They don't call it the "Good Life State" for nothing -- Nebraska is officially one of America's happiest states. According to a new study by WalletHub.com, Nebraska is the eighth happiest state overall. Analysts at the financial website considered several factors such as financial security, physical and emotional health, personal purpose and social connectivity. In all, nearly 30 key metrics were included. Utah was named the happiest state followed by Minnesota, North Dakota and Hawaii. Nebraska came in at No. 8, due largely to finishing sixth in the category of "work environment," which includes commute time; personal earnings adjusted by cost of living; jobless rate; and job security. Nebraska was No. 12 in "physical & emotional well-being" and No. 18 in "community and environment" -- which included volunteerism (where Nebraska was No. 3), attractions, leisure time, weather and divorce rate. Neighboring states also making the top 10 list include Colorado (No. 5), Iowa (No. 7) and South Dakota (No. 9).
