Fremont, California, has been recognized as the happiest city in the United States, according to a recent study by WalletHub that analyzed 182 of the largest U.S. cities. The analysis evaluated cities based on 29 metrics across emotional and physical well-being, income and employment, and community and environment.
Fremont, located in the San Francisco Bay Area, achieved the top ranking partly due to its high marks in emotional and physical well-being. Factors contributing to this include its walkability, favorable climate, significant participation in sports, and an average life expectancy nearing 82 years, as noted by WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo. While the city ranked 89th in income and employment, 80% of its households report an income exceeding $75,000.
The study also revealed surprising results for other cities. Bismarck, North Dakota, secured the second-highest ranking, followed by Scottsdale, Arizona; South Burlington, Vermont; and Fargo, North Dakota. The inclusion of two North Dakota cities in the top five highlights that favorable weather is not a prerequisite for high happiness levels.
Bismarck, in particular, excelled in the community and environment category, with the study citing residents' strong sense of belonging and satisfaction with their surroundings. The city was also noted for providing residents ample leisure time and open spaces for recreation, offering a less hectic lifestyle compared to major metropolitan areas.
Other cities rounding out the top 10 happiest places include Overland Park, Kansas; Charleston, South Carolina; Irvine, California; Gilbert, Arizona; and San Jose, California.
Cities closer to major East Coast hubs also showed strong performance. Jersey City, New Jersey, ranked 31st overall and 16th in emotional and physical well-being. It recorded the lowest depression rate and the second-lowest suicide rate among all cities studied. Yonkers, New York, followed at 38th overall, also placing 18th for emotional and physical well-being.
