America's 10 Happiest Cities — Ranking

America is a vast country, home to countless cities, each with its own unique characteristics. People experience life differently in these places, which is why WalletHub conducted a study to determine where in America residents feel the happiest. The study analyzed 182 of the largest U.S. cities, spanning from the sunny beaches of California to the quiet suburbs of Nebraska. In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 happiest cities in America and explain what makes them stand out.

Top 10 Happiest Cities: Rankings and Key Features

First, a few words about the methodology. WalletHub compiled the ranking based on 29 key indicators that directly or indirectly affect residents’ happiness levels. These indicators were grouped into three main categories: emotional and physical well-being (e.g., depression rates, health, life expectancy), income and employment (e.g., poverty levels, job satisfaction, commute times), and community and environment (e.g., weather, divorce rates, safety). Each category was assigned a specific weight: emotional and physical well-being accounted for 50% of the final score, while the other two contributed 25% each.

The study drew data from reliable sources, including the U.S. Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistics, FBI, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Depression rates came from health surveys, income from tax and economic reports, and weather from climate records. Each indicator was scored on a scale from 0 to 100, and then an average weighted score was calculated for each city.

Fremont, California

Fremont is known as a technological and manufacturing hub of Silicon Valley, and when combined with the comfortable California climate and proximity to the San Francisco Bay, it makes Fremont residents some of the most satisfied people in the United States.

This high level of happiness directly affects the divorce rate, the lowest in the country, as well as the rare occurrences of depression, stress, and other mental health disorders. As a result, Fremont ranks fourth in life expectancy in the U.S.

San Jose, California

San Jose is a combination of technological power and a warm climate. The first factor is due to its proximity to Silicon Valley, so it’s no surprise that a large number of students from local educational institutions work there.

The city’s climate is the typical Californian kind, with rare temperature fluctuations and no frosts.

These factors have made San Jose an attractive place for work and business, especially for tech startups. This brings in investment, including into the city’s budget. Around 73% of families earn more than $75,000, which gives them access to modern healthcare and places the city among the top in life expectancy. The city’s location — nestled between the Santa Cruz Mountains and the San Francisco Bay — adds to its scenic appeal, rivaling that of coastal resort towns.

Irvine, California

Just an hour’s drive from Los Angeles, Irvine ranks seventh in average life expectancy, with 84% of residents regularly engaging in physical activities like jogging and cycling. It’s famous for its green spaces and bike paths, such as those in Bommer Canyon Park.

Mental health is also at a high level — the city has a very low rate of complaints about mental issues such as depression and stress. The weather plays a significant role in this: the climate is mild, with an average annual temperature between 15 and 22 degrees Celsius, and it rarely drops to freezing. The University of California, Irvine, attracts students, giving the city a youthful vibe. Overall, Irvine has been recognized as the second-healthiest city in the United States.

Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Sioux Falls combines small-town charm with the comforts of suburbia. It ranks fifth in environmental quality and ninth in friendliness of the local community and the mentality of its residents.

Unlike many top cities, Sioux Falls boasts housing costs that are 15–30% lower than average. Its thriving job market earned it eighth place on Niche’s list of best cities to buy a home and find a job.

High income isn’t the main factor here — residents value the city’s waterfalls, walking trails, mild climate (despite cold winters), job opportunities, tight-knit community, and low crime rates.

Overland Park, Kansas

Overland Park is located in the heart of the U.S., on the border between Kansas and Missouri. Technically a suburb of Kansas City, it is considered a separate city in its own right. Local residents rated their mental and physical well-being so highly that the city ranks among the top four in this category.

Overland Park is well-suited for family life and long-term living, thanks to its strong sectors in healthcare, retail, IT, finance, and services. Education is also a priority, with institutions like the Shawnee Mission School District and Johnson County Community College based in the city.

Short commutes, abundant green spaces, and an active civic life give Overland Park a distinct advantage. It proves that the Midwest can compete with the coasts by offering peace, affordability, and a supportive environment.

San Jose, California

Lincoln, Nebraska

Lincoln is the second-largest city in Nebraska by population. It stands out for ranking first in terms of community friendliness. This is largely influenced by the local government’s social priorities, with a strong emphasis on healthcare and education. The environment is relatively clean, as the region is more focused on agriculture than on heavy or chemical industries — contributing to its strong ranking in the “Community and Environment” category.

Residents experience lower levels of stress and depression compared to other major cities, offering a calm and steady lifestyle ideal for families. The only notable downside is the climate, with hot, dry summers and cold winters.

Lincoln is a place where work-life balance comes naturally — with affordable housing, safe streets, and a strong sense of belonging.

Madison, Wisconsin

Madison is located in the northern United States near Lakes Mendota, Monona, Waubesa, and Kegonsa, making its natural beauty one of the top-rated in the country. Even more noteworthy is the University of Wisconsin—Madison, the city’s largest employer and a major hub attracting students and young people.

Residents also proudly point out that Madison is a gastronomic hub with a strong focus on farm-to-table products. Every Saturday, the city hosts the Dane County Farmers’ Market, the largest producer-only farmers’ market in the U.S. The local atmosphere is calm and laid-back, and the people are friendly — a quality reflected in the city’s high rankings for overall well-being.

Scottsdale, Arizona

Scottsdale is sometimes compared to Miami, only in the middle of the desert. This reputation comes from its vibrant nightlife and large number of tourists. Tourism plays a central role in the city’s economy, making it less attractive for families, but appealing for those seeking job opportunities and a chance to earn well.While it may be 60 kilometers (about 37 miles) from the California coast and has a hot, desert climate, Scottsdale is an ideal place for those seeking not just leisure, but also a peaceful environment to work and eventually retire.

San Francisco, California

San Francisco is located in Northern California, on a peninsula surrounded by the Pacific Ocean and the city’s namesake bay. The climate is mild, with temperatures ranging from 10 to 21C (50–70 °F) year-round, with no frosts or extremely hot days. The city is most famous for its iconic landmark — the Golden Gate Bridge.

San Francisco residents rank sixth in emotional and physical well-being, a fact often linked to the city’s low rate of car ownership: nearly 35% of households don’t own a personal vehicle, choosing instead to rely on public transportation or bicycles.

The city is also considered one of the best places for young professionals, offering a wide range of job opportunities across various sectors. San Francisco proves that even large cities can be happy places when they manage to strike a balance between work and life.

Huntington Beach, California

Huntington Beach is located along the Pacific Ocean and stretches along its coastline. The nearest major city is Los Angeles, just 56 kilometers (about 35 miles) away via a direct route.

The low stress levels among Huntington Beach residents can be attributed to the city’s close connection to nature and ocean-based activities like surfing, diving, and yachting. Huntington Beach is a miniature version of California itself — sunshine, ocean views, and a laid-back vibe make it an ideal place for those seeking happiness by the sea.

Madison, Wisconsin

Conclusion

Five of the top 10 happiest cities are in California. The weather is a clear factor, with 245 to 300 sunny days annually. Summers are hot but tempered by coastal breezes, and winters rarely dip below comfortable levels. Studies show sunlight reduces depression and boosts mood, giving California an edge over snowy states like Wisconsin or Nebraska. Economically, California’s Silicon Valley drives high incomes, with WalletHub noting that earnings up to $75,000 directly impact happiness by ensuring stability and access to quality services like healthcare and education. However, the state’s cost of living exceeds the U.S. average.

Residents of these cities rank among the happiest in the U.S., but that doesn’t mean the other 172 are miserable. America’s vastness offers something unique in every city — be it nature, culture, or a cozy coffee spot. Happiness is personal and can’t be fully captured by charts or stats, even from the most reliable sources.