Oregon Ranked 42nd for State Happiness
A new national study highlights key drivers behind Oregonians' well-being and life satisfaction.
Updated on Sept. 20, 2026 in Sleep Disorders
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Oregon ranked 42nd out of 50 states for happiness in a recent study that analyzed 30 metrics across the nation. While the state scored low in areas like adult depression, it performed well regarding sleep and work hours.
Why it matters
Understanding state-level rankings helps residents and public health officials identify specific areas, such as mental health support and employment stability, that impact the overall quality of life in Oregon.
The study utilized 30 metrics collected from federal agencies and Gallup to generate state happiness scores. Oregon ranked 47th for the share of adults experiencing depression and 49th for long-term unemployment, though it ranked 5th nationally for adequate sleep rates.
The players
WalletHub
A financial company that periodically publishes data-driven studies on state and national well-being.
Gallup
An analytics firm that provides data on public opinion and personal life satisfaction metrics.
U.S. Census Bureau
The federal agency responsible for collecting demographic and socioeconomic data used in national health studies.
Bureau of Labor Statistics
The agency that tracks employment and labor data, including the unemployment rates referenced in the study.
CDC
The national public health institute that provides data on health behaviors and disease prevalence.
The details
Researchers compiled the rankings by evaluating factors ranging from physical health and environmental quality to economic stability and community support. The process involves aggregating complex data sets to determine how socioeconomic conditions contribute to the subjective experience of happiness and well-being. By measuring variables like unemployment alongside lifestyle behaviors such as sleep duration, the study aims to capture a multi-dimensional view of health at the state level.
Timeline
The Gallup trend on personal satisfaction began in 2001.
A Gallup poll in 2025 measured personal life satisfaction across the nation.
The WalletHub happiness study was released on September 8, 2026.
Health Landscape
This ranking contributes to the ongoing monitoring of American life satisfaction tracked by the Gallup indices since 2001. It fits into a growing body of research that evaluates how regional health, employment, and social environments correlate with individual well-being.
The study highlights that sleep health is a relative strength for Oregonians, which is a positive foundation for overall physical and mental health. If you are struggling with mood, sleep, or stress, these rankings are worth discussing with your primary care physician to assess your personal wellness.
The takeaway
While Oregon ranks highly for sleep, its standing in depression and unemployment metrics suggests that broader social and economic factors play a significant role in collective health. Residents should focus on maintaining healthy sleep habits and consult their doctor about any persistent mood changes.
Further reading
For additional context on how rest affects your quality of life, visit our guide on Sleep Disorders.
Live Poll
Do you feel that quality of life in your state is currently getting better?
