In his groundbreaking work Happiness by Design, the British economist Paul Dolan defines happiness as the right blend of experiencing pleasure and experiencing purpose. At various points in your life, the pendulum may swing to either side, but his research found that you need feel both to be truly happy. Now, by that measure, the citizens of these 100 cities are indeed having more fun—and enjoying more life satisfaction—than your average American.
We know this because we've crunched the numbers and ranked the happiest locales from coast to coast, drawing on data including household income (according to Princeton researchers, happiness levels increase with rising income up to $75,000 per year), WalletHub's recent Happiest City survey scores, and various "unhappy" statistics, including unemployment data, income inequality, and divorce rates (all of which have been found to contribute to lower levels of life satisfaction.) The cities with a combination of high happiness stats and low unhappiness stats rose quickly on our list—while those with a combination of the reverse plummeted. So read on and learn which cities topped our list. And if you're considering moving, don't just take into account happiness score; be sure to check out The 50 Fittest Cities in America, too.
100 | Lubbock, TX
ShutterstockPopulation: 252,506
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.8
Unemployment: 3.43%
Income Inequality: 4.8
Median Household Income: $47,139.00
WalletHub Score: 53.32
Happy City Score: 57.44
And now, learn the best way to earn half a million bucks in your spare time.
99 | Modesto, CA
ShutterstockPopulation: 212,175
Poor Mental Health Days: 4.1
Unemployment: 9.51%
Income Inequality: 4.6
Median Household Income: $51,949.00
WalletHub Score: 49.95
Happy City Score: 57.66
As an added bonus, Modesto is one of The 100 Best Places to Raise a Family.
98 | Spokane, WA
ShutterstockPopulation: 215,973
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.8
Unemployment: 6.42%
Income Inequality: 4.5
Median Household Income: $48,676.00
WalletHub Score: 51.1
Happy City Score: 57.77
For more ways to lead a better, happier life, check out the 25 ways to be happier in an instant.
97 | Lexington, KY
ShutterstockPopulation: 318,449
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.8
Unemployment: 3.92%
Income Inequality: 5.4
Median Household Income: $51,963.00
WalletHub Score: 52.11
Happy City Score: 58.28
And if you're in Lexington, check out West Sixth Brewing, one of the best craft beers in Kentucky. For more tourism facts, here's the best craft beer in every other U.S. state.
96 | Port St. Lucie, FL
ShutterstockPopulation: 185,132
Poor Mental Health Days: 4.2
Unemployment: 6.24%
Income Inequality: 4.5
Median Household Income: $45,918.00
WalletHub Score: 56.1
Happy City Score: 58.37
For more insight on leading a happier life, take inspiration from how these 8 famous men conquered depression.
95 | Stockton, CA
ShutterstockPopulation: 307,072
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.7
Unemployment: 8.88%
Income Inequality: 4.9
Median Household Income: $53,341.00
WalletHub Score: 48.72
Happy City Score: 58.43
For more on maximizing your happiness, learn the 40 ways to master your 40s.
94 | Oklahoma City, OK
ShutterstockPopulation: 638,367
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.9
Unemployment: 3.78%
Income Inequality: 4.7
Median Household Income: $49,750.00
WalletHub Score: 51.95
Happy City Score: 58.49
If you're in Oklahoma City, you should also check out Iron Star Urban BBQ, one of The 50 Greatest BBQ Joints in America.
93 | Fort Lauderdale, FL
ShutterstockPopulation: 178,752
Poor Mental Health Days: 4.0
Unemployment: 5.04%
Income Inequality: 4.8
Median Household Income: $53,624.00
WalletHub Score: 49.38
Happy City Score: 58.60
Before you trek to Florida, be sure to pick up one of the 10 best hats for relaxing in the summer.
92 | San Bernardino, CA
ShutterstockPopulation: 216,239
Poor Mental Health Days: 4.0
Unemployment: 6.46%
Income Inequality: 4.7
Median Household Income: $53,526.00
WalletHub Score: 49.22
Happy City Score: 58.73
If you're flying to Cali, be sure you know the single best airplane seat you can snag on any aircraft.
91 | Greensboro, NC
ShutterstockPopulation: 287,027
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.9
Unemployment: 5.88%
Income Inequality: 4.8
Median Household Income: $48,283.00
WalletHub Score: 54.33
Happy City Score: 59.09
One caveat, however: Greensboro is one of The 50 Fattest Cities in America.
90 | El Paso, TX
ShutterstockPopulation: 683,080
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.7
Unemployment: 5.23%
Income Inequality: 4.7
Median Household Income: $43,101.00
WalletHub Score: 58.72
Happy City Score: 59.56
If you're road-tripping to any of these cities, be sure to check out the 10 best new cars hitting the road in 2018.
89 | North Las Vegas, NV
ShutterstockPopulation: 238,702
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.8
Unemployment: 6.80%
Income Inequality: 4.2
Median Household Income: $51,624.00
WalletHub Score: 48.64
Happy City Score: 59.68
Whether you're heading to Vegas or not, here's why real men carry cash.
88 | Fort Wayne, IN
ShutterstockPopulation: 264,488
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.9
Unemployment: 4.54%
Income Inequality: 4.1
Median Household Income: $50,017.00
WalletHub Score: 50.07
Happy City Score: 59.85
Consider yourself warned: it's technically illegal to kiss someone if you have a mustache in Indiana, which is one of The 47 Weirdest Laws from Around the World.
87 | Las Vegas, NV
ShutterstockPopulation: 632,912
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.8
Unemployment: 6.80%
Income Inequality: 4.2
Median Household Income: $51,624.00
WalletHub Score: 49.06
Happy City Score: 60.10
If you're going, be sure to learn the best trick for doubling your money in any casino.
86 | Pittsburgh, PA
ShutterstockPopulation: 303,625
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.7
Unemployment: 4.82%
Income Inequality: 5.1
Median Household Income: $54,412.00
WalletHub Score: 50.67
Happy City Score: 60.82
Next, check out the 20 craziest side effects of common household drugs.
85 | Columbus, OH
ShutterstockPopulation: 860,090
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.9
Unemployment: 4.07%
Income Inequality: 4.8
Median Household Income: $53,939.00
WalletHub Score: 51.47
Happy City Score: 61.52
While you're in Columbus, be sure to stop by Schdmidt's Sausage Haus, one of The Best Power Lunch Restaurants in America.
84 | Ontario, CA
ShutterstockPopulation: 173,212
Poor Mental Health Days: 4.0
Unemployment: 6.46%
Income Inequality: 4.7
Median Household Income: $53,526.00
WalletHub Score: 52.57
Happy City Score: 62.08
83 | Nashville, TN
ShutterstockPopulation: 660,388
Poor Mental Health Days: 4.2
Unemployment: 4.46%
Income Inequality: 4.6
Median Household Income: $51,999.00
WalletHub Score: 54.63
Happy City Score: 62.45
FYI: The L.A. Jackson in Nashville is one of The 20 Greatest Hotel Bars in America Right Now.
82 | Atlanta, GA
ShutterstockPopulation: 472,522
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.6
Unemployment: 5.85%
Income Inequality: 6.2
Median Household Income: $59,911.00
WalletHub Score: 52.97
Happy City Score: 63.44
Atlanta also happens to be home to Ted's Montana Grill, one of The Best Steakhouses in America.
81 | St. Louis, MO
ShutterstockPopulation: 311,404
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.4
Unemployment: 4.61%
Income Inequality: 4.7
Median Household Income: $61,569.00
WalletHub Score: 43.06
Happy City Score: 63.72
80 | Houston, TX
ShutterstockPopulation: 2,303,482
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.4
Unemployment: 4.64%
Income Inequality: 5.1
Median Household Income: $56,670.00
WalletHub Score: 49.77
Happy City Score: 63.85
If you're looking to conquer your stress, check out the 10 best non-exercise stress busters.
79 | Wichita, KS
ShutterstockPopulation: 389,902
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.1
Unemployment: 4.81%
Income Inequality: 4.5
Median Household Income: $50,995.00
WalletHub Score: 51.51
Happy City Score: 64.24
78 | Chicago, IL
ShutterstockPopulation: 2,704,958
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.5
Unemployment: 6.10%
Income Inequality: 5.4
Median Household Income: $56,841.00
WalletHub Score: 52.57
Happy City Score: 64.26
If you're planning on visiting Chicago soon, be sure to stay at The Alise, one of Anthony Bourdain's 12 Favorite Boutique Hotels in America.
77 | Dallas, TX
ShutterstockPopulation: 1,317,929
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.2
Unemployment: 4.27%
Income Inequality: 4.7
Median Household Income: $51,824.00
WalletHub Score: 52.62
Happy City Score: 64.50
Speaking of Dallas: here's Mavs owner Mark Cuban on how being a bully makes a victim out of everyone in the situation.
76 | Pembroke Pines, FL
ShutterstockPopulation: 168,587
Poor Mental Health Days: 4.0
Unemployment: 5.04%
Income Inequality: 4.8
Median Household Income: $53,624.00
WalletHub Score: 55.58
Happy City Score: 64.80
75 | Orlando, FL
ShutterstockPopulation: 277,173
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.8
Unemployment: 4.90%
Income Inequality: 4.5
Median Household Income: $50,593.00
WalletHub Score: 56.79
Happy City Score: 65.48
Orlando may be a lovely family vacation, but for a more exotic experience, try one of the 10 secret escapes the one percent are jetting off to.
74 | Fontana, CA
ShutterstockPopulation: 209,665
Poor Mental Health Days: 4.0
Unemployment: 6.46%
Income Inequality: 4.7
Median Household Income: $53,526.00
WalletHub Score: 56.03
Happy City Score: 65.54
Fontana is home to the Auto Club Speedway. If you're interested in hitting the track, try stepping behind the wheel of one of the 10 least subtle high-powered cars on the market.
73 | Henderson, NV
ShutterstockPopulation: 292,969
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.8
Unemployment: 6.80%
Income Inequality: 4.2
Median Household Income: $51,624.00
WalletHub Score: 54.96
Happy City Score: 66.00
72 | San Antonio, TX
iStockPopulation: 1,492,510
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.3
Unemployment: 3.83%
Income Inequality: 4.7
Median Household Income: $52,230.00
WalletHub Score: 54.55
Happy City Score: 66.47
71 | New York, NY
ShutterstockPopulation: 8,537,673
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.7
Unemployment: 4.82%
Income Inequality: 8.8
Median Household Income: $75,136.00
WalletHub Score: 54.66
Happy City Score: 66.65
Also, New York is one of The 20 Best Cities to Visit Before You Die.
70 | Worcester, MA
ShutterstockPopulation: 184,508
Poor Mental Health Days: 4.0
Unemployment: 5.29%
Income Inequality: 5.1
Median Household Income: $65,621.00
WalletHub Score: 46.6
Happy City Score: 66.95
69 | Jersey City, NJ
ShutterstockPopulation: 264,152
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.6
Unemployment: 5.26%
Income Inequality: 6.0
Median Household Income: $60,053.00
WalletHub Score: 55.17
Happy City Score: 67.09
68 | Phoenix, AZ
ShutterstockPopulation: 1,615,017
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.6
Unemployment: 5.18%
Income Inequality: 4.6
Median Household Income: $56,017.00
WalletHub Score: 52.67
Happy City Score: 67.53
Of course, Phoenix is oppressively warm, so be sure your closet is stocked with the 10 best ways to stay cool in seersucker.
67 | Moreno Valley, CA
ShutterstockPopulation: 205,499
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.9
Unemployment: 6.73%
Income Inequality: 4.6
Median Household Income: $57,895.00
WalletHub Score: 53.03
Happy City Score: 68.08
66 | Rancho Cucamonga, CA
Kit Leong / ShutterstockPopulation: 176,534
Poor Mental Health Days: 4.0
Unemployment: 6.46%
Income Inequality: 4.7
Median Household Income: $53,526.00
WalletHub Score: 58.69
Happy City Score: 68.20
65 | Cape Coral, FL
ShutterstockPopulation: 179,804
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.9
Unemployment: 5.03%
Income Inequality: 4.3
Median Household Income: $50,713.00
WalletHub Score: 58.65
Happy City Score: 68.33
64 | Portland, OR
ShutterstockPopulation: 639,863
Poor Mental Health Days: 4.2
Unemployment: 4.99%
Income Inequality: 5.1
Median Household Income: $58,764.00
WalletHub Score: 56.11
Happy City Score: 68.38
Portland is a biking mecca. If you're going, consider buying one of the 17 best over-the-top luxury bicycles you can buy.
63 | Reno, NV
ShutterstockPopulation: 245,255
Poor Mental Health Days: 4.0
Unemployment: 6.24%
Income Inequality: 4.7
Median Household Income: $56,457.00
WalletHub Score: 55.83
Happy City Score: 68.39
62 | Sacramento, CA
ShutterstockPopulation: 495,234
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.9
Unemployment: 6.01%
Income Inequality: 4.9
Median Household Income: $58,735.00
WalletHub Score: 53.9
Happy City Score: 68.42
Before you embark on your travels, learn the single best way to get your hotel room comped for the night.
61 | Glendale, AZ
ShutterstockPopulation: 245,895
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.6
Unemployment: 5.18%
Income Inequality: 4.6
Median Household Income: $56,017.00
WalletHub Score: 53.93
Happy City Score: 68.79
60 | Huntsville, AL
ShutterstockPopulation: 193,079
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.8
Unemployment: 5.48%
Income Inequality: 5.1
Median Household Income: $59,117.00
WalletHub Score: 54.29
Happy City Score: 68.96
And for getting around Huntsville in style, be sure to check out the 10 best new high-performance drool-worthy new trucks.
59 | Irving, TX
ShutterstockPopulation: 238,289
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.2
Unemployment: 4.27%
Income Inequality: 4.7
Median Household Income: $51,824.00
WalletHub Score: 57.33
Happy City Score: 69.21
58 | Durham, NC
ShutterstockPopulation: 263,016
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.7
Unemployment: 5.01%
Income Inequality: 5.0
Median Household Income: $53,875.00
WalletHub Score: 59.05
Happy City Score: 69.41
57 | Garland, TX
ShutterstockPopulation: 234,943
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.2
Unemployment: 4.27%
Income Inequality: 4.7
Median Household Income: $51,824.00
WalletHub Score: 57.93
Happy City Score: 69.81
A well-rested mind is a happy mind, so learn the 11 doctor-approved secrets for falling asleep as fast as possible.
56 | Riverside, CA
ShutterstockPopulation: 324,722
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.9
Unemployment: 6.73%
Income Inequality: 4.6
Median Household Income: $57,895.00
WalletHub Score: 55.78
Happy City Score: 70.83
55 | Grand Rapids, MI
ShutterstockPopulation: 196,445
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.7
Unemployment: 3.58%
Income Inequality: 4.3
Median Household Income: $54,550.00
WalletHub Score: 56.9
Happy City Score: 71.46
For a great, novel exercise, try rowing on the river, one of 5 luxury exercise classes every fit person needs to try.
54 | Mesa, AZ
ShutterstockPopulation: 484,587
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.6
Unemployment: 5.18%
Income Inequality: 4.6
Median Household Income: $56,017.00
WalletHub Score: 57.12
Happy City Score: 71.98
53 | Grand Prairie, TX
ShutterstockPopulation: 190,682
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.2
Unemployment: 4.27%
Income Inequality: 4.7
Median Household Income: $51,824.00
WalletHub Score: 60.22
Happy City Score: 72.10
52 | Long Beach, CA
ShutterstockPopulation: 470,130
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.7
Unemployment: 6.72%
Income Inequality: 5.4
Median Household Income: $59,045.00
WalletHub Score: 59.05
Happy City Score: 72.19
To get yourself ready for the California beach, be sure to check out the ab workouts the will give you a six pack in six weeks.
51 | Denver, CO
ShutterstockPopulation: 693,060
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.6
Unemployment: 3.70%
Income Inequality: 5.2
Median Household Income: $57,886.00
WalletHub Score: 59.25
Happy City Score: 72.94
Speaking of Denver, during those colder months, it's one of The 10 Best Late-Winter Weekend Escapes.
50 | Los Angeles, CA
ShutterstockPopulation: 3,976,322
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.7
Unemployment: 6.72%
Income Inequality: 5.4
Median Household Income: $59,045.00
WalletHub Score: 59.91
Happy City Score: 73.05
Speaking of Hollywood, be sure to brush up on the town's industry trivia: here are The 15 Most Debated Movie Endings of All Time.
49 | Tempe, AZ
ShutterstockPopulation: 182,498
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.6
Unemployment: 5.18%
Income Inequality: 4.6
Median Household Income: $56,017.00
WalletHub Score: 59.12
Happy City Score: 73.98
48 | Charlotte, NC
ShutterstockPopulation: 842,051
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.5
Unemployment: 5.36%
Income Inequality: 4.7
Median Household Income: $57,029.00
WalletHub Score: 59.05
Happy City Score: 74.39
47 | Tacoma, WA
ShutterstockPopulation: 211,277
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.8
Unemployment: 6.33%
Income Inequality: 4.1
Median Household Income: $60,168.00
WalletHub Score: 54.14
Happy City Score: 74.87
Tacoma, as it so happens, isn't too far off from the burgeoning Washington wine country, so be sure you know exactly how to spot counterfeit wine from a mile away.
46 | Peoria, AZ
ShutterstockPopulation: 164,173
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.6
Unemployment: 5.18%
Income Inequality: 4.6
Median Household Income: $56,017.00
WalletHub Score: 60.86
Happy City Score: 75.72
45 | Omaha, NE
ShutterstockPopulation: 446,970
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.2
Unemployment: 3.28%
Income Inequality: 4.7
Median Household Income: $58,405.00
WalletHub Score: 57.27
Happy City Score: 75.87
For maximum happiness, pivot your workouts to the morning: Here's the five-step plan for becoming an early morning exercise machine.
44 | Arlington, TX
ShutterstockPopulation: 392,772
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.4
Unemployment: 4.15%
Income Inequality: 4.5
Median Household Income: $60,735.00
WalletHub Score: 54.95
Happy City Score: 76.02
43 | Chandler, AZ
ShutterstockPopulation: 247,477
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.6
Unemployment: 5.18%
Income Inequality: 4.6
Median Household Income: $56,017.00
WalletHub Score: 61.68
Happy City Score: 76.54
42 | Glendale, CA
ShutterstockPopulation: 200,831
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.7
Unemployment: 6.72%
Income Inequality: 5.4
Median Household Income: $59,045.00
WalletHub Score: 63.43
Happy City Score: 76.57
Glendale, full of A-listers, is where some of the 20 most high-profile Hollywood meltdowns happened.
41 | Santa Clarita, CA
ShutterstockPopulation: 181,972
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.7
Unemployment: 6.72%
Income Inequality: 5.4
Median Household Income: $59,045.00
WalletHub Score: 64.79
Happy City Score: 77.93
40 | Fort Worth, TX
ShutterstockPopulation: 854,113
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.4
Unemployment: 4.15%
Income Inequality: 4.5
Median Household Income: $60,735.00
WalletHub Score: 57.06
Happy City Score: 78.13
If you're flying a lot, chances are, you'll be stopping in DFW—read up on the 15 most genius ways to maximize your airline miles now.
39 | Vancouver, WA
ShutterstockPopulation: 174,826
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.7
Unemployment: 6.36%
Income Inequality: 3.9
Median Household Income: $64,282.00
WalletHub Score: 52.27
Happy City Score: 78.46
38 | Gilbert, AZ
ShutterstockPopulation: 237,133
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.6
Unemployment: 5.18%
Income Inequality: 4.6
Median Household Income: $56,017.00
WalletHub Score: 63.87
Happy City Score: 78.73
37 | Lincoln, NE
ShutterstockPopulation: 280,364
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.0
Unemployment: 2.61%
Income Inequality: 4.5
Median Household Income: $54,422.00
WalletHub Score: 61.95
Happy City Score: 78.73
For more happiness coverage, read on to learn the 11 ways that your partner directly impacts your health—and your happiness.
36 | Scottsdale, AZ
ShutterstockPopulation: 246,645
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.6
Unemployment: 5.18%
Income Inequality: 4.6
Median Household Income: $56,017.00
WalletHub Score: 64.61
Happy City Score: 79.47
35 | Colorado Springs, CO
ShutterstockPopulation: 465,101
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.4
Unemployment: 4.61%
Income Inequality: 4.3
Median Household Income: $60,050.00
WalletHub Score: 58.41
Happy City Score: 79.63
Colorado may be awesome ski country, but for true shredding, go to one of the 5 most mind-blowing luxury ski resorts in the world.
34 | Boise, ID
ShutterstockPopulation: 223,154
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.4
Unemployment: 3.59%
Income Inequality: 4.3
Median Household Income: $58,431.00
WalletHub Score: 60.23
Happy City Score: 79.84
33 | Des Moines, IA
ShutterstockPopulation: 215,472
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.3
Unemployment: 3.59%
Income Inequality: 4.3
Median Household Income: $60,436.00
WalletHub Score: 57.9
Happy City Score: 80.19
32 | St. Paul, MN
ShutterstockPopulation: 302,398
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.0
Unemployment: 3.53%
Income Inequality: 4.8
Median Household Income: $57,299.00
WalletHub Score: 62.43
Happy City Score: 80.55
31 | Salt Lake City, UT
ShutterstockPopulation: 193,744
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.5
Unemployment: 3.33%
Income Inequality: 4.0
Median Household Income: $65,549.00
WalletHub Score: 57.43
Happy City Score: 85.21
Before you hit the slopes in Salt Lake, be sure you know the single best way to fight off post-ski soreness.
30 | Washington, DC
ShutterstockPopulation: 681,170
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.4
Unemployment: 6.91%
Income Inequality: 7.0
Median Household Income: $73,115.00
WalletHub Score: 65.14
Happy City Score: 86.19
And for more coverage of our nation's capital, read why Mark Zuckerberg might be heading there soon—as president.
29 | Oceanside, CA
ShutterstockPopulation: 175,464
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.4
Unemployment: 5.20%
Income Inequality: 4.9
Median Household Income: $67,053.00
WalletHub Score: 61.83
Happy City Score: 87.18
28 | Chesapeake, VA
ShutterstockPopulation: 237,940
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.2
Unemployment: 4.55%
Income Inequality: 3.8
Median Household Income: $67,296.00
WalletHub Score: 55.33
Happy City Score: 87.33
To fit in with the yacht club crowd at Chesapeake, dress yourself in the 10 most essential items from Brooks Brothers this summer.
27 | Austin, TX
ShutterstockPopulation: 947,890
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.0
Unemployment: 3.27%
Income Inequality: 4.8
Median Household Income: $65,244.00
WalletHub Score: 63.01
Happy City Score: 88.97
26 | Virginia Beach, VA
ShutterstockPopulation: 452,602
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.1
Unemployment: 4.28%
Income Inequality: 3.7
Median Household Income: $67,032.00
WalletHub Score: 56.32
Happy City Score: 89.40
Hit the beach in style by wearing one of the 25 best swimsuits for men.
25 | Chula Vista, CA
ShutterstockPopulation: 267,172
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.4
Unemployment: 5.20%
Income Inequality: 4.9
Median Household Income: $67,053.00
WalletHub Score: 64.82
Happy City Score: 90.17
24 | Aurora, CO
ShutterstockPopulation: 361,710
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.3
Unemployment: 3.72%
Income Inequality: 4.2
Median Household Income: $67,062.00
WalletHub Score: 61.41
Happy City Score: 90.58
23 | San Diego, CA
ShutterstockPopulation: 1,406,630
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.4
Unemployment: 5.20%
Income Inequality: 4.9
Median Household Income: $67,053.00
WalletHub Score: 65.8
Happy City Score: 91.15
If you're in San Diego, chances are, you'll be seeing neon: Just check out the 15 Instagram goddesses that proof neon is back for evidence.
22 | Santa Rosa, CA
ShutterstockPopulation: 175,155
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.6
Unemployment: 4.49%
Income Inequality: 4.5
Median Household Income: $66,463.00
WalletHub Score: 65.29
Happy City Score: 91.37
21 | Sioux Falls, SD
ShutterstockPopulation: 174,360
Poor Mental Health Days: 2.5
Unemployment: 2.74%
Income Inequality: 3.8
Median Household Income: $55,605.00
WalletHub Score: 67.63
Happy City Score: 91.59
20 | Madison, WI
ShutterstockPopulation: 252,551
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.3
Unemployment: 3.21%
Income Inequality: 4.3
Median Household Income: $65,416.00
WalletHub Score: 64.28
Happy City Score: 91.61
Nothing beats running through a bustling downtown: Check out more great cardio workouts for people over 40.
19 | Minneapolis, MN
ShutterstockPopulation: 413,651
Poor Mental Health Days: 2.9
Unemployment: 3.28%
Income Inequality: 4.9
Median Household Income: $68,902.00
WalletHub Score: 62.59
Happy City Score: 92.63
18 | Santa Ana, CA
ShutterstockPopulation: 334,217
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.5
Unemployment: 4.48%
Income Inequality: 4.8
Median Household Income: $78,002.00
WalletHub Score: 58.42
Happy City Score: 94.69
17 | Raleigh, NC
ShutterstockPopulation: 458,880
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.1
Unemployment: 4.65%
Income Inequality: 4.3
Median Household Income: $70,629.00
WalletHub Score: 62.88
Happy City Score: 96.28
16 | Yonkers, NY
ShutterstockPopulation: 200,807
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.2
Unemployment: 4.61%
Income Inequality: 5.9
Median Household Income: $85,688.00
WalletHub Score: 57.25
Happy City Score: 96.85
If you live in Yonkers, chances are, you're commuting: Learn the 7 ways to make your commute the best part of your day.
15 | Anchorage, AK
ShutterstockPopulation: #N/A
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.3
Unemployment: 5.00%
Income Inequality: 3.8
Median Household Income: $77,791.00
WalletHub Score: 56.08
Happy City Score: 98.45
14 | Anaheim, CA
ShutterstockPopulation: 351,043
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.5
Unemployment: 4.48%
Income Inequality: 4.8
Median Household Income: $78,002.00
WalletHub Score: 63.48
Happy City Score: 99.75
13 | Oxnard, CA
ShutterstockPopulation: 207,906
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.5
Unemployment: 5.69%
Income Inequality: 4.4
Median Household Income: $79,285.00
WalletHub Score: 60.56
Happy City Score: 100.18
Before you hit the water in Oxnard, be sure you're clad in the single best boating shirt of all time.
12 | Garden Grove, CA
ShutterstockPopulation: 174,858
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.5
Unemployment: 4.48%
Income Inequality: 4.8
Median Household Income: $78,002.00
WalletHub Score: 64.35
Happy City Score: 100.62
11 | Honolulu, HI
ShutterstockPopulation: 351,792
Poor Mental Health Days: 2.8
Unemployment: 3.40%
Income Inequality: 4.0
Median Household Income: $76,544.00
WalletHub Score: 60.35
Happy City Score: 102.55
Hawaii is also one of The Best Exotic Vacations in the World.
10 | Aurora, IL
ShutterstockPopulation: 201,110
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.4
Unemployment: 4.66%
Income Inequality: 4.2
Median Household Income: $81,616.00
WalletHub Score: 59.94
Happy City Score: 103.43
9 | Huntington Beach, CA
ShutterstockPopulation: 200,652
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.5
Unemployment: 4.48%
Income Inequality: 4.8
Median Household Income: $78,002.00
WalletHub Score: 67.32
Happy City Score: 103.59
Be sure you stay as young as Huntington Beach residents feel, by learning the 25 doctor-approved secrets to staying young forever.
8 | Oakland, CA
ShutterstockPopulation: 420,005
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.2
Unemployment: 4.74%
Income Inequality: 5.4
Median Household Income: $81,462.00
WalletHub Score: 65.52
Happy City Score: 103.91
7 | Seattle, WA
ShutterstockPopulation: 704,352
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.1
Unemployment: 4.44%
Income Inequality: 4.7
Median Household Income: $81,816.00
WalletHub Score: 63.16
Happy City Score: 105.29
While you're in Seattle, be sure to visit the original Starbucks, and order the single best drink there for turbocharging your morning—or afternoon.
6 | Irvine, CA
ShutterstockPopulation: 266,122
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.5
Unemployment: 4.48%
Income Inequality: 4.8
Median Household Income: $78,002.00
WalletHub Score: 70.99
Happy City Score: 107.26
5 | San Francisco, CA
ShutterstockPopulation: 870,887
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.3
Unemployment: 3.64%
Income Inequality: 7.1
Median Household Income: $90,527.00
WalletHub Score: 69.2
Happy City Score: 107.52
San Francisco is adjacent to the tech capital of the world: We bet you didn't know these 15 crazy facts about tech's most important company.
4 | Overland Park, KS
ShutterstockPopulation: 188,966
Poor Mental Health Days: 2.7
Unemployment: 3.42%
Income Inequality: 4.0
Median Household Income: $83,007.00
WalletHub Score: 63.86
Happy City Score: 113.36
3 | Plano, TX
ShutterstockPopulation: 286,057
Poor Mental Health Days: 2.9
Unemployment: 3.64%
Income Inequality: 4.0
Median Household Income: $86,823.00
WalletHub Score: 63.43
Happy City Score: 115.53
2 | Fremont, CA
ShutterstockPopulation: 233,136
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.2
Unemployment: 4.74%
Income Inequality: 5.4
Median Household Income: $81,462.00
WalletHub Score: 77.55
Happy City Score: 115.94
1 | San Jose, CA
ShutterstockPopulation: 1,025,350
Poor Mental Health Days: 3.0
Unemployment: 4.16%
Income Inequality: 5.1
Median Household Income: $102,191.00
WalletHub Score: 75.79
Happy City Score: 137.32
And now, read our guide to quitting your job and traveling the world.
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