Find a Job You Really Want In
If you’re exploring this article, it’s likely that you reside in the United States. And given the advancements in technology, you’re probably reading this on a smartphone, tablet, or the latest innovative device.
The U.S. is often regarded globally as a land of opportunity, where dreams can flourish and aspirations can be realized. Many of us enjoy a comfortable lifestyle, driven by hard work and the latest technological conveniences. However, despite these advantages, our nation grapples with a significant issue:
A happiness deficit.
In various studies, the U.S. has consistently been outperformed by nations like Norway, Denmark, and Finland when it comes to overall happiness. The criteria for such rankings vary widely, but the takeaway remains clear: the U.S. often falls short in the happiness stakes, which can be disheartening for a nation that prides itself on success.
Nonetheless, it’s not all bleak. Certain places in the U.S. shine brightly on the happiness spectrum. So before you contemplate relocating to one of those consistently happy countries, like Switzerland, check out our map showcasing the happiest places in each state. It’s a much shorter journey than heading to the Swiss Alps, and you can skip the customs line—a true win for your happiness.
The Method Behind Our Research
You might be wondering how we generated this map. Did we randomly select city names or choose based on personal preference? Actually, we employed a methodical approach, using specific criteria to narrow down our list of cities to one per state.
Here are the factors we considered that contribute to happiness (and that we could quantify):
- Education level (Percentage of the population with at least a bachelor’s degree)
- Employment status (Measured by the unemployment rate)
- Commute times (Shorter commutes generally lead to happier residents)
- Cost of living (Affordability can significantly impact happiness)
- Family structure (Stable relationships, such as marriage, tend to correlate with happiness)
- Homeownership rates (Owning a home can enhance stability and satisfaction)
- Poverty rates (Financial security plays a role in overall happiness)
Using data from the American Community Survey, we analyzed over 7,300 communities across the U.S. with populations of 2,000 or more. We ranked these places based on our seven criteria, with the happiest receiving the lowest score. Any ties were awarded to the larger community.
We then averaged the rankings to create a Happiness Index for each location. The community with the lowest overall index was designated the Happiest Place in the state.
Now, while we can’t delve into the details of each of our fifty happy cities, we’ll highlight a few with the top happiness rankings. First up is Frontenac, Missouri.
1. Frontenac, Missouri
You might be surprised to learn that Frontenac, Missouri ranks as one of the happiest places—not just in its state but in the nation. With a population of just 3,512, it might not have been on your radar until now. Why are residents so content? For starters, they enjoy an average commute of just 17 minutes. Additionally, the community boasts high levels of insurance coverage, marriage rates, and employment.
So, embrace your happiness—you’re in Frontenac!
2. Oak Hill, Tennessee
What is it about small towns that fosters happiness? In Oak Hill, it largely relates to security. Residents rank as one of the most married communities in the U.S. and enjoy a low poverty rate, standing at 38th out of over 7,500 locations.
While moving overseas may seem appealing, you might find even greater happiness in Oak Hill—plus, it’s more affordable!
3. Montana City, Montana
Surprise! Among over 7,500 places nationwide, Montana City ranks as the seventh happiest overall, following Frontenac and Oak Hill. It may not be on everyone’s travel list, but it certainly deserves a spot.
This quaint community features low poverty rates, high employment levels, and a significant number of married residents. It’s like a warm, comforting blanket of happiness!
Happy Exploring!
While we could elaborate on all fifty of our happy winners, that might get tedious for both you and us—so we’ll keep it brief. Now, get out there and explore these joyful places!
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.
