A new ranking puts Illinois among the top 20 happiest states in the nation, and that may have you asking why.

Illinois has a bad reputation, all of us who live here know that yet we still choose to live in the Land of Lincoln. However, does it make us happy? That I can't answer for everyone, but for me sure. I may not like it when I get my tax bill in the mail, but overall it's not a bad state.

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I think I can say that cause we live so close to Missouri so if I need gas I just cross a bridge. Yes, it can get expensive if you go to Chicago or Springfield, but here in Quincy, it's not that bad. Well, a new ranking out by Wallet Hub thinks Illinois is one of the happiest states in the nation. They place Illinois at #17 on their list.

Source: WalletHub

After looking at several factors including emotional & physical well-being, work environment, and community environment Illinois ranks 17th among the states. Illinois also ranks among the lowest for adult depression.

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Hawaii, Maryland, and New Jersey (big question mark on that state) all rank in the top three for happiest. So when you get that tax bill remember, Illinois is a happy place to live.

LOOK: Counties with the lowest cost of living in Illinois

Stacker compiled a list of counties with the lowest cost of living in Illinois using data from Niche. 

Gallery Credit: Stacker

Counties with the highest unemployment in Illinois

Stacker compiled a list of the counties with the highest unemployment in Illinois using data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Counties are ranked by unemployment rate in June.

Gallery Credit: Stacker

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