Ohio again ranks among unhappiest states in America in WalletHub analysis

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – Ohio has again ranked among the unhappiest states in the country, according to a recent WalletHub study. 

The personal finance company examined all 50 states across 30 key metrics to determine which states have the happiest and unhappiest residents. Metrics included depression, suicide and unemployment rates, along with the percentage of residents who reported career satisfaction, good physical health and social well-being. 

The study, which was released last week, sourced data from a variety of government agencies, nonprofit organizations, academic institutions and private companies. 

The report ranked Ohio as the 13th unhappiest state in the country, due to its struggle with high rates of inadequate sleep and depression, along with financial and job-related pressures, WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo said. 

"Ohio continues to rank among the unhappiest states largely because of its weak performance in both emotional and physical well-being, in addition to its work environment,” Lupo told NBC4. 

However, in the most recent ranking residents reported increased happiness compared with WalletHub’s 2024 study, when Ohio placed as the 11th unhappiest state in the country. 

“The improvement stems from gains in its community and environment ranking, where Ohio jumped from 36th to 22nd,” Lupo said. “This suggests that stronger community ties, more supportive relationships or modest improvements in leisure and safety offsets some of the state’s economic and emotional challenges.”

West Virginia ranked as the least happy state in the country, with the study finding residents struggle with high rates of depression and inadequate sleep. The Mountain State was followed by Louisiana, Arkansas, Alabama and Alaska. 

Hawaii ranked as the happiest state in the nation, with residents reporting the highest levels of life satisfaction and the state boasting the second-lowest depression rate. The Aloha State was followed by Maryland, Nebraska, New Jersey and Connecticut. 

WalletHub’s full study can be found here.