The Happiest States: Midwest is Happy But Illinois is Not

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How happy are you as we kick off 2021? That truly is a loaded question, I know. So let's break down this "happy" thing state by state.

From our friends at Zippia here are the top ten HAPPIEST states in all of the country:

1. Utah
2. Montana
3. Wisconsin
4. Nebraska
5. Hawaii
6. South Dakota
7. Minnesota
8. Iowa
9. Wyoming
10. New Jersey

So wait a minute, Iowa is happy...Wiconsin in happy, Minnesota is happy, but what about Illinois? Turns out Illinois comes in at #33 on the happy state list. Here is how the list was put together. State by state they looked at:

• Depression Rates
• Household Income
• Commute Length
• Unemployment 
• Marriage Rate 
• Hours Worked

According to the research, married people are much happier than unmarried. There's that whole mental health thing.

Other states worth mentioning when it comes to a happiness ranking:

• California #23
• Texas #36
• Florida #44
• Nevada #34
• Alaska #26

So people are happier living in Alaska, than people are living in Illinois. But people are happier in Illinois than in Florida? I get happier in sunny states, the depression fades away with that big ball of heat above me.

Happiness is indeed contagious. As 2021 develops and hopefully gets "healthier," maybe this whole happiness thing will change. I'm thinking bars and restaurants FULLY opening back up, will bring some smiles. Oh and concerts, for sure concerts.