Gallup Ranks Montana As One of America's Most Content States

RANK #5. Montana

• Well-being index score: 69.3

• Life expectancy: 78.5 years (21st lowest)

• Percent obese: 19.6% (the lowest)

• Median household income: $45,076 (12th lowest)

• Percentage with high school diploma: 92.8% (the highest)

Economic confidence in Montana was exceptionally bad in 2013, among the 10 worst states. Despite that, residents gave high ratings to their work environment. Nearly 94% of adults said they were satisfied with their job, the highest percentage nationally. This was likely due, in part, to feeling fully utilized at work — 89% of respondents said they used their strengths during the work day, more than all but one other state. Montana residents also practiced healthy behavior more than residents of most other states. A majority of the population reported healthy eating habits, weekly exercise routines, and lower-than-average smoking rates in 2013. Montana residents were also the least likely to be obese last year.

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