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Despite its nickname "Sunshine State," Florida does not rank among the happiest territories in the United States, although it does manage to place in the top twenty.
This was revealed by a recent analysis published by the portal Florida Politics, based on a study conducted by the company Topture, a sauna manufacturer, which assessed relative well-being in all 50 states of the country.
According to the report, Florida achieved a total score of 63.61, placing it in 17th position in the national happiness ranking.
To conduct the classification, Topture used 21 distinct indicators, including emotional well-being, job stability, community strength, and other data collected at the state level through government agencies and official sources.
The study did not include specific city factors, highlighted Florida Politics.
Among the highlights of the analysis is the fact that only two states in the southern part of the country, belonging to the region known as Sun Belt (a warm belt stretching from Florida to California), made it into the top 20 of happiness: Florida and Virginia.
The former ranked seventh, with a score of 67.68. In contrast, nine of the ten least happy states are also located in the southern part of the country, highlighting marked geographic patterns in access to well-being and services.
California topped the list with 72.8 points, followed by Hawaii (72.61), Utah (72.41), Massachusetts (72.0), and New Jersey (70.55).
On the opposite end, the most unhappy states according to the assessment were West Virginia (35.69), Louisiana (35.96), and Kentucky (36.89).
“Happiness is not just a personal matter; it is deeply shaped by public policies and place,” noted Jamie Lantz, senior analyst at Topture, as quoted by Florida Politics.
"States that invest in public health, economic equity, and environmental resilience are reaping real emotional and social benefits," he emphasized.
Over the years, various studies have assessed the quality of life in Florida, yielding mixed results regarding the well-being of its residents.
In 2018, a widely circulated report ranked Florida among “the worst of the worst” in the country, according to a ranking that analyzed negative factors such as crime, unemployment, and low educational standards, projecting a rather discouraging image of the state at that time.
However, in 2021, a more positive turn positioned Miami as one of the happiest and healthiest cities in the United States, according to a study released by Mindbody.
This analysis evaluated aspects such as the balance between work and personal life, access to physical exercise, and social life, highlighting the city for its emotional and physical well-being.
More recently, another study ranked Tampa as one of the most relaxing cities in the U.S., highlighting its beaches, green spaces, and tranquil pace of life. This type of evaluation reinforces the perception that certain areas of Florida provide favorable conditions for happiness and relaxation.
Frequently asked questions about happiness and quality of life in Florida
Why does Florida rank 17th in the list of the happiest states in the U.S.?
Florida achieved a total score of 63.61 in a study that assessed relative well-being across the 50 states in the country. This study considered 21 distinct indicators, such as emotional well-being and job stability, placing Florida in 17th position in the national happiness ranking.
What are the happiest and least happy states in the U.S. according to the study?
The study ranks California as the happiest state with 72.8 points, followed by Hawaii (72.61) and Utah (72.41). At the other end of the spectrum, the unhappiest states were West Virginia (35.69), Louisiana (35.96), and Kentucky (36.89).
What factors influence the happiness of Florida residents?
Happiness in Florida is influenced by emotional well-being, job stability, and community strength. Additionally, factors such as the cost of living, the income necessary to achieve happiness, and public policies have a significant impact on the perception of happiness and quality of life.
How much money is needed to be happy in Florida according to Purdue University?
According to a study by Purdue University, you need to earn a little over $106,000 a year to be happy in Florida. However, it is possible to achieve emotional well-being with an annual income of $60,600.
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