Utah ranked 9th happiest state in the U.S.

(KUTV) — In a study conducted by 24/7 Wall St. to determine the happiest (and most miserable) states in the U.S., Utah ranked 9th happiest.

The study, called "Happiest States in America," analyzed the results of the Gallup-Sharecare Well-Being Index. These results were compared with other socioeconomic data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the FBI and other sources.

According to 24/7 Wall St., in 2016 there were only 243 violent crimes per 100,000 Utah residents, which is the 10th lowest violent crime rate of any state and much less than the national rate of 397 incidents per 100,000 Americans.

Residents report a stronger sense of security and community pride in states with low violent crime rates. In Utah, 82.5 percent of those surveyed said they always feel safe and secure, and 69.3 percent believe the area in which they live is the perfect place for them.

"Residents also have a strong sense of financial security, with only 6.4% reporting dissatisfaction over their standard of living — the smallest share nationwide," 24/7 Wall St. states. "Just 4.2% of households in Utah earn less than $10,000 a year, the third lowest such share of any state."

The top 10 happiest states:

1. South Dakota
2. Vermont
3. Hawaii
4. Minnesota
5. North Dakota
6. Colorado
7. New Hampshire
8. Idaho
9. Utah
10. Montana

The top 10 most miserable states:

1. West Virginia
2. Louisiana
3. Arkansas
4. Mississippi
5. Oklahoma
6. Kentucky
7. Ohio
8. Nevada
9. Indiana
10. Rhode Island

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