Ohio among least happy states in country, study finds

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – Ohio is among the unhappiest states in the country, according to a study by WalletHub. 

The personal finance company examined all 50 states across 30 key metrics to determine which states had the happiest – and unhappiest – residents. Metrics include depression, suicide and unemployment rates, as well as the percentage of residents who report career satisfaction, good physical health and social well-being. 

When it came to the unhappiest states, Ohio ranked at No. 11. Residents struggle with getting enough sleep, according to the study, and have a lower life expectancy than the national average. The study also ranked Ohio poorly when it comes to residents' emotional well-being.

The least happy state was Louisiana, followed by Arkansas, West Virginia, Tennessee, New Mexico, Alaska, Alabama, Oklahoma, Mississippi and Kentucky. 

The website ranked Hawaii as the happiest state in the country. The Aloha State has the lowest rate of depression and the highest life expectancy in the nation, according to WalletHub.  

Hawaii was followed by Maryland, New Jersey, Utah, Delaware, Minnesota, Connecticut, Idaho, Nebraska and Massachusetts.