Iowa has Been Named One of the Happiest States in America

Iowans now have another reason to smile! We were ranked in the top ten happiest states in America!

According to a new study from WalletHub, Iowa is the 8th happiest state in the U.S.  They used 31 "key metrics" to determine their rankings, including sleep rates, work hours, income growth, divorce rates, and shares of depression. In the three overall categories, Iowa came in 18th for "Work Environment," 11th for "Community & Environment," and 8th for "Emotional & Physical Well-Being." Iowa also ranked fourth for "Highest Adequate-Sleep Rate" and third for "Lowest Long-Term Unemployment Rank." Not too shabby!

There are a few states that beat us, though. The top five happiest states in America are:

1. Hawaii (shocking!)
2. Utah
3. Minnesota
4. North Dakota
5. California

The unhappiest states in the nation include:

1. West Virginia
2. Arkansas
3. Louisiana
4. Alaska
5. Oklahoma

More proof that the Midwest is awesome? I think so! Check out the full rankings for all 50 states HERE.

[Via WalletHub]