The 15 ‘happiest cities’ in the U.S. in 2023
California Dreamin'
California has defended its happy titles again in 2023. According to Wallet Hub, the state of has the most spots listed in the top 15 “happiest cities” rankings.
Factors helping determine each city’s rating includes: a positive mental state, healthy body, social connections, job satisfaction and financial well-being. In total, 30 key factors were involved in this process.
With that in mind, let’s see which Cali spots topped the list, plus the others from around the U.S.
15. San Diego, Calif.
Total score: 63.98
San Diego ranks in the top 15, only just, after dropping five spots from last year’s poll.
14. Huntington Beach, Calif.
Total score: 64.04
Huntington Beach dropped from their No. 9 ranking in 2022. Ironically enough, the city’s ranking for emotional and physical well-being dipped from nine to 14 as well.
13. Oakland, Calif.
Total score: 64.08
Oakland continues our California start to the list, but it’s also our first new addition. Oakland was not in the top 15 in 2022 but likely is this year thanks to their being ranked the No. 1 city in terms of income growth.
12. Bismarck, N.D.
Total score: 64.12
Bismarck is our first non-Cali town… and the first to see their happiness improve. Their placement on the list was 13 last year.
11. Seattle, Wash.
Total score: 65.59
Sports participation is huge in Seattle. The city rates second in the category among all cities.
10. Burlington, Vt.
Total score: 65.83
Hello, work. Burlington has the best income & employment in the country.
9. South Burlington, Vt.
Total score: 66.51
Well, the apple does not fall far from the Burlington tree now does it? The two are approximately a 10 minute drive apart. Both are also in the top five in terms of adequate sleep rate.
8. Sioux Falls, S.D.
Total score: 67.02
Sioux Falls slides in at 10th for emotional and physical well-being.
7. Columbia, Md.
Total score: 67.71
Columbia was listed second in 2022. But the city ranked well in suicide rate still, moving from the third lowest suicide rate to fourth.
6. Irvine, Calif.
Total score: 67.83
Irvine’s status stayed nearly the same in 2023. The city was fifth a year ago.
5. San Francisco, Calif.
Total score: 68.73
San Francisco dropped from third to fifth. That’s likely because the town’s income and employment ranking was the best in the country a year ago and is now eighth.
4. Overland Park, Kan.
Total score: 68.93
Overland Park improves from sixth to fourth in 2023.
3. Madison, Wis.
Total score: 69.72
Madison is top 10 in emotional and physical well-being (5) and community (8) rankings. .bklkb
2. San Jose, Calif.
Total score: 70.35
San Jose is second and third in emotional & physical well-being and income & employment rating, tough to beat that…
1. Fremont, Calif.
Total score: 76.10
But what beats San Jose’s scores? Fremont, who clocks in with the top rating in emotional & physical well-being, which helps them retain their title as the happiest city in America.
