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Overall, happiness levels in the United States are experiencing a downward trend, as evidenced by a drop in rankings in the 2025 World Happiness Report, where the country is now positioned at No. 24.
Despite this national decline, there are still regions where residents find abundant joy. Plano, Texas, leads the way, securing the top spot in a recent SmartAsset report that surveyed the happiest cities across America. SmartAsset evaluated over a dozen metrics in three primary categories: personal finance, wellbeing, and overall quality of life.
Some of the key metrics examined include the percentage of households living below the poverty line, the inactivity rate among residents, and traffic volumes on major thoroughfares.
Below are the 10 cities identified as the happiest in the U.S. according to SmartAsset:
1. Plano, Texas
Percentage of households earning $100,000 per year or more: 54.3%Average life expectancy (years): 81.3Marriage rate: 55.9%
2. Arlington, Virginia
Percentage of households earning $100,000 per year or more: 65.3%Average life expectancy (years): 83.9Marriage rate: 41.4%
3. Raleigh, North Carolina
Percentage of households earning $100,000 per year or more: 42.5%Average life expectancy (years): 81.0Marriage rate: 41.6%
4. Seattle, Washington
Percentage of households earning $100,000 per year or more: 57.5%Average life expectancy (years): 81.1Marriage rate: 41.4%
5. San Jose, California
Percentage of households earning $100,000 per year or more: 62.2%Average life expectancy (years): 83.8Marriage rate: 48.1%
6. Boise, Idaho
Percentage of households earning $100,000 per year or more: 39.3%Average life expectancy (years): 79.7Marriage rate: 47.8%
7. Fremont, California
Percentage of households earning $100,000 per year or more: 71.9%Average life expectancy (years): 82.0Marriage rate: 49.6%
8. Lincoln, Nebraska
Percentage of households earning $100,000 per year or more: 32.0%Average life expectancy (years): 79.1Marriage rate: 44.5%
9. Durham, North Carolina
Percentage of households earning $100,000 per year or more: 41.9%Average life expectancy (years): 79.2Marriage rate: 44.5%
10. Anchorage, Alaska
Percentage of households earning $100,000 per year or more: 47.6%Average life expectancy (years): 76.3Marriage rate: 48.2%
Factors Contributing to Plano’s Top Ranking
Several elements contribute to Plano’s impressive ranking, notably its high marriage rate of 55.9% and the fact that over half of its households earn at least $100,000 annually.
Although marriage is not a requirement for happiness, numerous studies have indicated that individuals in partnerships often report higher levels of happiness compared to their single counterparts. Additionally, married individuals statistically tend to earn higher incomes and manage their finances more effectively, as highlighted by data from the Census Bureau and the Labor Department.
Plano also boasts a strong reputation regarding educational quality, job prospects, and entertainment amenities. The city ranked sixth on Niche’s 2025 list of best places to reside in the U.S., taking into consideration its schools and public safety. Moreover, Plano was recognized as the fifth safest city in America in SmartAsset’s 2023 rankings, attributed to its low rates of drug-related mortality and violent crime.
According to a review from a Plano resident on Niche, “Living in Plano, Texas, offers a modest yet fulfilling experience with its safe, family-friendly neighborhoods, excellent schools, and well-maintained parks.” They further emphasized that “Whether enjoying Tex-Mex at a local eatery or exploring diverse cuisines, Plano’s vibrant food scene complements its community-focused atmosphere, making it a comfortable place to call home.”
The Link Between Wealth and Happiness
Research indicates a correlation between higher incomes and increased levels of happiness, a notable factor SmartAsset considered when assessing metrics like the number of households earning $100,000 or more and local poverty statistics.
While earlier studies suggested that increased income levels only positively impacted life satisfaction up to a certain income threshold, recent findings have challenged this notion. Newer research has indicated that even individuals who are already considered wealthy continue to experience the benefits of additional income on their happiness levels, according to findings from University of Pennsylvania researcher Matthew Killingsworth in 2024.
Though the material benefits of increased wealth are relative, the happiness enhancement tends to be consistent across different income levels, he noted.
For instance, a person with a modest income receiving a 20% salary increase may find themselves better able to support their family’s needs, whereas a higher-income individual receiving the same percentage increase might choose to upgrade their vehicle. Regardless of the circumstances, both may experience similar uplift in happiness levels, according to Killingsworth’s findings.
It’s important to note, however, that this correlation does not hold true for everyone. Various external factors, such as personal relationships or mental health issues, can impede an individual’s happiness irrespective of their financial status, as highlighted by Killingsworth’s research.
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