Oregon Ranked Low in Recent Happiness Study
The state placed 42nd overall in a new national analysis examining well-being and life quality metrics.
Updated on Sept. 20, 2026 in Sleep Disorders
Live Poll
Do you feel that quality of life in your state is currently getting better?
Oregon secured the 42nd spot out of 50 U.S. states in a happiness study released on September 8, 2026. The state earned an overall score of 43.52 out of 100 based on an analysis of 30 different metrics.
Why it matters
The study highlights significant disparities in regional well-being, shedding light on factors such as employment stability and mental health outcomes that influence resident satisfaction.
Oregon ranked 47th in the share of adults experiencing depression and 49th for long-term unemployment rates. Conversely, the state performed better in other areas, ranking 4th for the fewest average work hours and 5th for adequate sleep rates.
The players
WalletHub
This personal finance website regularly publishes studies and rankings regarding consumer behavior and state-level statistics.
Gallup
This analytics and advisory company provides data on public opinion and life satisfaction trends in the United States.
U.S. Census Bureau
This federal agency is the leading source of quality data about the nation's people and economy.
The details
The rankings were compiled using data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Gallup, and the CDC. While Oregon struggled with high unemployment and depression rates, the state demonstrated positive results regarding work-life balance and rest.
Timeline
The WalletHub study was released on September 8, 2026.
A Gallup poll in 2025 tracked personal life satisfaction across the country.
The Gallup trend on personal satisfaction began in 2001.
The Big Picture
The study updates the happiness baseline previously established by the 2025 Gallup poll on personal life satisfaction.
Residents may find the state's ranking for adequate sleep and work hours useful for assessing their own daily health routines. Understanding these broader trends helps individuals evaluate their personal balance in the context of state-wide economic and health challenges.
The takeaway
While Oregon shows strength in sleep quality and limited work hours, the low rankings for employment and depression indicate potential areas for focus in personal wellness. Residents can prioritize mental health resources and career support to mitigate these systemic stressors.
Further reading
Learn more about local well-being factors in the Sleep Disorders section.
Live Poll
Do you feel that quality of life in your state is currently getting better?
