Vermont demonstrated measurable progress in overall quality of life, securing the 22nd position nationwide in WalletHub’s 2026 Happiest States in America report. While the Green Mountain State rose notably compared to its standing in the previous year, its final placement ultimately kept it outside the nation's top 10 happiest states.
The result marks an improvement for Vermont, which had occupied the 29th spot in the 2025 version of the rankings. By jumping seven spots in a single year, the state reflected growing momentum across several environmental, community, and occupational benchmarks, even as challenges in specific health metrics constrained a higher overall finish.
The release of the study comes against a backdrop of widespread economic uncertainty across the country. Citing survey findings from Gallup, WalletHub emphasized that only 44% of Americans currently report being "very satisfied" with their lives. The report pointed out that personal well-being is shaped by an interconnected array of conditions, including physical health, steady employment, meaningful social connections, and financial stability.
At the very top of the 2026 happiness evaluation, Hawaii secured the No. 1 spot in the country. Following closely behind were New Jersey in second place, Utah in third, Idaho in fourth, and Maryland finishing in fifth.
The remainder of the top 10 featured Nebraska at No. 6, Connecticut at No. 7, Minnesota at No. 8, California at No. 9, and Vermont’s regional neighbor New Hampshire at No. 10. Additional East Coast states placed nearby in the upper tiers, including New York at No. 11 and Massachusetts at No. 13.
Vermont’s 22nd-place ranking placed it directly behind Florida at No. 21 and just ahead of Kansas at No. 23. Other states distributed across the middle tier of the study included Iowa at No. 20, South Dakota at No. 24, Pennsylvania at No. 25, Illinois at No. 26, Wisconsin at No. 27, Delaware at No. 28, and Rhode Island at No. 29.
To establish the relative happiness of all 50 states, WalletHub evaluated dozens of indicators organized under primary categories: emotional and physical well-being, work environment, and community and environment. The evaluation incorporated factors spanning health outcomes, personal finances, employment rates, local safety, interpersonal relationships, and available leisure time.
Vermont showed particular strength in community life and workplace dynamics. The state placed 7th overall in the community and environment category and secured the No. 9 spot for its work environment. Conversely, its overall ranking was moderated by a weaker showing in emotional and physical well-being, where the state fell to No. 31.
Despite its lower placement in the physical and emotional category, Vermont led the nation across several individual measurements. The state finished first in the country for adequate-sleep rate, first for sports participation rate, and first overall for safety.
The state also posted standout results regarding work-life balance and job market conditions. Vermont recorded the second-fewest mean work hours nationwide. In addition, it tied with South Dakota, Hawaii, and Montana for the second-lowest long-term unemployment rate in the country.
The report also framed the findings alongside broader demographic data from the U.S. Census Bureau. Home to municipalities such as Burlington, Montpelier, and Stowe, Vermont had an estimated population of 644,600 as of July 2025. The state counted approximately 273,400 households with an average of 2.28 persons per household, while the median household income between 2020 and 2024 was recorded at $81,203.
Explaining the foundation of the rankings, WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo noted that the most successful states are those that provide an above-average quality of life across multiple areas. Lupo stated that top-performing regions typically combine strong local economies and excellent physical and mental healthcare systems with ample leisure time and favorable weather conditions.
Lupo also commented on the connection between material wealth and personal contentment. He noted that while having sufficient financial resources to live comfortably is essential for well-being, earning money beyond that threshold does not necessarily expand happiness as effectively as having fulfilling hobbies, strong relationships, and meaningful paths for personal growth.
At the opposite end of the 50-state evaluation, West Virginia ranked as the least happy state at No. 50, preceded by Louisiana at No. 49, Arkansas at No. 48, Alaska at No. 47, and Kentucky at No. 46. Other lower-ranking states near the bottom included Alabama at No. 45, New Mexico at No. 44, Wyoming at No. 43, Oregon at No. 42, and Tennessee at No. 41.
Through its nation-leading safety marks, high physical activity, low long-term unemployment, and manageable work hours, Vermont advanced solidly from its 2025 standing. Although lagging well-being indicators kept it from joining the top 10, the Green Mountain State reinforced its position comfortably in the top half of the national index.
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