Is it self-delusion or does lack of money not damper optimism?

From MSN Money's ranking of most livable states:

No. 49: Mississippi

Full-time employment ranking: 50

Job creation: 39

Residents' outlook ranking: The best

While Gallup ranks Mississippi 49th for future livability, residents feel good about their own future -- the state ranks first in terms of outlook on life five years from now.

But the Magnolia State has the lowest percentage of people employed full-time and the lowest median income in the country, at $36,851, less than three-quarters of the national average of $50,046.

A higher proportion of Mississippians live in poverty than in any other state. Mississippi is also near the bottom on many health measures.

via money.msn.com