It doesn't exactly fit the methodology of happiness indexes from established institutions like the World Database of Happiness at Erasmus University in Rotterdam, which has long shown that economic stability is merely a factor in happiness, but Mainstreet.com has come out with a "Happiness Index" of states. The Mainstreet list is based on non-mortgage debt, per capita foreclosures, and unemployment. The lower the better in all categories. So while sociologists, psychologists, or just about any social scientist who researches the subject would take issue with the assertion that this is a happiness index, it is a useful list. And it reveals some regional trends. The big winner is Nebraska. And neighboring Iowa and Kansas come in 2nd and third, respectively. California, Florida, and Oregon bring up the rear. You can find the full list here . And watch a report on the index from ABC here .