Results of a new survey reveal Alaska is the happiest state in the United States while West Virginia is the nation's unhappiest state, a pitiful position it's held for the sixth straight year.

This year's Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index rankings were based on more than 176,000 phone interviews with people in all 50 states.

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Dan Witters, research director of the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index, said at least 500 people were interviewed nearly every day of the year to account for seasonal changes.

The poll looked at five factors: liking and being motivated by what you do every day; having supportive relationships and love; managing finances to reduce stress; feeling safe in and proud of your community and having good health and enough energy.

Experts suggest the latest well-being report is important as it will help policymakers understand the level of happiness of persons in different states and draw plans to improve the happiness of constituents.

"Researchers, policymakers and healthcare leaders need good information about the well-being of populations that they serve. Well-being sheds light on the issues that drive quality, cost and productivity. A well-being metric also supports the creation of an action plan for our nation, in order to achieve sustained improvements in the health of our citizens," said David B. Nash, dean of the Jefferson School of Population Health.

Top 10 states ranked highest for overall well-being:

1. Alaska

2. Hawaii

3. South Dakota

4. Wyoming

5. Montana

6. Colorado

7. Nebraska

8. Utah

9. New Mexico

10. Texas

The 10 states ranked lowest for overall well-being:

41. Missouri

42. Michigan

43. Arkansas

44. Tennessee

45. Alabama

46. Mississippi

47. Ohio

48. Indiana

49. Kentucky

50. West Virginia

TagsAlaska, happiest state, Michigan, well-being, U.S. States