So, which state do you think is the happiest? Surprise -- Utah! Maybe that magic underwear that all those Mormons wear not only helps them get into heaven but makes them happier, too! The citizens of Utah averaged 69.2 points on the 100 point happiness scale, beating Hawaii (68.2) by a full point. Now, happiness in Hawaii, that makes sense. But number three is another surprise, at least to my way of thinking -- Wyoming! Yee hah! In fact, six of the top ten states are Western states.
The unhappiest state? West Virginia, followed closely by Kentucky. I guess having a meth lab in your double-wide doesn't necessarily make you happy. Fewer teeth and increased paranoia, yes. More happiness, no.
Why are the denizens of the Western states so joyful and jolly? The researchers identified three factors that most of the happiest states share:
* Greater wealth
* Higher levels of education
* More tolerance
1) Greater wealth. Time and time again happiness researchers have been quick to point out that wealthier people aren't necessarily happier people, so what gives? Well, it's not the wealth itself that creates happiness but what the wealth can accomplish. Wealthier states can afford better infrastructure. Things like better roads, more parks, higher levels of social service and superior community enhancements. Furthermore, on an individual level wealthier people get better health care and are on the whole healthier, and thus happier, than their poorer, sicker counterparts.
2) Higher levels of education. One of my favorite definitions of education comes from Ralph Tyler who said, "You can tell you're being educated if your options are increasing." Better educated people have more options when it comes to life choices. They can be more true to their individual likes, dislikes and preferences. They know themselves and their world better, and so can make more fulfilling choices. Finally, like wealthier people, better educated folks are healthier because they take better care of themselves and get better health care.
3) More tolerance. Most of the happiest states are tolerant states. Citizens feel freer to express themselves there. Other than Utah, and perhaps Wyoming, all of the top ten happiest states have a greater percentage of bohemians than your average, less happy state. Happier states, on the whole, welcome artists, gays, and foreign born individuals, and support, or at least tolerate, their out-of-the-ordinary behaviors and lifestyles.
Finally, one important factor that happy states tested particularly low on -- neuroticism. Highest on the neuroticism scale? You guessed it, West Virginia & Kentucky! Followed closely by Mississippi. Hmmm, do we see a pattern here? High tolerance, low neuroticism. Low tolerance, high neuroticism. Sure makes both logical and intuitive sense.
So, should we all pack up the Volvo and move to Utah? Not so fast. While geography may have some influence upon your overall level of happiness,especially if you're of a bohemian bent, we can also individually apply the lessons learned form this research.
Make enough money to follow your dreams and get good health care. Pursue education, both formally and informally, and take advantage of your increasing options. Tolerate, or better yet, support, those who believe, act, and live differently than you do, as long as they aren't infringing upon your rights. And, oh yeah, take a pass on any neurotic tendencies you might have.
The bottom line is that you can be happy anywhere. Wealth, education, and tolerance might just increase your odds some. And living around others who also exhibit these three qualities might even up your odds a bit more. But moving to Utah, let's not get drastic!
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