Phoenix Misses Top 50 In Happiest Cities Ranking; 4 Valley Cities Shine

PHOENIX, AZ — Phoenix missed the top 50 in a new ranking of America’s happiest cities, while four Valley cities landed among the nation's 20 highest-ranked communities.

WalletHub ranked Phoenix No. 56 out of 182 large U.S. cities in its annual happiest-cities study. Scottsdale ranked No. 3 nationally, followed by Gilbert at No. 9, Chandler at No. 14 and Tempe at No. 20.

The ranking examined 29 measures associated with happiness and quality of life, including physical and mental health, income and employment, leisure time, community conditions and the environment.

Scottsdale's No. 3 ranking was helped by strong marks for residents' health and financial well-being. More than 88% of Scottsdale adults reported being in good or better health, while nearly 87% said they regularly participate in physical activity.

The city also had one of the nation's lowest rates of adults reporting frequent mentally unhealthy days, according to the study.

Scottsdale also scored well financially. About 65% of households earn more than $75,000 a year, while 7% of residents reported incomes below the poverty level in the previous year, according to WalletHub.

WalletHub did not provide a detailed city-by-city breakdown explaining Phoenix's No. 56 ranking. The overall results, however, put Phoenix well behind several neighboring Valley cities evaluated using the same health, economic and community measures.

“Research shows that having more money only increases your happiness until you're making at least $75,000 per year,” WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo said. “In addition to pursuing a higher income, people can increase their happiness by staying healthy, having a good work-life balance and maintaining supportive relationships.”

The study found that income is only one factor associated with happiness. Cities near the top of the ranking also tended to score well on measures tied to physical and mental health, job stability, commute times and opportunities for residents to spend time with family, friends and their communities.

Phoenix was not the only major U.S. city outside the top tier. But its No. 56 ranking stands in contrast to Scottsdale, Gilbert, Chandler and Tempe, which all placed among the nation's 20 highest-ranked cities.