WalletHub: New Jersey ranks 4th happiest state in 2025, down from 3rd last year

NEW JERSEY — New Jersey is the nation’s 4th happiest state in 2025, according to a new study from personal-finance website WalletHub, dropping one spot from its 3rd-place ranking in 2024.

The report comes as only 44% of Americans say they are “very satisfied” with their personal lives. WalletHub compared all 50 states across 30 indicators of happiness, including depression rates, income growth, productivity, and unemployment rates.

The study aims to measure where residents are most satisfied with life, using factors tied to both personal well-being and economic conditions.

Happiness in New Jersey (1=Happiest; 25=Avg.):

• Overall Rank: 4^th
• 1^st – % of Depressed Adults
• 1^st – Suicide Rate
• 13^th – Number of Work Hours
• 38^th – Volunteer Rate
• 2^nd – Separation & Divorce Rate
• 17^th – Safety
• 13^th – Share of Adults Feeling Active & Productive