10 happiest US cities

Fremont, Calif., topped WalletHub’s 2026 ranking of happiest cities in the U.S. for another year, while Detroit ranked at the bottom.

For the ranking, the personal finance website compared 182 of the largest U.S. cities — including the 150 most populous nationwide, plus at least two of the most populous cities in each state — across three dimensions: emotional and physical well-being, income and employment, and community and environment. 

WalletHub evaluated these dimensions using 29 metrics, which ranged from depression rates to average daily leisure time.

Each metric was graded on a 100-point scale, with a score of 100 representing the highest level of happiness. WalletHub then determined each city’s weighted average across all metrics to calculate its overall score and rank the cities. More information about the methodology is available here. 

The 10 happiest cities, according to the analysis:

1. Fremont, Calif. 

2. Bismarck, N.D.

3. Scottsdale, Ariz.

4. South Burlington, Vt. 

5. Fargo, N.D.

6. Overland Park, Kan.

7. Charleston, S.C.

8. Irvine, Calif.

9. Gilbert, Ariz.

10. San Jose, Calif.

The 10 cities at the bottom of the list:

1. Detroit

2. Memphis, Tenn.

3. Shreveport, La.

4. Cleveland 

5. Huntington, W.Va.

6. Toledo, Ohio

7. Augusta, Ga.

8. Fort Smith, Ark.

9. Dover, Del.

10. Akron, Ohio

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