This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2014, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
We all know Utah is home to the Happy Valley, but according to a new study by consumer information site Wallet Hub, the entire state could go by that moniker.
Based on 26 metrics that fell under three broader categories — emotional and physical well-being, work and community, environment and recreational activities —Utah ranked the happiest state in the Union. West Virginia came in last.
"Apart from financial security, a pleasant state of being also depends on one's mental and physical health, job situation, experience of positive feelings, environment, social connections and general outlook on life," wrote Richie Bernardo, a financial writer for Wallet Hub.
Here are some of Utah's rankings. For a complete list of the rankings, click here.
Happiness in Utah (1=Best; 25=Avg.)
Satisfaction Index • 3rd
Hedonometer Score • 4th
Physical Health Index • 4th
Life Expectancy • 10th
Income Level • 1st
Work Hours • 1st
Commute Time • 10th
Income Growth Rate • 12th
Divorce Rate • 1st
—Sheena McFarland
Twitter: @sheena5427