Overall, contentment in the U.S. is on the decline The nation dropped one position from the previous year to rank No. 24 in 2025. World Happiness Report .
However, there is still ample happiness to discover throughout the 50 states, such as in Plano, Texas, which claimed the top spot in a ranking. recent SmartAsset report determining the most joyful towns in America. SmartAsset evaluated cities based on 11 criteria spread across three areas: personal finances, well-being, and quality of life.
The individual metrics encompass the percentage of households residing beneath the poverty threshold, the proportion of inhabitants stating they do not engage in physical activity, along with the vehicular traffic levels on principal thoroughfares.
Below are the top 10 happiest cities in the U.S., as determined by SmartAsset:
1. Plano, Texas
- Families with an annual income of $100,000 or above: 54.3%
- Life expectancy in years: 81.3
- Marriage rate: 55.9%
2. Arlington, Virginia
- Families with an annual income of $100,000 or above: 65.3%
- Life expectancy in years: 83.9
- Marriage rate: 41.4%
3. Raleigh, North Carolina
- Families with an annual income of $100,000 or above: 42.5%
- Life expectancy in years: 81.0
- Marriage rate: 41.6%
4. Seattle, Washington
- Families with an annual income of $100,000 or above: 57.5%
- Life expectancy (years): 81.1
- Marriage rate: 41.4%
5. San Jose, California
- Families with an annual income of $100,000 or above: 62.2%
- Life expectancy in years: 83.8
- Marriage rate: 48.1%
6. Boise, Idaho
- Families with an annual income of $100,000 or above: 39.3%
- Life expectancy in years: 79.7
- Marriage rate: 47.8%
7. Fremont, California
- Families with an annual income of $100,000 or above: 71.9%
- Life expectancy in years: 82.0
- Marriage rate: 49.6%
8. Lincoln, Nebraska
- Families with an annual income of $100,000 or above: 32.0%
- Life expectancy in years: 79.1
- Marriage rate: 44.5%
9. Durham, North Carolina
- Families with an annual income of $100,000 or above: 41.9%
- Life expectancy in years: 79.2
- Marriage rate: 44.5%
10. Anchorage, Alaska
- Families with an annual income of $100,000 or above: 47.6%
- Life expectancy in years: 76.3
- Marriage rate: 48.2%
Why Plano Tops the List as No. 1
Several elements contributed to Plano’s prominence in SmartAsset's rankings, such as its elevated marriage rate of 56%, along with 54% of homes bringing in an annual income of at least $100,000.
Even though being unmarried doesn’t prevent happiness, numerous studies have shown partnered people tend to be happier than single adults. Married people also are inclined to make more money and save more , Census Bureau and Labor Department data has found.
In terms of aspects such as educational institutions, employment prospects, and recreational activities, Plano boasts a strong standing. The city secured the sixth position on the list. Niche's 2025 best places to reside in the U.S., considering aspects such as its educational institutions and public security. Plano also secured the fifth position in this ranking. SmartAsset's 2023 rankings one of the most secure cities in America thanks to its minimal drug-related deaths and instances of violent crimes.
A current resident of Plano, Texas, describes living here as offering a humble but satisfying lifestyle, thanks to its secure, family-oriented communities, top-notch educational institutions, and beautifully kept public spaces, posted on Niche .
They noted that whether you're savoring Tex-Mex at a nearby restaurant or sampling various culinary offerings, Plano’s lively food culture enhances its welcoming ambiance, making it an inviting spot to reside.
In what ways does currency influence contentment?
Studies have indicated that greater earnings correlate with higher levels of happiness SmartAsset considered these factors using metrics such as the percentage of households earning $100,000 or more annually and the area’s poverty rates.
Prior studies indicated that although a rise in earnings is associated with higher levels of life satisfaction, this correlation held true only to a certain extent However, more current research has determined that drop-off doesn't actually occur.
Even individuals who are already demonstrably affluent will still experience the beneficial impacts of additional income when they receive salary increases or manage to boost their overall wealth. University of Pennsylvania researcher In 2024, Matthew Killingsworth was discovered.
He stated that the effects of additional funds would vary, yet the boost to overall contentment remains about the same.
For instance, an individual earning a modest salary who receives a 20% increase might find it much easier to adequately provide for their household. In contrast, another person with a higher income receiving the same percentage hike could decide to replace their vehicle. However, according to Killingsworth’s findings, the rise in well-being experienced by both individuals would likely be comparable.
Certainly, this connection doesn't hold true for all individuals. Outside factors Like relationships or hidden mental health issues, factors that could impede an individual's well-being might persist irrespective of their earnings, according to Killingsworth's findings.
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