Michigan has four distinct seasons, each with its unique charm and hassles. But when winter rolls in, it seems to blow our sunny dispositions and bright moods away while simultaneously denying us sunlight. As a result, Michigan residents experience Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) at higher rates than most states, which may explain our less-than-stellar ranking in WalletHub's 2024 Happiest States in America study.

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According to a recent Detroit Free Press report, Michigan ranks among the top five in the country for SAD. But how does the Mitten State rank for overall happiness compared to the rest of America? First, let's figure out why we are so gloomy.

The Dark Reality of Michigan Winters

Scrabble tiles spell out SAD with a cartoon person shown with negative thoughts swirling around them
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With an average of 474 hours of sunlight over six months (yup, you read that right), Michigan doesn't exactly bathe it's residents in the warm glow of the Sun's rays. However, we do get rain, snow, and the sixth-highest humidity level in the country--the perfect recipe for SAD.

It's almost as if Mother Nature herself is asking Michiganders: "Why be happy when you could live in the dark and shovel snow?"

A man is seen reading in front of a light therapy box during Michigan's winter.
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We get it. Other states have sunshine, tans, and year-round outdoor activities that don't require snow pants and hand warmers. Meanwhile, Michiganders will continue to layer up and crank up the light therapy boxes, and we hope we make it to May without making our loved ones miserable.

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So, while we're not exactly leaping for joy in Michigan's dreary winters, we aren't totally down in the dumps either. As you'll see in WalletHub's ranking of the Happiest States in America, Michigan's just kind of--'meh.'

The 2024 Countdown to America's Happiest State

The financial gurus at WalletHub have done it again. This time they've done the research to determine which states are the best (and worst) modes. Using a combination of economic, emotional, physical, and social health, they examined the 50 states across 30 metrics. For full methodology, see the link in entry #1. Now, let's countdown to the Happiest States in America.

Gallery Credit: Scott Clow

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