Resident Satisfaction - A Gallup Poll

Geography and statistics are two subjects that have always held my interest. Naturally, I enjoyed seeing this recent Gallup poll that aims to declare which U.S. states' residents are most content with where they live versus those who are itching to pack their bags and try another state on for size.

I love a telling graphic, which is why the only part of the original article I chose to share here is what you see below.

http://www.gallup.com/poll/168770/half-illinois-connecticut-move-elsewhere.aspx

My personal questions that formed as I looked at this representation of the poll's responses include:

1) How does population density factor in to the results? Like the assignment of U.S. Senators, were an even number of people polled in each state, perhaps skewing the opinion of each state based on a disproportionate sampling? 

I loved living in Virginia, and most fellow Virginians seemed quite content around us, anyway, in the less densely populated Richmond area; so I was a bit surprised to see it as above-average in desire to move. But I figure that includes the busy DC metro part of Virginia as well as the Norfolk/Virginia Beach folks as well. Also interesting to note, on the flip side, is that the most "below average" states, i.e. states with most satisfied residents, are also those states that have the lowest population density--the north central plains/mid-west states.

2) How does job satisfaction factor in, and does industry have something to do with that?

One might make the argument based on this graphic that farmers are the most content of the nation's workers.

3) What about climate?

To me, it looks like living in the desert might lack appeal whereas being out in more temperate parts of nature could lend to satisfaction in state of residence.

Certainly, there are many other factors at play, as cited in the article, including job availability, family and friends, qualities of life and education, cost of living, and taxes.

What are your thoughts? Are you happy with the state in which you currently reside? Or have you got an itch to move or simply general wanderlust that keeps calling you?