An interesting correlation here, comparing WalletHub’s “happiness ratings” with the results of the 2016 election.
Every one of the 10 unhappiest states voted for Trump, often with numbers approaching a landslide. The most unhappy states (Oklahoma, West Virginia) were also the strongest for Trump.
Among the top 10 states rated happiest, only two gave Trump a majority of their votes, although for various reasons, he did win 5 of them while getting less than 50% backing.
You can argue with WalletHub’s methodology. The relevant page is here. But it does seem that Trump and misery keep steady company.
Happiness rank | State | Winner | Trump’s share |
41 | Alaska | Trump | 51% |
42 | Tennessee | Trump | 61% |
43 | Missouri | Trump | 57% |
44 | Kentucky | Trump | 62% |
45 | Mississippi | Trump | 58% |
46 | Arkansas | Trump | 61% |
47 | Alabama | Trump | 62% |
48 | Louisiana | Trump | 58% |
49 | Oklahoma | Trump | 65% |
50 | West Virginia | Trump | 68% |
1 | Minnesota | Clinton | 45% |
2 | Utah | Trump | 45% |
3 | Hawaii | Clinton | 30% |
4 | California | Clinton | 31% |
5 | Nebraska | Trump | 58% |
6 | New Jersey | Clinton | 41% |
7 | South Dakota | Trump | 62% |
8 | Iowa | Trump | 51% |
9 | Wisconsin | Trump | 47% |
10 | New Hampshire | Clinton | 46% |