The happiest population in Mexico lives in the northern part of the country, according to the 2025 Self-Reported Well-Being Module (BIARE) conducted by the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (Inegi). The states of Coahuila and Nayarit reported the highest levels of happiness.
While Coahuila received the highest score for life satisfaction, Nayarit ranked first in emotional balance. The study also showed that Mexicans’ perception of well-being has improved compared to 2021, although gaps remain among different population groups.
Where Do the Happiest People in Mexico Live? Coahuila and Nayarit Stand Out; Oaxaca Among the Lowest-Ranked States
Mauricio Rodríguez, Head of the Sociodemographic Statistics Unit at Inegi, reported that Coahuila received a score of 8.85 in life satisfaction, while Oaxaca recorded 8.32, the lowest in the country. Tamaulipas and Durango also ranked among the states with the highest levels of well-being.
“The values are quite stable. As you can see, the highest score is Coahuila with a life satisfaction level of 8.85, while the lowest is Oaxaca with 8.32, a difference of only half a point. Lower values can also be observed in Michoacán, Tabasco, and Oaxaca, while Coahuila, Tamaulipas, and Durango are the states where people report the highest life satisfaction.”
Mauricio Rodríguez, Head of the Sociodemographic Statistics Unit, Inegi
Regarding emotional balance, Nayarit ranked first, followed by Campeche and Sinaloa. In contrast, Oaxaca, Puebla, and Michoacán recorded the lowest levels.
“The states with the highest emotional balance—all of them positive—are Nayarit, Campeche, and Sinaloa. At the opposite end are Oaxaca, Puebla, and Michoacán.”
Mauricio Rodríguez, Head of the Sociodemographic Statistics Unit, Inegi
The national average for life satisfaction was 8.62, higher than the 8.45 recorded in 2021, reflecting an overall improvement in the perception of well-being.
Women, Indigenous People, and People with Disabilities Report Lower Levels of Well-Being
In contrast, people who speak an Indigenous language and those living with a disability reported lower levels of life satisfaction. Among people with disabilities, only 43% said they were satisfied with their lives, compared to 63% of those without disabilities.
“Fourteen point six percent of people who speak an Indigenous language are little or not at all satisfied with their standard of living, compared to 8.4% of those who do not speak an Indigenous language in the country.”
Mauricio Rodríguez, Head of the Sociodemographic Statistics Unit, Inegi
The results also show that men report higher life satisfaction than women; young people are more satisfied than older adults, and married people or those living with a partner report higher levels of well-being.
Anxiety Affects Women More
Regarding mental health, women rated their emotional well-being at 8.15, below the 8.54 reported by men.
“There are some differences. For example, in emotional mental health, women report lower satisfaction than men, 8.15 compared to 8.54. The same occurs with emotional relationships, where women’s evaluations are lower than men’s.”
Mauricio Rodríguez, Head of the Sociodemographic Statistics Unit, Inegi
Additionally, 21.4% of the population showed signs of anxiety, a figure that increased to 25% among women. Meanwhile, 11% of the population showed signs of depression, also with a higher incidence among women.
The study indicates that mental health, loneliness, and financial difficulties continue to be among the main factors affecting the well-being of Mexicans.
The study does not link pet ownership to higher levels of well-being, but it does highlight one interesting fact: two out of every three Mexican households have at least one pet. For many people, that companionship may help reduce loneliness and stress.
“Sixty-six percent of the households included in the survey have some type of pet. The most common are dogs and cats, although there are also other types of pets.”
Mauricio Rodríguez, Head of the Sociodemographic Statistics Unit, Inegi
Optimism about the future remains a challenge: only 55.3% of the population said they look positively toward what lies ahead.
Source: unotv
