Nevada Isn’t Necessarily a ‘Happy’ Place to Live, Report Claims
Posted on: September 8, 2025, 02:48h.
Last updated on: September 8, 2025, 03:05h.
- Nevada ranks poorly in a new study on the happiest states
- Nevada ranked 40th in overall happiness
- Nevada’s high unemployment weighed heavily
If happiness is what you’re seeking, Nevada might not be the place for you.
With the highest rate of gambling addiction in the United States, paired with one of the nation’s highest unemployment rates, it should come as little surprise that new research finds Nevadans aren’t overly happy. WalletHub, an online personal finance website, ranks Nevada 40th among the 50 states in its list of the “Happiest States in America.”
Using three key dimensions — emotional and physical well-being, work environment, and community and environment — WalletHub compared each state using 30 relevant metrics. Nevada was given an overall score of 44.82 out of a possible score of 100 points.
“In addition to pursuing your passions, having a good work-life balance and maintaining an emotional support network, another key way to boost your happiness is living in the right place. The happiest states are those that provide above-average quality of life in a wide variety of areas, from strong state economies and high-quality physical and mental health care to adequate amounts of leisure time and good weather,” said Chip Lupo, a WalletHub analyst.
Nevada ranked 40th in emotional and physical well-being and 44th in work environment. The Silver State’s abundance of natural parks and nearly 300 days of annual sunshine helped it fare better in community and environment at No. 24.
Nevada’s economy relies heavily on its casinos and convention industries. MGM Resorts is Nevada’s largest employer.
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, economists say Nevada has undergone a restructuring of sorts by moving slightly away from its reliance on tourism in favor of real estate, professional and business services, healthcare, and transportation.
Low Marks
The WalletHub research team said Nevada ranked among the lowest states in three metrics, including long-term unemployment (T-45), volunteer rate (T-49), and divorce rate (No. 49).
At 44.82 points, Nevada’s happiness score bests only Colorado (44.49), Mississippi (43.90), Kentucky (43.25), New Mexico (43.08), Tennessee (41.22), Alaska (40.69), Alabama (40.69), Arkansas (37.03), Louisiana (34.26), and West Virginia (32.04).
The happiest place in the US, WalletHub claims, is Hawaii at 65.5 points. Rounding out the top five are Maryland (64.13), Nebraska (63.61), New Jersey (63.42), and Connecticut (62.53). All but Hawaii have land-based casinos and some form of sports betting.
The average score was about 53 points among the 50 states.
The only state referring to happiness in its official slogan is Pennsylvania. The commonwealth, which ranked No. 18 on the WalletHub list, has the official slogan, “Pursue Your Happiness.”
Silver State Silver Lining
WalletHub might not believe Nevada is an ideal place to find happiness, but the Silver State has a lot to offer.
Nevada is one of only nine states without a state income tax. For homeowners who owned property in Southern Nevada before 2020, they’ve likely seen their property valuations skyrocket in recent years, as the state fielded an exodus out of California.
Though housing costs have increased as a result of many Californians opting to call Las Vegas home, it remains relatively affordable, especially for major cities. Nevada’s population is also diverse, and the state provides endless entertainment, unrivaled dining, and mild winters.
Last Comments ( 2 )
It's easy to point fingers and assess blame. Both Liberalism and Conservatism have flaws, and there's plenty of things that both sides justly deserve criticism for. Say what you will about Liberals, but if the head of their Party raped underage girls, my guess is they'd hold him responsible and remove him from whatever position he was in. There was a time when Conservatives MAY have done the same thing. These days they're in a race to see who can self-castrate themselves the quickest, all while abandoning every belief they've had for generations, in order to deny (or pretend not to see) that they're aiding and abetting a monster that rapes underage girls. Yes, there are many things going on in Las Vegas that truly suck right now, like seeing homeless people camping out in the bushes at McDonald's. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of struggle.
Vegas is what is bringing Nevada down in these ratings. Vegas has become a total sh@thole. I would bet if you ask anyone that has lived here for a long time will tell you the same. Liberal county policies have been the noose around our neck and have created a haven for criminal activity everywhere you look. In the end, we get what we vote for, if the elections are actually fair and honest. Just my humble opinion….