Feeling happy is a core part of the human experience, deeply intertwined with our desires and overall well-being.
While many believe happiness stems from within, external factors undeniably play a significant role in shaping a happier life.
A recent study by WalletHub sought to identify the happiest big cities in America, with a focus on the exogenic side of happiness—those behavioral, economic, and geographical elements that influence our emotional state.
This article shifts the focus to the other end of the spectrum, unveiling the 20 lowest-ranking cities in the U.S. where happiness appears to be scarce.
By delving into the factors contributing to their low rankings, we aim to provide insights into the challenges these communities face and what steps can be taken to foster happier, more fulfilling environments.
The Science of Unhappiness: How Cities Were Ranked
Measuring happiness is a complex endeavor, but WalletHub took on the challenge by analyzing 182 of the most populated cities in the U.S.. The study ensured representation from every state by including at least two of the most populated cities in each.
To quantify happiness, WalletHub utilized 29 metrics divided into three main categories:
- Emotional & Physical Well-Being: This category considers factors such as depression rate, adequate sleep rate, life expectancy, and the life satisfaction index.
- Income & Employment: This assesses the financial stability and job satisfaction of residents, including metrics like the share of households with incomes above $75,000, job satisfaction, unemployment rate, and bankruptcy rate.
- Community & Environment: This examines the social and environmental factors that impact happiness, such as separation & divorce rate, ideal weather conditions, and the number of hate crime incidents per capita.
Each metric was graded on a 100-point scale and weighted based on its importance to overall happiness. The final rankings are based on the total scores, with lower scores indicating unhappier cities.
Misery Loves Company: The 20 Cities Where Happiness Is Scarce
Here’s a detailed look at the 20 unhappiest cities in America, according to WalletHub’s study:
1. Detroit, Michigan
- Total score: 31.43
- Emotional & physical well-being rank: 180
- Income & employment rank: 182
- Community & environment rank: 176
2. Cleveland, Ohio
- Total score: 34.83
- Emotional & physical well-being rank: 172
- Income & employment rank: 161
- Community & environment rank: 182
3. Montgomery, Alabama
- Total score: 35.70
- Emotional & physical well-being rank: 177
- Income & employment rank: 177
- Community & environment rank: 167
4. Birmingham, Alabama
- Total score: 36.22
- Emotional & physical well-being rank: 171
- Income & employment rank: 148
- Community & environment rank: 180
5. Shreveport, Louisiana
- Total score: 36.54
- Emotional & physical well-being rank: 179
- Income & employment rank: 173
- Community & environment rank: 140
6. Huntington, West Virginia
- Total score: 37.31
- Emotional & physical well-being rank: 182
- Income & employment rank: 18
- Community & environment rank: 22
7. Toledo, Ohio
- Total score: 37.51
- Emotional & physical well-being rank: 174
- Income & employment rank: 164
- Community & environment rank: 166
8. Jackson, Mississippi
- Total score: 38.79
- Emotional & physical well-being rank: 161
- Income & employment rank: 178
- Community & environment rank: 177
9. Mobile, Alabama
- Total score: 38.97
- Emotional & physical well-being rank: 175
- Income & employment rank: 172
- Community & environment rank: 107
10. Akron, Ohio
- Total score: 39.15
- Emotional & physical well-being rank: 166
- Income & employment rank: 145
- Community & environment rank: 175
11. Gulfport, Mississippi
- Total score: 39.25
- Emotional & physical well-being rank: 173
- Income & employment rank: 162
- Community & environment rank: 146
12. Augusta, Georgia
- Total score: 39.44
- Emotional & physical well-being rank: 163
- Income & employment rank: 156
- Community & environment rank: 178
13. Memphis, Tennessee
- Total score: 39.85
- Emotional & physical well-being rank: 158
- Income & employment rank: 181
- Community & environment rank: 159
14. Baton Rouge, Louisiana
- Total score: 40.10
- Emotional & physical well-being rank: 167
- Income & employment rank: 114
- Community & environment rank: 171
15. Fort Smith, Arkansas
- Total score: 40.10
- Emotional & physical well-being rank: 181
- Income & employment rank: 9
- Community & environment rank: 106
16. Fayetteville, North Carolina
- Total score: 40.56
- Emotional & physical well-being rank: 170
- Income & employment rank: 146
- Community & environment rank: 152
17. Columbus, Georgia
- Total score: 40.91
- Emotional & physical well-being rank: 168
- Income & employment rank: 142
- Community & environment rank: 148
18. San Antonio, Texas
- Total score: 42.31
- Emotional & physical well-being rank: 155
- Income & employment rank: 130
- Community & environment rank: 169
19. St. Louis, Missouri
- Total score: 42.99
- Emotional & physical well-being rank: 149
- Income & employment rank: 166
- Community & environment rank: 147
20. Lubbock, Texas
- Total score: 43.17
- Emotional & physical well-being rank: 164
- Income & employment rank: 47
- Community & environment rank: 155
Turning the Tide: Steps Towards a Happier City
Improving happiness in these cities requires a multifaceted approach that addresses the root causes of unhappiness. City officials and residents can take actionable steps to improve their communities:
- Community Initiatives:
- Create local events and social programs to foster connections.
- Beautify shared spaces such as parks, libraries, and recreation centers.
- Encourage resident participation in neighborhood improvement projects.
- Economic Development:
- Attract new businesses and industries to create jobs.
- Provide job training and placement services for residents.
- Offer financial literacy programs to help residents manage their money.
- Mental Health Support:
- Increase access to mental health services.
- Launch public awareness campaigns to reduce the stigma around mental illness.
- Create support groups and peer counseling programs.
Alicia Richards