Here’s Why Iowa Was Named One of the Luckiest States— Perfect Timing for St. Patrick’s Day

If you needed a reason to feel a little extra lucky today, here it is. A new study has found that Iowa is one of the luckiest states in the entire country—and it just happens to come out on St. Patrick’s Day.

Iowa Ranks Near the Top in the U.S.

According to a recent report from Action Network, Iowa ranks as the second luckiest state in America, with an overall score of 69.98 out of 100. That puts the Hawkeye State just behind New Hampshire and ahead of states like Minnesota and Pennsylvania.

For Iowans, that means living here might come with a few more advantages than you think.

What Makes Iowa So Lucky?

This ranking wasn’t based on just one thing. Researchers looked at 11 different factors that can affect everyday life, including finances, safety, and even natural disasters.

Iowa scored well in several key areas:

•  Luck Score: 69.98
• Lottery wins: 9
• Lottery payout per capita: $140
• Average credit score: 719
• Car accident deaths: 11 per 100,000 residents
  Iowa's strong finish comes mostly from financial stability and affordability.

"The state pairs excellent housing affordability (0.92) with a high average credit score (719), which points to a pretty solid financial foundation overall. Iowa also has low accident death rates and relatively few natural disasters, helping it score well on the safety side." -Action Network

All of these factors combined help create a more stable and predictable lifestyle, which is a big part of what the study considers “luck.”

There’s Some Real Luck Too

It’s not just about numbers. Iowa has also seen its share of good fortune over the years. The state has had multiple major lottery wins, adding to its reputation as a lucky place to live.

On top of that, about 13 percent of Iowa’s population has Irish ancestry, which feels especially fitting on St. Patrick’s Day.

The Midwest Is Standing Out

Iowa isn’t alone. Several Midwest states ranked high on the list thanks to a mix of affordability, safety, and financial stability. Illinois ranked at #6 and Indiana at #7. It’s a reminder that sometimes the best places to live aren’t the biggest or most expensive—they’re the ones where life feels a little easier.

A Good Day to Feel Lucky

With St. Patrick’s Day here, this news makes the celebration feel even more fitting. Whether it’s smart finances, fewer risks, or just a little good fortune, Iowa is proving to be a great place for things to go right.

So if you’re in Iowa today, you might already have luck on your side.

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