The 10 happiest cities in the United States

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Fremont, California, has been named the happiest city in the United States, according to the latest ranking by Wallethub. With 80% of households enjoying incomes greater than $75,000 annually and low rates of separation and divorce, Fremont has secured the top spot on the list of cities where residents enjoy the greatest well-being.

Following closely behind Fremont are Overland Park, Kansas, and San Jose, California, in second and third place, respectively. Overland Park boasts the lowest poverty rate in the country, while San Jose has the longest average life expectancy in the U.S. and is considered the best city in the health and well-being index.

Madison, Wisconsin, Irvine, California, San Francisco, Honolulu, and Pearl City in Hawaii, Columbia in Maryland, and Scottsdale in Arizona round out the top ten happiest cities in the nation, according to Wallethub’s rankings.

“It’s amazing to see the progress made by cities like Honolulu and Pearl City, which have significantly improved their rankings,” said Wallethub analyst Cassandra Happe in an interview with CNBC. She highlighted the impact of efforts dedicated to improving economic opportunities, community cohesion, and mental health support systems.

On the other end of the spectrum, Jackson, Mississippi, Shreveport, Louisiana, and Detroit, Michigan, ranked at the bottom of the list. South Burlington, Vermont, stood out for having the highest level of adequate sleep among its residents, despite recording the fewest work hours.

The methodology used by Wallethub to determine the rankings considered factors such as emotional and physical well-being, income and employment, and community and environment. Cities like Scottsdale, Arizona; Casper, Wyoming; and Dallas, Texas, were noted for having the highest number of work hours, showcasing the diverse factors that contribute to overall well-being and happiness in different parts of the United States.