Which Are the Best and the Worst States to Live IN?

2017 was not an easy year for many Americans. The well-being of the average American fell more in 2017 than in any other year since Gallup  began tracking it in 2008.  On the basis of their survey the states were ranked by the degree of well-being and happiness of the residents. Read more about the best and the worst states to live in in our article.

The Gallup-Sharecare welfare index is based on interviews with more than 150 000 U.S. adults aged 18 years and older. The index consists of five categories: sense of purpose, financial security, social relationships, attitude to society and physical health.

Scores in each category vary greatly across the country. To determine America's happiest and most worthless states, 24/7 Wall Street¹ analyzed the results of the Gallup-Sharecare Well-Being index. The Gallup poll results were compared with other socio-economic data from the U.S. census Bureau, the FBI, and other sources.

Besides we add all the necessary information and provide links to the pages on Payday Loans and Personal Loans in each state.You can read rules, amounts and terms peculiar for your place of residency or you may also compare the lenders online.

1. South Dakota

• Residents who love what they do every day: 82.3% (the highest)
• Residents with strong social relations: 78.0% (4th place)
• Residents with almost perfect physical health: 61.5% (the highest)
• Poverty rate: 13.3% (24th place)
• Violent crime: 418,4 per 100 000 (19-e a place)

According to a Gallup poll, South Dakota is considered the happiest state. In the survey 82.3% of respondents agreed that they liked what they were doing every day; 62.7% felt that they had achieved more of their goals last year; and 75.1% said that they could use their strengths in their daily work. South Dakota's labor market is very healthy. Only 3.3% of the workforce is unemployed. This is one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country. Residents of the state also hold high places in the financial health and pride of the community.

• Residents who like what they do every day: 75.2% (21st largest)
• People with strong social relationships: 79,3% (the highest)
• Residents with almost perfect physical health: 61.3% (2nd place)
• Poverty rate: 11.9% (19th lowest)
• Violent crime rate: 158.3 per 100 000 (2nd lowest)

Almost 60% of adults in Vermont do not exercise regularly, the sixth largest share of any state. Similarly, 62.4% of respondents said they consume healthy amounts of fruit and vegetables per week. Only 19.2% of adults are obese. That is less than the national obesity rate among adults of 28.2% and is the lowest rate of any states.

86.5% of Vermont respondents always feel safe and secure. In 2016, there were only 158 violent crimes per 100 000 inhabitants. It is the second best indicator of any state and less than half of the national indicator.

3. Hawaii

• Residents who like what they do every day: 78.3% (4th place)
• Residents with strong social relations: 72.8% (6th place)
• Residents with almost perfect physical health: 55.4% (16th place)
• Poverty rate: 9.3% (2nd lowest)
• Violent crime rate: 309.2 per 100 000 (21st lowest)

In a survey of 78.3% of respondents in Hawaii agreed that they like what they do every day; 55.7% agreed that they achieved most of their goals last year. Only 2.4% of the workforce in Hawaii is unemployed. This is the lowest unemployment rate among States.

Hawaii residents also report a higher degree of social well-being than those of all but two other states. 78.9% of the surveyed people in the States report daily positive energy from their friends and family. Also 76.9% of adults in the state have someone in their life, which encourages them to be healthy.

4. Minnesota

• Residents who love what they do every day: 77.9% (5th place)
• Residents with strong social relations: 77.0% (7th place)
• Residents with almost perfect physical health: 54.7% (21st place)
• Poverty rate: 9.9% (6th place)
• Violent crime rate: 242.6 per 100 000 people (9th lowest)

Based on a national survey Minnesota resident have a stronger sense of financial security than residents of almost any other state. Only 10.5% of respondents report that they do not have enough money to buy food. Also 49.2% agree that they have enough money to do whatever they want (the second largest share of any state except North Dakota). The area's high average income is probably one of the factors contributing to a strong sense of financial security among Minnesota residents. A typical Minnesota household earns almost $ 66 000 per year as well. Only 9.9% of the population live in poverty, the sixth lowest level of poverty of any state.

5. North Dakota

• Residents who like what they do every day: 81.6% (2nd highest)
• Residents with strong social relations: 78.1% (3rd place)
• Residents with almost perfect physical health: 57.7% (10th place)
• Poverty rate: 10.7% (10th place)
• Violent crime: 251,1 per 100,000 (13-e a place)

Less than half of respondents in North Dakota said the lack of money prevented them from doing whatever they wanted. 43.9% said they didn't worry about money last week. 

High state revenues, low cost of living and low unemployment are likely to contribute to a strong sense of financial security among residents. A typical public household earns over $60 000 per year (that's about $3 000 more than the average U.S. median household income). Goods and services cost 7.7% less in North Dakota than the national average. Only 3.2% of the state workforce is unemployed.

6. Colorado

• Residents who like what they do every day: 75.4% (16th place)
• People with strong social relationships: 75.4 per cent (21-e a place)
• Residents with almost perfect physical health: 57.1% (12th place)
• Poverty rate: 11.0% (12th place)
• Violent crime: 342,6 per 100 000 (23-e a place)

Colorado residents report a higher sense of physical health than residents of any state other than Vermont. Only 20.8% of the population had high blood pressure in their lives. And only 18.4% had high cholesterol (the second lowest such shares of any state). These health indicators are associated with a large number of opportunities for outdoor recreation and healthy eating of residents of the state. 91.3% of the state's population has access to places for physical activity (e.g. gyms, parks, etc.). Approximately 62% of adults in Colorado receive an appropriate amount of exercise each week.

7. New Hampshire

• Residents who like what they do every day: 76.9% (7th place)
• People with strong social relationships: 75.1 percent (23-e a place)
• Residents with almost perfect physical health: 54.5% (23rd place)
• Poverty rate: 7.3% (the lowest)
• Violent crime rate: 197.6 per 100 000 (3rd lowest)

According to this study New Hampshire residents reported a higher degree of social well-being than almost any other state. 77.0% daily receive positive energy from their friends and family, which is the second and fourth largest share of any state. 52.5% of residents always find time to travel with friends and family.

8. Idaho

• Residents who like what they do every day: 77.6% (6th place)
• People with strong social relationships: 75.1 percent (24-th place)
• Almost perfect physical health of residents: 54.2% (22nd place)
• Poverty rate: 14.4% (19th place)
• Violent crime rate: 230.3 per 100,000 people (6th lowest)

76.7% of Idaho residents are proud of their community or the area which they live in. In addition, 74.6% of residents believe that the area where they live is an ideal place for them. Almost 86% always feel safe. The low level of violent crime in Idaho may contribute in part to a strong sense of pride and security among residents of the state. In 2016 there were only 230 violent crimes per 100 000 residents.

9. Utah

• Residents who like what they do every day: 76.7% (9th place)
• People with strong social relationships: 77,0% (8-th place)
• Residents with almost perfect physical health: 54.2% (24th place)
• Poverty rate: 10.2% (7th place)
• Violent crime: 242,8 per 100 000 (10-e a place)

In 2016 there were only 243 violent crimes per 100 000 Utah residents (the 10th lowest violent crimes of any state). In most states with a low level of violent crime, residents report a stronger sense of security and community pride. In Utah, 82.5% of respondents agree that they always feel safe.  69.3% believe that the area where they live is an ideal place for them. Also, 73.6% of respondents say they are proud of their community (the third largest share in the country).

Residents also have a strong sense of financial security. Less than 7% reported dissatisfaction with their standard of living (the lowest proportion across the country). Only 4.2% of households in Utah earn less than $ 10 000 a year. This is the third lowest rate among all states.

10. Montana

• Residents who love what they do every day: 75.6% (13th place)
• Residents with strong social relations: 77.2% (5th place)
• Residents with almost perfect physical health: 53.8% (20th place)
• Poverty rate: 13.3% (24th place)
• Violent crime rate: 368.3 per 100 000 (25th lowest)

68.9% of residents are proud of the area where they live. It’s more than the national average of 65.1%. Only 5.4% of respondents report that they do not always feel safe, which is the second lowest figure in the country. 

Montana residents report some of the best health outcomes. 62.1% of residents trains for at least 30 minutes three days a week. This is much more than the national average of 55.0% (the largest share in the country). Only 24.5% of adults had high blood pressure, and only 21.5% had high cholesterol.

11. Massachusetts

• Residents who like what they do every day: 74.1% (20th lowest)
• People with strong social relationships: 74,8% (25th place)
• Residents with almost perfect physical health: 59.4% (3rd place)
• Poverty rate: 10.4% (9th place)
• Violent crime: 376,9 per 100,000 (23th place)

A typical Massachusetts household earns a little more $ 75 000 a year. About 48% of survey respondents in the state say they have enough money to do whatever they want. 

The low level of property crime is one of the distinguishing features of the region, where residents report relatively high welfare. There are only 1 561 property crimes per 100 000 residents in Massachusetts. If you compare with the U.S. crime rate 2451 per 100 000. In fact, 82.1% of adults in the state feel safe

12. Florida

• Residents who like what they do every day: 75.3% (18th highest)
• Residents with strong social relationships: 75,5% (18th place)
• Almost perfect physical health of residents: 57.7% (9th place)
• Poverty rate: 14.7% (16th place)
• Violent crime rate: 430.3 per 100,000 (18th place)

50.7% of Florida residents agreed that they always find time to travel with their friends and family (7th result across the country). Florida residents also report a strong sense of purpose. 55.2% believe that they achieved most of their goals last year. Almost 67% of adults learn or do something interesting every day.  

The unemployment rate in the state is 4.2%, which corresponds to the national indicator. Also, 28.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree. This is below 31.3% of the total number of students in national colleges.

13. Texas

• Residents who like what they do every day: 76.9% (8th highest)
• People with strong social relationships: 75,7% (16th place)
• Residents with almost perfect physical health: 57.1% (11th place)
• Poverty rate: 15.6% (12th place)
• Violent crime rate: 434.4 per 100 000 (17th place)

Texas residents report a stronger sense of purpose than any other state except South Dakota. About 77% of residents like what they do every day. 70% believe that they can use their strengths on a daily basis. 

82.9% of the adult have a University degree, the second lowest share in the country. 4.3% of the workers are unemployed, which is almost equal to the unemployment rate in the country of 4.4%.

Texas residents also report a stronger sense of social well-being, community, and physical health than most States.

14. California

• Residents who like what they do every day: 75.5% (14th place)
• People with strong social relationships: 73.9 per cent (11th place)
• Residents with almost perfect physical health: 57.9% (8th place)
• Poverty rate: 14.3% (20th highest)
• Violent crime rate: 445.3 per 100,000 (15th place)

California residents report a higher degree of physical well-being than residents of any state other than Colorado and Vermont. The high level of adult health is partly due to some good habits and a lack of some harmful ones. For example, only 13.8% of adults in the state smoke. This is the third lowest rate among the states.

In addition, 93.5% of the state's population has access to places for physical activity. Approximately 59% of adults in the state train regularly during the week, which is more than in all States except eight.

15. Arizona

• Residents who like what they do every day: 78.5% (3rd highest)
• People with strong social relationships: 76.7 percent (10th place)
• Residents with almost perfect physical health: 54.8% (19th place)
• Poverty rate: 16.4% (8th place)
• Violent crime: 470,1 100 000 (12th place)

68.7% of adults in the state study or do something interesting every day. Arizona residents reported a stronger sense of purpose than almost any other state. However, Arizona has one of the worst labor markets in the country. The unemployment rate in the state is 4.8%. This is slightly higher than 4.4% of the national figure.

Arizona residents also report stronger social relationships than the most states. It is estimated 75.3% of adults have someone in their life who encourages them to be healthy (6th largest indicator in the country)

16. Wyoming

• Residents who like what they do every day: 76.0% (11th place)
• Residents with strong social relations: 79.1% (2nd place)
• Residents with almost perfect physical health: 53.9% (21st place)
• Poverty rate: 11.3% (14th place)
• Violent crime rate: 244.2 per 100 000 (11th lowest)

One of the strongest indicators of social well-being is the prevalence of crime. In 2016 there were 244 violent crimes per 100 000 residents in Wyoming. That's far less than the national violent crime rate in 397 incidents per 100 000 Americans. In a survey 84.7% of respondents in Wyoming agreed that they always feel safe. Almost 71% of respondents said they were proud of their community.

17. Nebraska

• Residents who like what they do every day: 76.2% (10th place)
• Residents with strong social relations: 75,6% (17th place)
• Residents with almost perfect physical health: 55.0% (18th place)
• Poverty rate: 11.4% (15th place)
• Violent crime rate: 291.0 per 100000 (17th place)

Nebraska residents report a stronger sense of community than most states. Almost 84% of adults always feel safe (6th place in the country). This is evidenced of the low level of violent crime in the state. In 2016 there were only 291 violent crimes per 100 000 inhabitants. That's far less than the national violent crime rate in 397 incidents per 100 000 Americans.

Nebraska residents also report a higher degree of financial security than most States. The average income of Nebraska's households roughly corresponds to the national indicator, goods and services cost 9.5% less than in the country. The low cost of living can contribute to a lack of financial concern.

18. Virginia

• Residents who like what they do every day: 75.2% (20th highest)
• People with strong social relations: 74,8% (24th place)
• Residents with almost perfect physical health: 56.8% (13th place)
• Poverty rate: 11.0% (12th place)
• Violent crime rate: 217.6 per 100 000 people (4th lowest)

In Virginia 9.3% of households earn more than $ 200 000 a year, the sixth largest share of any state. A typical household in the state earns just over $ 68 000 a year. That's $10 000 more than the national average. High government revenues are probably one of the reasons why only 32.7% of adults in Virginia regularly worry about money. 32.6% believe they don't have enough money to do whatever they want to do.

Also 56% of adults regularly train. 60% of adults have at least five servings of fruit and four servings of vegetables per week. Less than 25% of adults report physical pain, the eighth lowest in the country.

19. North Carolina

• Residents who like what they do every day: 74.2% (21st lowest)
• Residents with strong social relations: 75.2% (22nd highest)
• Persons with almost perfect physical health: 53.5% (18th place)
• Poverty rate: 15.4% (13th place)
• Violent crime: 372,2 per 100 000 (25-e a place)

Residents of North Carolina reported a strong sense of purpose and social well-being. Approximately 55% of adults in the state believe that they have achieved most of their goals last year. 77% of adults believe they receive positive energy from their friends and family on a daily basis, the sixth largest share across the country.

However, North Carolina has a relatively low degree of financial security. In the state 36% of respondents said they did not have enough money to do whatever they wanted. A typical North Carolina household earns about $ 7 000 less than the average national income. And 15.4% of the population live in poverty.

20. Connecticut

• Residents who like what they do every day: 75.4% (17th place)
• Residents with strong social relations: 74.0% (13th place)
• Residents with almost perfect physical health: 58.0% (7th place)
• Poverty rate: 9.8% (4th place)
• Violent crime rate: 227.1 per 100 000 people (5th lowest)

Connecticut residents are more likely to care about their physical health than typical Americans. Adults are less likely to smoke, eat healthy food more often, and are less likely to be obese than other in states. Because of this healthy behavior 58% of adults in the state consider their own health almost perfect. This is slightly more than the adult share of 55% across the country.

Connecticut adults report a high level of financial well-being. A typical household in the state earns about $ 73 500 a year (about $16 000 that is the national median). Higher incomes help most Connecticut residents live within their means. About 45% of respondents have enough money to do whatever they want.

21. Iowa

• Residents who like what they do every day: 75.2% (19th highest)
• People with strong social relations: 75.9 percent (14th place)
• Residents with almost perfect physical health: 52.0% (11th place)
• Poverty rate: 11.8% (18th lowest)
• Violent crime rate: 290.6 per 100,000 (16th place)

Adults in Iowa tend to be active and productive every day and have almost perfect physical health. Although Iowa lags behind in some indicators of physical health and social connections, the state has relatively strong results in financial and social well-being. 

Despite an unremarkable median household income of just over $ 56 000 per year. 47.7% of survey respondents in the state have enough money to do whatever they want. This is probably due to the low cost of living. Goods and services in the state are about 10% cheaper than the national average. The state also boasts a low crime rate. 83.2% of those surveyed in Iowa always feel safe

22. Washington

• Residents who like what they do every day: 74.7% (25th place)
• Residents with strong social relations: 74.6% (19th place)
• Almost perfect physical health of residents: 52.4% (14th place)
• Poverty rate: 11.3% (14th place)
• Violent crime rate: 302.2 per 100 000 (19th lowest)

Residents of the state of Washington have a strong sense of physical health and financial security. Approximately 58% of adults exercise at least 30 minutes three days a week. 61% eat healthy amounts of fruits and vegetables on a weekly basis, each some of the largest shares in the country. Only 33% of adults often worry about money on a weekly basis.

However, Washington residents report a relatively weak sense of purpose and social well-being. Only 52% of adults believe they achieved most of their goals last year. 72% have people in their lives who encourage them to be healthy - each with a smaller share of any state. In General, Washington residents report on the level of well-being, which roughly corresponds to the level of the United States as a whole.

23. New York

• Residents who like what they do every day: 73.7% (16th place)
• Residents with strong social relations: 72.7% (4th place)
• Residents with almost perfect physical health: 59.1% (4th place)
• Poverty rate: 14.7% (16th place)
• Violent crime: per 100 000 of 376.2 (24th place)

The state of New York ranks better in overall physical well-being than any other measure. Adults in the state are less likely to smoke and eat healthy food on a regular basis than in most other states.  59.1% of respondents in the state perceive their health almost perfectly, the fourth largest share of any state. In addition, 73.7% of the respondents said that they like what they do every day.

The state of New York is lagging behind in other measures of well-being. Of the adults surveyed, only 57% said that there is no one in their lives who would make them feel enthusiastic about the future. 

24. Maine

• Residents who like what they do every day: 73.5% (14th place)
• People with strong social relations: 77.1 percent (6th place)
• Residents with almost perfect physical health: 49.1% (5th place)
• Poverty rate: 12.5% (21st lowest)
• Violent crime rate: 123.8 per 100 000 (the lowest)

In 2016 there were 124 violent crimes committed per 100 000 residents in Maine, the lowest rate of violent crime in any state and less than one-third of the national level. For this reason, 82% of adults in Maine state report that they always feel safe (the 10th largest share in the country). 70% of adults agree that the area where they live is the ideal place for them. 71% are proud of their community.

However, 63% of adults believe that they learn or do something interesting every day. This shows the weakest sense of purpose of almost any state.

25. Alaska

• Residents who like what they do every day: 74.3% (25th place)
• Residents with strong social relations: 72.8% (5th place)
• Residents almost perfect physical health: 53.7% (19th lowest)
• Poverty rate: 9.9% (6th lowest)
• Violent crime rate: 804.2 per 100 000 (the highest) 

A typical Alaska resident earns almost $ 76 500. High incomes are likely to instill a sense of financial security in Alaska residents. Only 29.3% of Alaska adults report that they were worried about money recently.

While most Alaska residents report a General sense of financial security, many adults in the state lack a strong sense of purpose. Approximately 15% do not believe that they get to use their strengths on a daily basis. 24% believe that they did not achieve most of their goals last year.

26. New Mexico

• Residents who like what they do every day: 75.7% (12th highest)
• People with strong social relations: 74.3 percent (16th place)
• Residents with almost perfect physical health: 58.7% (5th place)
• Poverty rate: 19.8% (3rd place)
• Violent crime rate: 702.5 per 100,000 (2nd place)

New Mexico is far worse off than most states in terms of healthy communities and financial stability. Almost 58% of respondents in the state are proud of where they live. A little more than 73% always feel safe. In 2016 New Mexico accounted for 703 violent crimes per 100 000 inhabitants. This is the second largest indicator across the country. In addition, poorer Americans are far less likely to report a high sense of well-being, and in New Mexico nearly 20% of the population lives in poverty. 

Despite some significant socio-economic difficulties, adults in new Mexico have a strong sense of purpose. The survey results show that adults in the state are more likely than most to enjoy what they do, use their strengths, and learn something new-each on a daily basis.

27. Wisconsin

• Residents who like what they do every day: 74.3% (23rd lowest)
• People with strong social relationships: 74.3 percent (14th lowest)
• Residents with almost perfect physical health: 52.2% (13th lowest)
• Poverty rate: 11.8% (18th lowest)
• Violent crime: 305.9 per 100 000 (20th lowest)

Wisconsin has a low cost of living. Goods and services here cost 7% less than in other states. Only 12% of adults in the state believe that they do not have enough money to buy food, the seventh lowest share in the country

While the people of Wisconsin are relatively free of financial problems, they report a low degree of social well-being. Only 68% of adults believe that there is someone in their life who encourages them to be healthy, the third smallest proportion of any state.

28. New Jersey

• Residents who like what they do every day: 74.1% (19th lowest)
• Residents with strong social relations: 73.6% (10th place)
• Almost perfect physical health of residents: 58.3% (6th place)
• Poverty rate: 10.4% (9th place)
• Violent crime rate: 245.0 per 100 000 people (12th lowest)

A typical New Jersey household earns about $ 76 000 a year. That's $ 9 000 more than the national average. Despite higher incomes, personal finances are a source of stress for a large part of the garden state's residents. Over the past seven days, about 35% of respondents were worried about money. That's more than most states. Adults in a state may struggle to live within their means due to the high cost of living. Goods and services here are 13.4% more expensive than they are across the country. In New Jersey, the cost of living is almost the highest among states.

For example, only 55.4% of respondents in the state have a leader in their lives that makes them look to the future with enthusiasm. This is well below the 59.5% share of American adults. State residents are also less likely than most Americans to set and achieve goals every year. They use their strengths to realize their potential on a daily basis. 

29. Tennessee

• Residents who like what they do every day: 74.8% (23rd place)
• People with strong social relations: 76,8% (9th place)
• Almost perfect physical health of residents: 53.3% (17th place)
• Poverty rate: 15.8% (11th place)
• Violent crime rate: 632.9 per 100 000 people (4th place)

Americans with lower incomes report less well-being. And in Tennessee the average annual household income is just over $ 48 500. A large proportion of state residents who (almost 17%) highlight the financial difficulties faced by many in the state.

When it comes to personal well-being, money is often less important than a strong sense of purpose. In Tennessee 64.1% of respondents have a leader in their lives that makes them enthusiastic about the future.  Adults in the state are also more likely than most to learn something new and enjoy their work on a daily basis.  

30. Maryland

• Residents who like what they do every day: 74.3% (22nd lowest)
• Residents with strong social relationships: 73,6% (9th lowest)
• Residents with almost perfect physical health: 55.2% (17th highest)
• Poverty rate: 9.7% (3rd lowest)
• Violent crime rate: 472.0 per 100 000 (11th highest)

The average household income is $ 78 945 per year in Maryland and is the highest state income in the country. Despite the high income, financial problems are also common in the state. Of the adults in the state, 34.1% worry about money weekly. The high cost of living can make life difficult for many people in the state. Goods and services are about 10% more expensive in Maryland than the national average. 

A bad sense of community further undermines the overall well-being throughout Maryland. Only 71.8% of the people in the States feel safe. This is the third lowest rate among states. However, only 62.1% of adults are proud of their community in the state.

31. Georgia

• Residents who like what they do every day: 73.6% (15th place)
• People with strong social relations: 74,8% (25th place)
• Residents with almost perfect physical health: 54.4% (24th place)
• Poverty rate: 16.0% (10th place)
• Violent crime rate: 397.6 per 100 000 (21st place)

Maintaining health can be critical to overall well-being. A relatively large proportion of Georgian residents do not take good care of themselves. Approximately 60% of respondents eat healthy food throughout the day. In addition, 18.8% of adults are smoke. Partially adults in Georgia are more likely to be overweight or obese than average American adults. They also tend to evaluate their own health as almost perfect.

Personal Finance also undermines the overall well-being of a relatively large proportion of Georgian residents. Of those surveyed, 17.5% report fighting for food.

32. Michigan

• Residents who like what they do every day: 73.1% (9th lowest)
• Residents with strong social relationships: 74.7 percent (22nd lowest)
• Residents with almost perfect physical health: 52.8% (16th lowest)
• Poverty rate: 15.0% (15th highest)
• Violent crime: 459,0 per 100 000 (13th highest)

A typical adult in Michigan is very similar to a typical adult across the country. However, when it comes to physical health, state adults are more likely to report lower well-being. About 1 in 5 respondents smoke, compared to 17.8% of the adult population. Adults in Michigan are also less likely to train regularly and are more likely to be obese than a typical American adult.

Cases of complaints of physical pain in Michigan have increased. For adults in the state who had high blood pressure, cancer or depression became higher than the corresponding U.S. shares.

33. Kansas

• Residents who like what they do every day: 74.9% (22nd highest)
• People with strong social relations: 74,4% (17th lowest)
• Residents with almost perfect physical health: 54.2% (25th lowest)
• Poverty rate: 12.1% (20th lowest)
• Violent crime: 380.4 per 100 000 persons (22 highest)

A typical Kansas household earns $ 54 935 per year. That's almost $ 3 000 less than the national median of $57 617. However, goods and services cost an average of 9.6% less in Kansas than across the country. Only 32.1% of adults in Kansas said they don't have enough money to do everything they want to do.

While Kansas residents report a relatively high degree of financial security, they have a weaker sense of social well-being than almost of other state. Only 69.7% of adults believe they have someone in their life who encourages them to be healthy.

34. Pennsylvania

• Residents who like what they do every day: 74.8% (24th highest)
• Residents with strong social relations: 75.4% (20th highest)
• Almost perfect physical health of residents: 54.6% (22nd highest)
• Poverty rate: 12.9% (23rd lowest)
• Violent crime: 316,4 per 100,000 (22nd lowest)

Maintaining good physical health can be critical to overall well-being. A relatively large proportion of adults in Pennsylvania are not particularly well-cared for themselves. For example, only 52.7% of adults exercise for at least half an hour three or more days a week. In addition, 19.2% smoke compared to 17.8% of the adult population across the country.

Pennsylvania residents are also less likely than most to have a good relationship with their community. About 62.6% of the respondents agreed that their city is an ideal place for them. Only 18.4% of survey respondents in Pennsylvania were recognized for helping the city or area where they live last year, the sixth-smallest proportion of any state.

35. Oregon

• Residents who like what they do every day: 73.4% (12th lowest)
• People with strong social relationships: 74,6% (21th lowest)
• Residents with almost perfect physical health: 51.6% (10th lowest)
• Poverty rate: 13.3% (24th highest)
• Violent crime rate: 264.6 per 100 000 (14th lowest)

Commitment is an important factor in overall well-being. In Oregon residents report a weaker sense of purpose than in any state other than Rhode Island. Only 65% of adults believe they can use their natural strengths on a daily basis. 54% agree that they know someone in a leadership role who makes them enthusiastic about their future.

Oregon residents also report a high level of financial insecurity. While a typical household in the state earns $ 57 532 a year, about 36% of adults regularly worry about money. Only 71% of adults are satisfied with the standard of living.

36. Illinois

• Residents who like what they do every day: 75.5% (15th highest)
• People with strong social relationships: 75.9 percent (15th highest)
• Residents with almost perfect physical health: 55.6% (15th highest)
• Poverty rate: 13.0% (24th lowest)
• Violent crime rate: 436.3 per 100 000 (16th highest)

A typical Illinois household earns $ 60 960 per year, Income being one of the major determinants of financial security. 45% of adults in the state believe that they have enough money to do whatever they want.

Illinois has a weaker relationship with its community than almost of other state. Only 57% of adults believe that the area where they live is the ideal place for them. Only 75% agree that they always feel safe. One of the factors that could undermine public relations was a violent crime. Chicago is one of the most dangerous cities in the country. And there were 436 violent crimes per 100 000 Illinois residents in 2016 across the state. This is one of the highest crime rates among the states.

37. South Carolina

• Residents who like what they do every day: 73.0% (8th lowest)
• Residents with strong social relations: 75.5% (19th highest)
• Residents with almost perfect physical health: 54.2% (23rd lowest)
• Poverty rate: 15.3% (14th highest)
• Violent crime: 501.8 per 100 000 (10th highest)

The typical household in South Carolina earns only $ 49 501 per year. That's $8 000 less than the national average household income of $57 617. Low incomes are likely to contribute to a sense of financial stress and insecurity. In South Carolina approximately 35% of the residents surveyed said they were constantly worried about money. 12% said they are not satisfied with their standard of living.

Only 60% of adults believe they eat healthy food all day. 23% do not believe that they feel active and productive on a daily basis. Statistics show that 405 out of every 100 000 South Carolina residents die before the age of 75.

38. Alabama

• Residents who like what they do every day: 73.2% (11th lowest)
• People with strong social relations: 74.3 percent (15th lowest)
• Residents with almost perfect physical health: 49.7% (6th lowest)
• Poverty rate: 17.1% (7th highest)
• Violent crime rate: 532.3 per 100,000 (7th highest)

Only 37.6% of respondents in the state agree that they have enough money to do whatever they want. About 1 in 10 Alabama households live on $ 10,000 or less per year, compared to 6.7% of American households. Low incomes are partly to blame for the financial insecurity of the people of Alabama. Poor physical health is also common in Alabama. The proportion of adults suffering from physical pain, high blood pressure, high cholesterol are among the largest in the country.

While Alabama lags behind most states in terms of overall well-being, the state's residents are not lacking in purpose. For example, 65, 2% of respondents in Alabama have a leader in their lives, which makes them enthusiastic about the future, well above the U.S. average of 59.5%.

39. Missouri

• Residents who like what they do every day: 73.1% (10th lowest)
• Residents with strong social relations: 75.9% (13th highest)
• Residents with almost perfect physical health: 54.4% (25th highest)
• Poverty rate: 14.0% (22nd highest)
• Violent crime rate: 519.4 per 100,000 (8th highest)

Only 54.2% of respondents in the state eat enough fruits and vegetables on a weekly basis. This is the fifth lowest rate among states. In addition, 53.6% of adults in the state receive enough exercise (that's slightly less than 55.0% of American adults across the country). Missouri residents are less likely to value their own health as almost perfect than a typical American adult.

In Missouri only 65.2% of adults use their strengths every day.  62.2% learn or do something interesting every day.

40. Delaware

• Residents who like what they do every day: 71.4% (4th lowest)
• Residents with strong social relations: 72.2% (3rd lowest)
• Residents with almost perfect physical health: 54.7% (20th highest)
• Poverty rate: 11.7% (16th lowest)
• Violent crime rate: 508.8 per 100,000 (9th highest)

A typical household Delaware earns $ 61,757 per year. That's $ 4,000 more than the national median. While high incomes tend to provide residents with a sense of financial security, adults in the state of Delaware report a higher degree of financial stress than almost any other state. About 36% of adults regularly worry about money. 13% are not satisfied with the standard of living.

Delaware residents also report much less community pride than the average American. Almost 60% of adults in Delaware are proud of their community. And only 73% always feel safe. One factor that disrupts the relationship between Delaware residents and their community may be the high level of violent crime in the state. In 2016 there were 509 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, the ninth highest rate in any state.

41. Rhode Island

• Residents who like what they do every day: 74.3% (24th lowest)
• Residents with strong social relations: 68.5% (the lowest)
• Residents with almost perfect physical health: 56.2% (14th highest)
• Poverty rate: 12.8% (22nd lowest)
• Violent crime rate: 238.9 per 100,000 (8th lowest)

Commitment is an essential component of personal well-being and no state is lower in purpose than Rhode Island. Only 50.8% of adults in the state have a leader in their lives that makes them feel enthusiastic about the future. Only 48.8% of respondents in the state achieved most of their goals last year. 60.4% say they learn or do something interesting every day.

Failure to fulfil social obligations can undermine the sense of purpose of the population. Only 69.9% of adults in the state receive positive energy from friends and family every day, the smallest proportion of any state.

42. Indiana

• Residents who like what they do every day: 73.9% (17th lowest)
• Residents with strong social relations: 76.2% (11th highest)
• Residents with almost perfect physical health: 51.4% (8th lowest)
• Poverty rate: 14.1% (21st highest)
• Violent crime rate: 404.7 per 100,000 (20th highest)

Only 62.2% of adults in the state are proud of their community. Only 18.4% of respondents in the state report received recognition for assistance in improving their city or community in the past year.

Physical health is also an important part of overall well-being. Only 51.4% of adults in the state assess their physical health as almost perfect. This is the eighth lowest rate among of states. Only 64.2% of adults in the state felt happy and productive during last week.

43. Nevada

• Residents who like what they do every day: 73.5% (13th lowest)
• Residents with strong social relations: 74.0% (12th lowest)
• Residents with almost perfect physical health: 50.7% (7th lowest)
• Poverty rate: 13.8% (23rd highest)
• Violent crime rate: 678.1 per 100,000 (3rd highest)

Only 59.4% of respondents are proud of their community. The pride of society across the state can be undermined by perceptions of danger. Only 69.5% of adults in the state always feel safe. Security concerns are not unfounded. There were 678 violent crimes committed for every 100,000 inhabitants in Nevada per year.

Well-being in Nevada is further undermined by fewer strong personal relationships. For example, only 71.9% of adults receive positive energy from friends and family daily, which is the fifth smallest share of any state.

44. Ohio

• Residents who like what they do every day: 71.8% (5th lowest)
• Residents with strong social relationship: 73.1% (7th lowest)
• Residents with almost perfect physical health: 52.0% (12th lowest)
• Poverty rate: 14.6% (18th highest)
• Violent crime rate: 300.3 per 100,000 (18th lowest)

A sense of purpose is perhaps the most important pillar of personal well-being, and a relatively large proportion of adults in Ohio are missing a sense of purpose. Only 71.8% of adults in the state love what they do every day. 64.4% daily use their strengths to realize their full potential.

Only 59.2% of respondents in the state agree that their community or city is the ideal place for them. Adults in Ohio are unlikely to make an effort to improve their neighborhoods. Only 17.3% of respondents in the Buckeye State received recognition last year for improving their community, the second lowest proportion of any state.

45. Kentucky

• Residents who like what they do every day: 70.6% (2nd lowest)
• Residents with strong social relations: 76.0% (12th highest)
• Residents with almost perfect physical health: 48.4% (3rd lowest)
• Poverty rate: 18.5% (4th highest)
• Violent crime rate: 232.3 per 100,000 (7th lowest)

In Kentucky only 70.6% of adults love what they do every day. 63.3% use their strengths to maximize their potential every day. A relatively weak sense of purpose may partially explain the prevalence of depression in the state. About 23% of respondents in Kentucky had depression in their lives, the fourth largest share of any state.

Many are likely to suffer from poor physical health. Only 48.4% of respondents in Kentucky rate their physical health as almost perfect. Also, 57.4% of adults in the state eat healthy food all day, that is the third smallest share of any state.

46. Oklahoma

• Residents who like what they do every day: 74.1% (18th lowest)
• Residents with strong social relationship: 74.8% (23rd lowest)
• Residents with almost perfect physical health: 47.7% (2nd lowest)
• Poverty rate: 16.3% (9th highest)
• Violent crime rate: 449.8 per 100,000 (14th highest)

More than 16% of Oklahoma's population live in poverty. Low incomes in Oklahoma may explain some negative results. Only 38.2% of adults in the state have enough money to do what they want, almost the lowest share across the country. In addition, 1 in every 5 respondents struggles to afford food.

Only 42.7% of respondents always spend time on regular holidays with family and friends, which is the least of any state. Only 71.2% of adults in the state receive positive energy from friends and family every day, which is the fourth lowest rate among states.

47. Mississippi

• Residents who like what they do every day: 69.8% (the lowest)
• Residents with strong social relationship: 71.4% (2nd lowest)
• Residents with almost perfect physical health: 51.4% (9th lowest)
• Poverty rate: 20.8% (the highest)
• Violent crime rate: 280.5 per 100,000 (15th lowest)

Poorer Americans are less likely than those with higher incomes to report high levels of personal well-being. 1 of 5 people live below the poverty line. Mississippi is the poorest state in the country.  About 23% of respondents said that they have difficulty in getting enough money for food.

Many residents of Mississippi also lack of purpose. This is the only state in the country where less than 70% of respondents said they like what they do every day. It is also one of three states where less than half of adults have achieved most of their goals in the past year.

48. Arkansas

• Residents who like what they do every day: 71.9% (6th lowest)
• Residents with strong social relationship: 74.6% (20th lowest)
• Residents with almost perfect physical health: 48.6% (4th lowest)
• Poverty rate: 17.2% (6th highest)
• Violent crime rate: 550.9 per 100,000 (6th highest)

Arkansas residents have the worst health indicators in the country. For example, 31% of adults in the state do not exercise. 32% were forced to abstain from their normal activities for more than two days due to poor health. Across the country, only 26.0% of Americans missed their regular activities due to poor health. In addition, 39% of adults had high blood pressure at some point in their life, 15% have diabetes.

49. Louisiana

• Residents who like what they do every day: 71.9% (7th lowest)
• Residents with strong social relationship: 73.3% (8th lowest)
• Residents with almost perfect physical health: 52.6% (15th lowest)
• Poverty rate: 20.2% (2nd highest)
• Violent crime rate: 566.1 per 100,000 (5th highest)

55.4% of adults believe that the area where they live is an ideal place for them. Less than 60% of adults always feel safe. A broken sense of security may be partly due to the high crime rate in the area. In 2016 there were 566 violent and 3298 property crimes per 100,000 Louisiana residents. This is the fifth and the fourth-highest of any state.

Louisiana residents also report the weakest sense of financial security, except for Mississippi. More than 1 in 5 people in the state lives in poverty, which is the second highest level of poverty in the country.

50. West Virginia

• Residents who like what they do every day: 71.3% (3rd lowest)
• Residents with strong social relationship: 74.6% (18th lowest)
• Residents with almost perfect physical health: 47.4% (the lowest)
• Poverty rate: 17.9% (5th highest)
• Violent crime rate: 358.1 per 100,000 (24th lowest)

For the ninth year in a row, West Virginia residents reported low welfare in 2017.  A typical West Virginia household earns just $ 43,385 per year. That's $ 14,000 less than the national average income of $57,617. Even adjusted for the low cost of living (goods and services cost an average of 11% less in the state than across the country), West Virginia has the second lowest average household income in the country. About 21% of adults believe that they do not have enough money for food.

In West Virginia, 28% of adults smoke and 29% don't do sports except get up and go to work. The state has the highest rates of high blood pressure, diabetes, depression and heart attack. Only 47% of adults believe that they have almost perfect physical health.

Methodology

To determine America's happiest and most worthless states, 24/7 wall Street analyzed the results of the Gallup-Sharecare welfare index. States were ranked on the basis of their overall assessment of the welfare index. The results of the Gallup poll were compared with other socio-economic data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the FBI, and other sources. Data on income were taken from the census Bureau (based on the survey of American communities 2016)². Unemployment data came from the Bureau of labor statistics³ and is the average for 2017. Data on regional price parity came from the Bureau of economic statistics⁴ for 2016. Data on violent crimes and property crimes came from the FBI's Single 2016 crime report. Data on insufficient physical activity, access to places of physical activity, premature mortality came from the 2017 edition of County Health Rankings & Roadmaps⁵. All data for the last available period.

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