Oregonians aren’t satisfied with their personal lives, study shows

Only 44% are “very satisfied” with their personal life, according to a Gallup poll released earlier this year. The results show that personal satisfaction is the lowest it’s been since 2001, and has been steadily declining since 2020.

Oregon ranked 39th in a recent WalletHub analysis that looked at which U.S. states are the happiest.

The study evaluated the states on 30 metrics involving emotional and physical well-being, work, community and environment.

Nevada, Colorado, Mississippi, and Kentucky all scored lower than Oregon. The least happy state was West Virginia. It ranked dead last overall, as well as for work environment and for emotional and physical well-being.

The happiest state was Hawaii, which placed first overall and second for emotional and physical well-being. Maryland placed second for the happiest states overall, followed by Nebraska, New Jersey, and Connecticut.

Utah ranked sixth, and California seventh, respectively. Washington placed 24th on the list.

In a breakout graphic, the study’s authors listed Oregon as among the top 5 states with the highest instances of adult depression. New Jersey had the lowest.

Oregon also made it into the top five of states with adequate sleep, as well as the top 5 states for sports participation rates. It was also in the top three states that work the fewest hours.