Travel Forum - Traveler Mania

The 2010 telephone survey was conducted by the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31. Results showed the South may need some smile help, with 10 southern states falling into the lower range of the list. Many western states, however, shined in well-being, with five of the top 10 located in that region of the country.

 The top 10 states and their average well-being scores (out of a possible 100 points):
 1.     Hawaii: 71.0
 2.     Wyoming: 69.2
 3.     North Dakota: 68.4
 4.     Alaska: 68.3
 5.     Colorado: 68.0
 6.     Minnesota: 68.0
 7.     South Dakota: 68.0
 8.     Utah: 67.9
 9.     Connecticut: 67.9
 10.  Nebraska: 67.8
 11.  Massachusetts: 67.8

 Hawaii's stellar placement was due to its scores on three well-being categories: life evaluation, emotional health and physical health. At the other end of the spectrum, West Virginia came in last by performing worst on those same three categories.
 Delaware residents reported the worst work environments in the country, while those living in South Dakota were most positive about work conditions.
 Compared with 2009 well-being results, Vermont still boasted the best overall health habits in America, and Kentucky continued to have the worst. Massachusetts residents indicated the best access to necessities crucial to high well-being, while Mississippi residents again reported the worst, with a score on this index even lower than it was in 2009.