The first of the key dimensions was work environment, in which Virginia took the 31st spot. The dimension was based on a multitude of factors, including work hours, commute time, unemployment rate and economic security.

The next key dimension was community and environment, where Virginia took the 32nd spot. This dimension was based on metrics like volunteer rate, ideal weather, average leisure time per day, divorce rate and safety.

The final dimension, and the one where Virginia placed the highest, was emotional and physical well-being. Virginia placed 10th in the dimension, which was based on factors like physical health index, share of adult depression, suicide rate and life expectancy.

Weighing all of these dimensions together landed Virginia as the 16th happiest state in the U.S. this year.