SCOTTSDALE, AZ — Scottsdale ranked as the third-happiest large city in the country in a new national study, placing among the top communities for residents' health, finances and quality of life.
WalletHub compared 182 of the nation's largest cities using 29 measures tied to happiness. The analysis included factors such as physical and mental health, income and employment, leisure time and community conditions.
Scottsdale's high ranking was driven in part by residents' reported health and activity levels. More than 88% of Scottsdale adults reported being in good or better health, while nearly 87% said they regularly participate in physical activity, according to the study.
The city also recorded one of the nation's lowest shares of adults reporting frequent mentally unhealthy days.
Financial factors also contributed to Scottsdale's ranking. About 65% of local households earn more than $75,000 annually, while 7% of residents reported incomes below the poverty level during the previous year.
WalletHub's analysis also points to research suggesting that income can improve well-being up to a certain point, while factors such as health, work-life balance, commuting and supportive relationships can also influence people's quality of life.
Scottsdale was one of four Valley cities to land in the study's top 20. Gilbert ranked No. 9, Chandler ranked No. 14 and Tempe ranked No. 20. Phoenix came in at No. 56.
The rankings are based on a combination of data points and survey measures rather than a direct poll asking residents whether they consider themselves happy.
Still, Scottsdale's No. 3 ranking places it near the top of WalletHub's list of large U.S. cities based on the factors included in the study.
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