Where Does New Jersey Rank for Well-Being? [AUDIO]

According to the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index, the emotional, mental and physical health of New Jersey’s residents ranks 29th in the nation.

The survey examined many factors, including life evaluation, healthy behaviors, work environment and basic access.

“It’s kind of in the middle of the pack,” said Reggie Ramsey of Healthways about New Jersey. “I guess it’s toward the lower end, but it’s not at the very bottom.”

In 2010, the Garden State ranked 25th, which means one year saw a five-spot drop.

Ramsey said that is mostly due to improvements by other states, not a drop in quality for New Jersey. In fact, New Jersey’s numbers remained relatively flat over one year; the movement was less than a point.

There was movement, however, in the state’s work environment score – how much respect people receive from their co-workers, their relationship with their bosses, and their overall job satisfaction. New Jersey’s work environment score dropped by almost two-and-a-half points.

Ramsey noted New Jersey residents have a lot of room for improvement. He said well-being can rise, especially in terms of obesity, which is a major driver for a lesser quality well-being.

“(Obesity) is an area where can easily make changes to…just takes dedication to do it.”

Hawaii, North Dakota, Minnesota, Alaska and Utah ranked as the “healthiest” states. The top five worst states for well-being were reported as West Virginia, Kentucky, Mississippi, Delaware and Ohio.