A recent national report suggests that where a person lives may play a larger role in overall happiness than many realize — and for Maryland residents, the news is especially positive. According to a new analysis from WalletHub, Maryland ranks among the happiest states in America, placing #3 nationwide based on key indicators linked to emotional well-being, community strength, and economic stability.
WalletHub’s study compared 30 measurable factors across all 50 states to determine where Americans experience the highest levels of life satisfaction. These indicators included metrics such as depression rates, emotional and physical wellness, income growth, unemployment, and how productive adults feel in their daily lives. The report highlights that happiness is shaped by a combination of personal circumstances, social environment, and economic conditions.
The personal-finance site noted that, especially in 2023, Americans have struggled under financial pressure. High inflation has had a measurable impact on mental health, with over 75% of adults reporting that rising prices have caused “very” or “somewhat” high stress levels. Additionally, only about half of Americans say they feel highly satisfied with their personal lives.
Despite nationwide challenges, Marylanders appear to be faring significantly better than residents in most other states. With an overall score of 64.62, Maryland ranked:
✅ #4 in Work Environment
✅ #5 in Community & Environment
✅ #8 in Emotional & Physical Well-Being
The report also highlights that Maryland ranks #4 for lowest rates of adult depression and suicide, suggesting stronger statewide mental-health resilience compared to many other regions.
Neighboring Virginia also performed well, landing at #14 with an overall score of 57.69. Virginia scored highly in Work Environment (#8) but ranked lower in Community & Environment.
At the very top of the list, Utah and Hawaii claimed the #1 and #2 spots, respectively, known for strong community engagement and exceptional overall well-being.
