South Dakota: Home to the happiest, healthiest people
Feb. 14, 2018
South Dakota is the happiest, healthiest state in America, according to the annual Gallup-Sharecare State of American Well-Being Rankings.
The report measures how people feel about these five elements:
- Purpose: Liking what you do each day and being motivated to achieve your goals.
- Social: Having supportive relationships and love in your life.
- Financial: Managing your economic life to reduce stress and increase security.
- Community: Liking where you live, feeling safe and having pride in your community.
- Physical: Having good health and enough energy to get things done daily.
South Dakota scored 64.1 out of 100 points, barely edging out Vermont, which had the same score through rounding.
South Dakota was helped by its top rank in purpose well-being and was also in the top five for financial and community well-being.
Overall well-being declined nationally last year, as the index dropped from 62.1 to 61.5.