(KRON) — If you’re looking for happiness, you might want to consider living in Fremont. A new report from WalletHub ranks Fremont at the top of its list of “Happiest Cities in America” in 2026.
The East Bay city ranks No. 1 for the sixth consecutive year.
The report states, “Place affects how bright or dark our daily lives are. For decades, researchers have been exploring the science of happiness and identified several core factors, including mental health, physical health, strong social relationships, job satisfaction and financial stability.”
WalletHub analyzed 180 cities, looking at 29 key happiness indicators.
Why are people in Fremont so happy?
An important factor is household income, with 80% of the city’s population earning more than $75,000 a year. Studies indicate that the correlation between happiness and money reaches an upper limit of $75,000.
“Increasing your income to $75,000… increases your happiness, but not above that,” the study states. “Thus, cities where many people earn at least $75,000 a year are more likely to maximize happiness. Fremonters rank among the highest in the country for life satisfaction, seventh in depression rates, and fifth in average life expectancy.”
Musicians perform for Fremont’s 2025 Summer Concert Series. (Photo courtesy of the City of Fremont)
Another factor is attributed to the strong family unit and mental health of Fremont residents. “(Fremont) has the lowest separation and divorce rate in the country at 9.3 percent. The city also has the lowest percentage of adults reporting 14 or more mentally unhealthy days per month, so people there appear to be taking care of themselves psychologically,” the study reads.
Fremont Public Schools named to 2026 California Distinguished Schools List
WalletHub’s Chip Lupo said ideal cities have environments and conditions that support people’s physical and mental health, such as shorter commute times, pleasant weather and caring neighbors.
Only one other Bay Area city, San Jose, cracked the top 10 on the list.
Fremont was followed by Bismarck, North Dakota (No. 2), Scottsdale, Arizona (No. 3), Burlington, Vermont (No. 4) and Fargo, North Dakota (No. 5). San Jose ranks 10th.
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