Unexpectedly, Texas didn’t come in first place in a recent study that ranked the happiest states in the US.
Not only was Texas not the happiest state among the fifty, but we ranked 38th, near the bottom of the pack. What the heck? Texas’s official state slogan is “beautiful, loaded with cool stuff to do, lots to brag about, and so friendly.” In the “lone star state,” what’s not to love?
Wallethub used a wide range of variables from multiple important areas to conduct the poll.
We evaluated those dimensions using 30 relevant metrics, which are listed below with their corresponding weights. Each metric was graded on a 100-point scale, with a score of 100 representing maximum happiness.
Finally, we determined each state’s weighted average across all metrics to calculate its overall score and used the resulting scores to rank-order our sample. – wallethub
A perfect 100 indicates that everyone is as content as they ought to be, echoing Clark Griswold’s line from “Vacation” and making everybody laugh uncontrollably. (Warning: that link is really offensive.)
Hawaii was nowhere near 100, so it’s something that even residents of the happiest state in the country can’t manage to accomplish. (68.71). They were the best, and Texas, with a 45.56, finished in 38th position.
How in the world did we get down there? Hawaii may have stunning beaches, but Texas has it all: marshes, mountains, woodlands, deserts, and beaches in addition to a robust economy and a ton of other big things. It’s beyond me.
In terms of the southwest, Arizona came in 25th place with a score of 52.13, easily defeating us.
How did a state with vast, uninhabited areas, lethal heat, poisonous reptiles, and limited water manage to defeat us? Yes, there is the Grand Canyon, but it is not without its drawbacks.
Positively, nevertheless, we outperformed our northern neighbor. Nearly last, New Mexico finished at #46 with a score of 40.82.
You’d think they’d be the ones whistling with all the cannabis they’re selling.