'Happiest Cities In America' Ranking Includes 2 Maryland Towns Including 1 In Howard Co.

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — For the third consecutive year, Columbia has been tapped to represent Maryland as one of the "Happiest Cities in America" and landed in the top 10.

Baltimore, the only other city in Maryland to make the list in 2024, ranked 160 out of 182. The Happiest Cities in America list is compiled by WalletHub.

"This continued recognition speaks to our ongoing efforts to ensure we are offering all our residents the best the quality of life. People want to live, work, play and grow here because of our quality schools, flourishing hub of arts and culture, recreational activities and green space, robust businesses and the strong sense of community. As we continue to build a diverse and inclusive community, Columbia and Howard County as a whole, continue to thrive," said Howard County Executive Calvin Ball.

WalletHub compared 182 of the largest U.S. cities to determine which is home to the happiest people in America. The outlet examined each city based on 29 key indicators of happiness, ranging from income-growth rate to depression rate and average leisure time spent per day.

Columbia ranked higher in the following metrics:

• 5th – Emotional & Physical Well-Being
• 170th – Income & Employment
• 60th – Community & Environment

Within the last year, Columbia has been named one of the Safest Cities in America, Best Places to Raise a Family, Best Places to Live in the U.S. and Best City for Summer Jobs.