New research reveals which American cities are considered “happiest” and the spots above and below may or may not surprise you.
Wallethub published a 2025 report after conducting research in 180 major cities. Ranked cities were based on 29 key indicators ranging from depression rates to income growth rates to factoring average leisure time per day.
Wallethub analyst Chip Lupo said salary impacts happiness.
“The most difficult” US cities revealed: See where your city ranks
“Studies show that having more money increases happiness until you make at least $75,000 a year.
Wallethub announced the “happiest” US cities in its 2025 report, ranked among 180 cities. (istock)
“So when you decide where to live to maximize your happiness, you will want to choose a city that offers more than just an average income,” he added.
“The ideal city offers conditions that promote mental and physical well-being, including reasonable working hours, short commutes, weather and caring neighbors.”
Best and worst US conditions for driving: see where on the list
Check if your city has landed in one of the top spots.
Fremont, California
Fremont, California was the happiest city in Wallethub’s 2025 report. (istock)
Fremont, California, ranked number one as America’s happiest city. Wallethub said, “One of the contribution factors is that the city earns more than $75,000 and has the highest household with nearly 80%.”
Fremont also has the lowest separation and divorce rate in the country, with the lowest share of adults reporting at least 14 mentally unhealthy days a month.
For more lifestyle articles, please visit foxnews.com/lifestyle.
West Coast cities ranked 6th for the most caring cities.
San Jose, California
San Jose, California, has the longest life expectancy in the country, Woretub reported. (istock)
San Jose, California, ranked second in the longest life expectancy in the country, according to a Wallethub report.
“San Jose has the third-highest share of households with over 72% of annual incomes, more than $75,000. This allows people to afford both essentials and luxury items, keeping them in content.”
Click here to sign up for our Lifestyle Newsletter
The city also has the highest score on the community wellbeing index of the health and wellness company Sharecare.
Irvine, California
84% of Irvine residents participate in physical activity with the seventh highest life expectancy. (istock)
Irvine concluded the top three, reporting that over 88% of the city’s adults are healthy or healthy.
It was noted that 84% of residents participate in physical activity with the seventh highest life expectancy.
“Nearly 68% of the city’s households earn more than $75,000 a year, earning proven income levels to maximize happiness,” the release states.
Popular destinations break annual tourism records and set new goals for 60m visitors
Sioux Falls, South Dakota, ranked fourth in the fifth most awarded city to Overland Park, Kansas.
The happiest city not listed was Cleveland, Ohio (not in the photo). (Commentary of istock, user Morsa image)
Click here to get the Fox News app
The lowest four cities were Gulfport, Mississippi. Fort Smith, Arkansas. Memphis, Tennessee, and Detroit, Michigan.
The happiest city listed was Cleveland, Ohio.
