America's Happiest and Healthiest States

Explaining the Data

Every year, Gallup and Healthways combine forces to create a well-being index for the US. While health is fairly objective, happiness is harder to quantify. The index is based on 6 parameters: life evaluation (present/anticipated situation), emotional health, work environment, physical health, healthy behavior and basic access (feeling safe, satisfied and optimistic within a community).

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Review Date: 
March 17, 2014

Citation: 
Last Updated:
July 1, 2014