Montana Ties Utah as Happiest State

Montana is tied with Utah as the second happiest state, according to a new survey.

Hawaii moved into first place in the second year of the survey. More than 350,000 American adults took part in the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index in 2009.

Utah used to be in first place, but was surpassed this year by Hawaii.

Nine of the top 10 are in the Midwest and West. Southern states ranked overall in the lowest spots.

The top 10 states and their average well-being scores (out of a possible 100 points):

Hawaii: 70.2
Utah: 68.3
Montana: 68.3
Minnesota: 67.8
Iowa: 67.6
Vermont: 67.4
Colorado: 67.3
Alaska: 67.3
North Dakota: 67.3
Kansas: 67.2

Click here for a complete list of the 2009 happiest states.

Thanks to Bozeman Daily Chronicle for the information.