Fremont, California Named Happiest City in the US

New WalletHub study analyzes 182 largest US cities across 29 key happiness indicators

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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According to a new study from WalletHub, Fremont, California has been named the happiest city in the United States for the second year in a row. The study evaluated 182 of the largest US cities across 29 key indicators of happiness, including depression rates, income growth, and average daily leisure time. Five other California cities - Irvine, San Jose, San Francisco, San Diego, and Huntington Beach - also ranked in the top 25 happiest cities.

Why it matters

Where people live can have a significant impact on their overall happiness and well-being. This study provides insights into which cities in the US are creating the conditions for their residents to thrive and be content. The findings also highlight regional differences, with California cities dominating the top rankings while cities in the Northeast like New York and New Jersey lagging behind.

The details

Fremont topped the list due to factors like having the highest share of households with incomes above $75,000, the lowest separation and divorce rate, and the fifth-highest average life expectancy in the country. Other high-ranking California cities like Irvine, San Jose, and San Francisco also scored well across metrics like emotional and physical well-being, income and employment, and community and environment. In contrast, New York City ranked a relatively low 59th overall, performing poorly in income/employment and community/environment categories despite having the fifth-lowest suicide rate.

  • The study was published on March 10, 2026.

The players

Fremont

A city in California that was named the happiest city in the United States for the second year in a row in this WalletHub study.

WalletHub

A personal finance website that conducted the study analyzing 182 of the largest US cities across 29 key indicators of happiness.

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The takeaway

This study highlights the importance of factors like income, community, and overall well-being in determining a city's happiness levels. The dominance of California cities at the top of the rankings suggests that the state has been successful in creating environments that foster resident satisfaction and contentment, while cities in other regions like the Northeast still have work to do to improve quality of life for their populations.