By Katie Kather

St. Paul Pioneer Press

ST. PAUL — Money can’t buy happiness, but Minnesotans apparently have a good dose of the things that can. Minnesota is the second happiest state, according to a recent study by finance website WalletHub.

The study’s organizers say that while money can contribute to someone’s happiness up to a certain dollar amount, other elements, such as physical health and job security, are more important.

“It has an effect, but certainly is not as important as other variables, and the marginal effect of money on happiness fades as one gets more and more money,” Ravi Iyer, a researcher at the University of Southern California, told WalletHub. “It’s important to have one’s basic needs met, and it can help when hardships occur, but I wouldn’t list money as a prime driver of happiness, especially in developed countries.”

Emotional and physical well-being, work environment and community, environment and recreational activities are the factors that won Minnesota its second-place slot.

We were edged out of the No. 1 spot by Utah, which ranked highest in work environment and recreational activities.

And yes, weather was a factor in the study.

—Distributed by Tribune Content Agency.