Is Arizona actually happy? How it ranked in new study

If you live in Arizona, you are more likely to find happiness than people in most states, according to a recent study.

WalletHub's annual Happiest States in America report ranked all 50 states using metrics tied to emotional and physical well-being, work environment, financial security and community life. Hawaii earned the top spot, followed by New Jersey, Utah, Idaho and Maryland.

The report comes as Americans continue to report lower levels of satisfaction with their lives. Citing Gallup data, WalletHub noted that fewer than half of Americans say they are "very satisfied" with their lives. Gallup reported that personal satisfaction has declined continuously since January 2020, when the measure peaked at 65%.

To find where in the U.S. happiness

is more likely to be achieved despite these widespread challenges, the study analyzed which states provide the best quality of life across different areas, including health, finances, employment, safety and social connections.

Even though Arizona did not make the cut for the top five, or even the top 10, it still ranked high compared with most states.

Here's the full list of the happiest states in America, including where Arizona lands, according to WalletHub.

Are people likely to be happy in Arizona?

Arizona ranked as the 17th happiest state in the U.S., according to WalletHub.

The Grand Canyon State performed best in the community and environment category, ranking No. 13. WalletHub's measures for the category included leisure time, weather, safety, divorce rates and volunteer rates.

Arizona also ranked No. 16 in emotional and physical well-being. The category included measures such as career well-being, adult depression rates and the share of adults who feel productive.

The state's overall ranking was pulled down by its performance in the work environment category, where Arizona ranked No. 33. WalletHub considered factors including average work hours, commute time and financial anxiety in this category.

The happiest states in America ranked

According to WalletHub, here's where all 50 states ranked when it comes to happiness:

1. Hawaii
2. New Jersey
3. Utah
4. Idaho
5. Maryland
6. Nebraska
7. Connecticut
8. Minnesota
9. California
10. New Hampshire
11. New York
12. North Dakota
13. Massachusetts
14. North Carolina
15. South Carolina
16. Virginia
17. Arizona
18. Georgia
19. Washington
20. Iowa
21. Florida
22. Vermont
23. Kansas
24. South Dakota
25. Pennsylvania
26. Illinois
27. Wisconsin
28. Delaware
29. Rhode Island
30. Montana
31. Missouri
32. Nevada
33. Indiana
34. Maine
35. Texas
36. Colorado
37. Mississippi
38. Michigan
39. Ohio
40. Oklahoma
41. Tennessee
42. Oregon
43. Wyoming
44. New Mexico
45. Alabama
46. Kentucky
47. Alaska
48. Arkansas
49. Louisiana
50. West Virginia

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Is Arizona actually happy? How it ranked in new study