Where are the happiest places to live in the United States and what determines that happiness? And for the places that are less happy, what's causing that overall lack of joy. A new report looks to answer those questions and the results may surprise you.
Happiness is contagious. Even Lucille Ball noted, “It’s a helluva start, being able to recognize what makes you happy.” Maybe it’s a healthy body, a new job, financial well-being or simply where you live. And although the U.S. is one of the richest countries in the world, it ranks only 15th on the World Happiness Report.
WalletHub’s new 2024 report, Happiest States in America, examined each city based on 29 key indicators for happiness — from depression and income, to average leisure time spent each day — to determine the happiest places to live in the U.S.
We’ve listed the top (and bottom) 25. Don’t find your city listed here? Read the full report from WalletHub.
Happiest places to live in the U.S.
Least happiest places to live in the U.S.
Top three Happiest cities
What makes Fremont, CA, Overland Park, KS and San Jose, CA so happy? Here's a sneak peek.
Fremont, CA — One reason Fremont, CA, takes the top spot is the nearly 80% share of households with an income over $75,000. Who says money doesn’t buy happiness? It’s true that people in Fremont also have a high rate of life satisfaction, a low depression rate, and a long average lifespan. Fremont also has a low separation and divorce rate — the lowest in the country at only 8.9%.
Overland Park, KS — Overland Park, KS, is the second-happiest city. Contributing factors may include the lowest poverty rate in the country, at just 4.2%, and one of the lowest unemployment rates, at 3%, which can equate to a low food insecurity rate. When people can provide for their families and take care for themselves, their happiness naturally increases.
Overland Park residents also have a lot of leisure time compared to people in most other cities. The city has one of the highest sports participation rates in the country, which can be very beneficial for one’s emotional and physical well-being. Interestingly, Overland Park residents also get more sleep than people in most other cities.
San Jose, CA — San Jose, CA, has the longest average life expectancy in the country, allowing people to enjoy their lives into old age and helping push San Jose to come in third. The city also has one of the lowest separation and divorce rates and scores the best for health and wellness by Sharecare’s Community Well-Being Index. San Jose residents’ happiness is demonstrated by the city’s low rates of depression and suicide.
What determines how happy a city is?
WalletHub also looked at depression rates in cities across the U.S., which can lead to more or less happiness. In first place for the lowest depression rate was Pearl City, HI, followed closely by Honolulu, HI. Cities with the highest depression rate were Huntington, WV, and Lewiston, ME.
What role does lack of sleep play in happiness?
Like depression rates, lack of sleep can also lead to unhappiness. Cities with the highest sleep rates are South Burlington, VT and Madison, WI. On the other hand, the cities with minimal sleep rates include Cleveland, OH, and Detroit, MI.
Signs of happiness
Although happiness tends to be such a broadly defined term, most people say the meaning of happiness is how they feel in the present moment or how they feel about life overall. Even so, happiness isn't the same for everyone, but there are certain similarities that always stand out.
- Feeling like you are living the life you want
- Feeling that the conditions of your life are good
- A willingness to take life as it comes
- Feeling that you have accomplished all you want in life
- Being open to new ideas and experiences
- Practicing self-care
- Wanting to share your happiness and joy with others
"Location can influence happiness once basic safety, security, and shelter needs are met. Only then can individuals focus on attitude and match their actions to achieving happiness", according to Lisa Jane Laird, Director, Career Center – Snow College. "Of course, research shows that quality of life factors such as city services, parks, recreation, and a sense of community all influence happiness, but so does attitude once basic needs are met."
