Massachusetts Is 2024’s 10th Happiest State in America
Massachusetts is officially one of the happiest states in the U.S. for 2024, landing the 10th spot in WalletHub’s latest ranking. So, what’s the secret to all this joy? A little bit of everything!
WalletHub analyzed 30 different happiness factors across all 50 states. We’re talking everything from how much sleep you’re getting to how secure you feel. And guess what? The Bay State is doing pretty well.
Here’s how Massachusetts measures up:
- 24th for the percentage of depressed adults. Room for improvement, but not terrible!
- 9th for adequate sleep. Snoozing your way to happiness, clearly.
- 2nd for low suicide rates. That’s huge and a sign people are getting the support they need.
- 5th for work-life balance. Turns out, fewer hours at the office equals more joy.
- 10th for separation and divorce rates. Seems like love is alive and well here.
- 14th for income growth. More money, fewer problems.
- 5th for safety. We love a state where you can feel secure strolling around.
- 30th for adults feeling active and productive. Okay, maybe we need a little more pep in our step.
Experts say the key to happiness isn’t just external factors like money or safety. Sure, those matter, but meaningful relationships and a strong sense of purpose go a long way too. A Harvard study that spanned 85 years backs this up. Building connections and having a sense of self are what keep us smiling through the ups and downs.
Meaningful relationships and social connections are perhaps the most important ingredients for a happy life, according to an 85-year-long study recently published by Harvard researchers Waldinger and Schulz (2022).
“This is not surprising, given what we know about the ways we develop and are motivated to develop over time. From the benefits of establishing secure attachments when we are infants and toddlers to our quests for not only individual identities but also acceptance into social identities, human beings are driven by connections that generate emotional and physical security.
“When you know who you are, have awareness of what it is that you need, and are not driven by comparison to determine your own value, you can have a much more fulfilling life,” said Buffie Longmire-Avital, Ph.D..
Despite all the stressors in life—looking at you, election season and rising costs—Massachusetts is hanging in there.
So, if you’re lucky enough to live here, give yourself a high five! We’re doing pretty well in the happiness department, and that’s something to be happy about.
