide for overall emotional and physical well-being. The study found that New Jersey has the nation’s lowest adult depression rate, the lowest share of residents reporting traumatic childhood experiences and the highest percentage of residents reporting supportive relationships.
New Jersey also has the second-lowest separation and divorce rate in the country and the second-highest percentage of households earning more than $75,000 annually. The state additionally ranked seventh-lowest for food insecurity.
Hawaii ranked first overall, while Utah placed third. West Virginia finished last among the 50 states.
Why Hawaii?