America's Happiest and Healthiest States

01. North Dakota

The 2013 Gallup-Healthways index ranked North Dakota as the best state in overall well-being. North Dakota had the lowest unemployment rate of any state in America (2.7% in October 2013). Unemployment is a significant contributor to poverty rates, and a healthy job market may help reduce the risk of diseases that have been linked to poverty, such as asthma and depression.

Reviewed by: 
Review Date: 
March 17, 2014

Citation: 
Last Updated:
July 1, 2014