Money makes little difference in a person’s overall happiness, according to a study by the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
The scientific journal’s study of more than 450,000 U.S. residents shows “high income improves evaluation of life,” and that money does aid in an increase of happiness up to $75,000, but after that, it doesn't much matter. The study also indicates low income increases emotional pain and says it is associated with “misfortunes such as divorce, ill health and being alone.”
Emotional well-being “refers to the emotional quality of an individual’s everyday experience,” the study says. That includes the “frequency and intensity of experiences of joy, fascination, anxiety, sadness, anger and affection that make one’s life pleasant or unpleasant.”
In an annual Gallup-Healthways poll, which measures well-being around the globe, “there was a 10-percentage-point gap globally between the highest and lowest income brackets.”
Personal finance experts at Wallet Hub identified which states are the happiest, considering emotional health, income levels, sports participation rates and other indicators.
It found the 10 happiest states to be:
10. Idaho
9. South Dakota
8. Hawaii
7. Iowa
6. Wyoming
5. Nebraska
4. Colorado
3. North Dakota
2. Minnesota
1. Utah
The 10 least happiest on Wallet Hub’s list:
51. West Virginia
50. Alabama
49. Mississippi
48. Arkansas
47. Kentucky
46. Tennessee
45. Rhode Island
44. Ohio
43. Michigan
42. Indiana
Go here for a full list and to see well-being and work ranks.
