Fremont, California, has been named the happiest city in the United States, according to a recent study by WalletHub. The ranking evaluated 182 cities using 29 key indicators across three categories: emotional and physical well-being; income and employment; and community and environment.
Fremont secured the top spot due to its high life satisfaction ratings, a high percentage of households earning over $75,000, a low depression rate, and a high average life expectancy of nearly 82 years. WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo noted that Fremont is walkable, has pleasant weather, high sports participation, and residents who tend to stay, contributing to its community environment.
The study also highlighted Fremont's low separation and divorce rates and the lowest percentage of residents reporting frequent mentally unhealthy days, suggesting a focus on psychological and relational health. The city also ranked fifth for being the most caring city in America.
Other California cities that performed well include Irvine and San Jose, ranking eighth and tenth respectively, with Huntington Beach, Chula Vista, and San Diego also appearing in the top 30.
Bismarck, North Dakota, ranked as the second-happiest city. It was noted for having the largest average amount of leisure time per day, contributing to a well-rested population with a high percentage of adults reporting good or better health. Bismarck also scored high on Sharecare's Community Well-Being Index.
Fargo, North Dakota, secured the fifth spot for happiness.
Scottsdale, Arizona, ranked third for happiness and first for health. In Scottsdale, 88% of adults reported good or better health, and nearly 87% participate in physical activities. The city also demonstrates economic strength, with 65% of households earning over $75,000 annually and only 7% of residents living below the poverty level.
Other Arizona cities like Gilbert, Chandler, Tempe, Peoria, and Mesa also made the top 30.
At the lower end of the list were Shreveport, Memphis, and Detroit. New York City ranked 59th overall, with varied scores across the three main categories.
South Burlington, Vermont, which ranked fourth for happiness, had the highest rate of adequate sleep, while Detroit, Michigan, had the lowest. Jersey City, New Jersey, recorded the lowest depression rate, contrasting with Huntington, West Virginia, which had the highest.