The Most Optimistic State in the US in 2024 Is a Remote and Beautiful State

Want to feel good about your future? Move to the countryside.

Wyomingites are the most optimistic in the United States for 2024, according to a new study that evaluated each of the 50 states and ranked them from most optimistic to most miserable.

The State of Equality earned a score of 7.2 out of 10, earning it the top spot in a national study of optimism and well-being in America conducted by Icelandic Provisions Skyr, a yogurt brand, in partnership with Wakefield Research and Dr. Deepika Chopra, known as “The Optimism Doctor.”

Scores were ranked from 0 to 10 based on 10 parameters, including how likely they were to persevere in difficult situations and how often they ate a healthy breakfast.

In Wyoming, 82% of people wake up “ready to take charge of the day,” compared to 62% of Americans overall. A whopping 98% of residents are willing to try again on failed projects, compared to 90% of Americans.

“As Americans look for ways to meet daily challenges, they increasingly recognize the vital role that healthy habits and nutrient-dense foods play in supporting their overall emotional well-being,” Dr. Chopra said in a statement.

“The results of this study highlight this precise link…adopting small healthy habits can play a crucial role in promoting optimism and a resilient mindset.”

Residents of California and New Jersey tied for second place, with an index score (7.1) for having the sunniest outlook on life, followed by Alabama and Maryland, tied for third place (7.0).

Typically gruff New Yorkers aren’t far behind, with a score of 6.9, as are North Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Missouri, Michigan, South Carolina and Massachusetts.

The 5 Most Optimistic States in America

1. Wyoming
2. California
3. New Jersey
4. Alabama
5. Maryland

Texas and Mississippi are both the least optimistic states with an index of 6.2.

Residents of the Golden State seem to have healthy habits and a mindset to match the bright hue.

Californians are more likely to feel rested (43%), compared to just 35% of Americans who wake up with misty eyes.

The vast majority of these healthy West Coasters start their day with a nutritious breakfast as often as they can — only 62% of Americans do.

Meanwhile, optimistic New Jerseyans believe they get “enough” exercise (43%), compared to just a third of all Americans.

Experts say that all healthy habits have a positive effect on emotional health and optimism.

Optimistic Americans aren’t just divided by state lines: There’s a generational divide, too.

Baby Boomers emerged as the generation with the most optimistic mindset with an optimism index of 7.1, followed by Millennials (6.7), Generation X (6.5) and Generation Z (6.4).

Overall, Americans maintain a remarkable sense of personal optimism, with the national optimism index standing at 6.7 out of 10.

Experts have noted that adopting healthy daily habits, such as starting the day with a healthy breakfast, exploring the outdoors and exercising, can not only improve your physical health, but also improve your state of mind.

Meanwhile, when it comes to politics, much of that optimism appears to be evaporating, with a majority of voters in the United States saying the country is headed in the wrong direction, according to a pessimistic poll released over the summer.

Conducted by The Center Square, a new study found that 65% of voters don’t like the way things are going.

Only 24% of Americans believe the country is going in the right direction, while 11% are unsure.