North Dakota is full of exciting opportunities, and a new study suggests because of it, we are also the happiest state in the entire country. In Gallup's 'State of the States' data for 2013, North Dakota landed at number one for overall well-being with a score of 70.4 over the national average of 66.2 (on a scale of 0-100). ND rose from 19th overall in 2012 and ascended to the top to bump reigning champ Hawaii as the happiest state.

The score reflects the overall health, employment, education and local environment of the state. According to the data, more than 9 in 10 adults were satisfied with their jobs in 2013. With the lowest unemployment rate in the nation, it's no wonder North Dakota landed at the top of the list.

Gallup Well-Being
The states ranked by their overall well-being (Gallup Healthways Well-Being Index)
loading...

Top 10 States in Overall Well-Being:

  1. North Dakota: 70.4
  2. South Dakota: 70.0
  3. Nebraska: 69.7
  4. Minnesota: 69.7
  5. Montana: 69.3
  6. Vermont: 69.1
  7. Colorado:68.9
  8. Hawaii: 68.4
  9. Washington: 68.3
  10. Iowa: 68.2

Bottom 10 States in Overall Well-Being:

  • West Virginia: 61.4
  • Kentucky: 63.0
  • Mississippi: 63.7
  • Alabama: 64.1
  • Ohio: 64.2
  • Arkansas: 64.3
  • Tennessee: 64.3
  • Missouri: 64.5
  • Oklahoma: 64.7
  • Louisiana: 64.9

Here's how North Dakota scored in other areas:

  • Life Expectancy - 79.5 years (tied for 18th highest)
  • Percent Obese - 26% (24th lowest)
  • Median Household Income - $53,585 (19th highest)
  • Percentage with a High School Diploma - 91.7% (tied for 5th highest)

The Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index is based on interviews with more than 178,000 people from all 50 states in 2013. They measured six different areas, including life evaluation, emotional health, work environment, physical health, healthy behaviors, and access to basic necessities.

More From US 103-3