DETROIT – The annual Well-Being Index from Gallup shows Americans have reported almost no improvement in happiness levels in the past five years. Hawaii did rank highest among the happiest states in 2012 for the 4th year in a row. The survey reflects the physical and emotional health of residents in all 50 states.
West Virginia remains stuck at the bottom of the list, this year ranking as the most-miserable state on the nation. It scored last in the categories of life evaluation, emotional health, and physical health. The state also had the second-lowest median income in the U.S., and the second-worst life expectancy.
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Ranking just above West Virginia, and rounding out the bottom five states, were (46) Arkansas, (47) Tennessee, (48) Mississippi, (49) Kentucky.
Happier States
Back at the top of the list, Hawaii performed better than any other state. It's residents report being generally happier with their lives, and they're more optimistic. Life expectancy in Hawaii is 81.5 years, the best in the country.
Following Hawaii are No. 2 Colorado, No. 3 Minnesota, No. 4 Utah and No. 6 Vermont.
Where's Michigan?
Our home state of Michigan is lagging behind 35 other states, coming in at No. 36. Residents more likely to report physical problems and high levels of stress. Two of our neighboring Midwestern states didn't do much better. Illinois ranked 28th and Indiana fell a few spots below Michigan in 42nd Place.