Kentucky named one of the least happy states, according to report

HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) – If you're happy and you know it, then your driver's license may not say you live in the Bluegrass State, according to a new WalletHub study. Analysts at WalletHub looked at 30 key metrics, including adult depression rates, unemployment rates and safety, to determine the happiest places to live in the United States. The happiest state overall was determined to be Hawaii, but the highest state ranking for emotional and physical well-being was New Jersey. Utah was the highest ranked state for metrics involving work environment and community. The data collected also included bad news for John Denver fans, with West Virginia being named the least happy state. In the Tri-State, Kentucky was named the fifth most unhappy state, and had the second highest rate of adult depression just behind West Virginia. Illinois was placed near the middle of the rankings as the 26th happiest state, but tied with New York for the third highest rate of long-term unemployment. 'A happy life is built on meaningful relationships, a sense of purpose, personal growth, good health and enough autonomy to make choices that reflect your values,' said University of Central Oklahoma associate professor Abbie Lambert. 'People can support their mental healthy by finding work that feels meaningful, provides sufficient time to pursue meaningful activities outside of work, or, ideally, offers both.'