Sunshine State Ranks Low in Happiness
Posted September 25, 2014 06:45 am
TALLAHASSEE, FL - Florida's nickname may be the "Sunshine State," but that feeling might not always extend to the folks who live here.
The state ranks 36th when it comes to "happiness," according to an analysis by WalletHub. Researchers looked at state-specific figures about income, health, divorce rates and other factors to come up with the list.
Florida
gets low marks for its low rate of volunteerism and high
divorce rate, but nice weather and recreation kept the
state from hitting the bottom of the list, said Jill
Gonzalez,
WalletHub spokesperson.
"Florida had a very high weather ranking on its side,
along with a high number of attractions," she said, "so
that's why you'll see it just beyond the middle of the
pack.
Utah, Minnesota and North Dakota ranked at the top of
the list and - perhaps since misery loves company - our
neighbors Mississippi and Alabama are among the "least
happy" states, along with West Virginia, according to
the analysis.
Health and economic issues both are weighing heavy on
Florida, according to Gonzalez.
"Florida, for instance, had a very high prevalence of
heart attacks last year," she said, "and ranked as the
worst state as far as income growth over the last five
years."
As for the theory that money can't buy happiness,
Gonzalez said that's generally correct, based on the
results of this analysis.
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