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Discover the 10 Happiest Cities in America for 2026
Are you thriving in your career yet still feeling unfulfilled? Did transitioning from an internship that paid $8/hr to a full-time role truly enhance your happiness?
Research indicates that while income can influence happiness, its impact plateaus after reaching a certain level. Interestingly, the happiest individuals in America often belong to the middle and upper-middle class, rather than the affluent in tech hubs like Silicon Valley.
So, what elements contribute to happiness, and where are these joyful cities located?
Here’s an overview of the top 10 happiest cities in America for 2026:
- Sioux Falls, SD
- Lincoln, NE
- Olathe, KS
- Overland Park, KS
- Omaha, NE
- Boise City, ID
- Lexington, KY
- Cary, NC
- Madison, WI
- Wichita, KS
Notably, these ten happiest cities aren’t large metropolitan areas like Washington D.C., New York, San Francisco, or Los Angeles. Instead, they reflect the charm and opportunities found in smaller urban environments, particularly in Kansas and Nebraska.
Curious about what makes these cities rank so high in happiness? Read on for an in-depth analysis of the factors contributing to their joyfulness.
For additional resources, check out:
How We Compiled This List
Our rankings are based on thorough criteria, focusing on elements that contribute to overall happiness:
- Educational attainment (percentage of the population with at least a bachelor’s degree)
- Employment levels (unemployment rates)
- Commute times (shorter commutes correlate with happiness)
- Affordability (cost of living)
- Family dynamics (higher rates of marriage often link to increased happiness)
These factors are supported by research and data from various credible sources. Using the most recent American Community Survey data, we analyzed the 200 largest cities in the U.S.
Each city was ranked from one to 200 based on our criteria, with one representing the highest level of happiness. The average rankings were then combined to create a Happiness Index, with the lowest score denoting the “Happiest City in America.”
Continue reading for a closer look at each of these ten cities and what makes them exceptional.
1. Sioux Falls, SD
Population: 167,884
Sioux Falls, the largest city in South Dakota, tops our list. What fuels the happiness here?
Its short commutes and low unemployment rates are significant contributors. Coupled with a vibrant arts scene and beautiful parks, Sioux Falls offers a high quality of life.
2. Lincoln, NE
Population: 273,018
Often stereotyped, Lincoln proves there’s more to the Midwest than farming. As Nebraska’s capital, it boasts beautiful Sunken Gardens, affordable housing, and abundant job opportunities.
3. Olathe, KS
Population: 132,787
Olathe, once ranked first, now holds the third position. This city is thriving with job prospects and has a community where over 60% of residents are married, indicating a strong family-oriented culture.
4. Overland Park, KS
Population: 183,775
Overland Park and Omaha tie for fourth and fifth place. With top-notch amenities, including parks and cultural centers, residents enjoy a balanced lifestyle with low unemployment and educational opportunities.
5. Omaha, NE
Population: 443,072
Omaha, another gem in the Midwest, boasts a great zoo and numerous parks. Its combination of short commutes and cultural richness makes it a happy place to reside.
6. Boise City, ID
Population: 218,677
Moving to Boise City, known for its agricultural bounty, residents enjoy access to fresh produce. Additionally, Boise ranks well for commuting, enhancing overall happiness.
7. Lexington, KY
Population: 311,529
Lexington is recognized for its high percentage of educated residents and affordable living costs. As Kentucky’s horse capital, it offers a unique lifestyle attractive to equine enthusiasts.
8. Cary, NC
Population: 155,822
Cary is celebrated for its low crime rates and proximity to the Research Triangle, making it an ideal location for tech and healthcare professionals.
9. Madison, WI
Population: 246,034
Madison combines a vibrant arts scene with a strong educational foundation, benefiting from the University of Wisconsin’s presence and its low unemployment rate.
10. Wichita, KS
Population: 388,033
Wichita, the largest city in Kansas, excels in affordability and cultural offerings, making it an attractive destination for residents and visitors alike.
Happy Reading!
Excited that your city made the list? If not, don’t worry; many large U.S. cities have unique attributes worth exploring. The Midwest, often overlooked, proves to be a hub of happiness!
To enhance your own happiness, focus on personal factors like housing costs, job satisfaction, and education. Let Zippia assist you in finding a fulfilling career that aligns with these elements in your life.
Detailed List of the Happiest Cities in America for 2026
Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
