New York’s Ranking Plummets in Latest “Happiest States” Study

Something happened to make New Yorkers way more miserable than last year. Why??

Pop culture loves to depict New Yorkers as jerks with lots of attitude. We're seen as the burnt out 9-to-5 workers who are borderline umbilical with our coffee and cellphones.

Turns out, this stereotype is a lot more accurate than ever before and the reason why may surprise you.

WalletHub issued its annual survey of the "happiest states" and New York's ranking took a mighty tumble over the past 12 months.

The Empire State was ranked the 16th happiest state in 2023 and even outperformed Rhode Island, Oregon, Vermont, Georgia, and Maine.

So, how did New York do this year?  WalletHub says our happiness level is going down since we dropped to 23rd place.

The study ranked states based on several key factors: like depression rates, the percentage of adults who feel fulfilled, and the unemployment rate.

States were ten compared across three different factors: Emotional & Physical Well-Being, Work Environment, and Community & Environment.

New York finished seventh in the first category, 42nd in the second, and 46th in the third category.

New York's ranking suffered because it had the 2nd highest long-term unemployment rate in America, which impacts mental health and finances.

On a positive note, WalletHub also found New York has the 5th lowest percentage of depressed adults per capita and the third-lowest suicide rate in the nation, which is a huge accomplishment that reflects the hard work and effort advocates put into saving lives.

New York's Suicide Prevention Center works around the clock to help those dealing with mental crises.

Read More: Does NY Have the "Most Annoying" Sports Fans in America?

Suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the United States, according to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. In 2021, AFSP said nearly 50,000 Americans died by suicide.

If you are in crisis or know someone in crisis, contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988, by calling 1-800-273-TALK (8255), or by visiting 988lifeline.org. You can also contact the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741.

Another "Happiest States" Survey Says Good Things about New York

A recent survey by Gunther Kia commissioned 3,000 experienced roadtrippers to share their honest feedback about all the states they've visited and placed New York among the top 5 sweetest states.

The Empire State scored an impressive score of 7.3 out of 10, which is a mere fraction away from the nation's most welcoming state, Missouri.

Ironically, the state that has a reputation for being kind, sun-kissed and a little vapid was actually voted the meanest state. Great job, California!

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