(KRON) — If you are searching for happiness, you may want to consider living in Fremont. A newly-released report by WalletHub placed Fremont at the top on its “Happiest Cities in America” list for 2026.

The East Bay city has ranked #1 on the list for six years in a row.

The report states, “Location can influence how bright or gloomy our daily lives feel. For decades, researchers have explored the science of happiness and identified several core factors, including mental well-being, physical health, strong social ties, job satisfaction, and financial stability.”

WalletHub analyzed 180 cities looking at 29 key indicators of happiness.

Why are people in Fremont so happy?

A big factor stems from household incomes, with 80 percent of the city’s population earning more than $75,000 annually. The study notes that a correlation between happiness and money hits a ceiling at $75,000.

“Increasing your income up to $75,000 … increases your happiness, but making more than that does not. Therefore, cities where a lot of people make at least $75,000 per year are more likely to have maximized their happiness. People in Fremont also have the highest rate of life satisfaction, the seventh-lowest depression rate, and the fifth-highest average life expectancy in the country,” the study states.

Another factor was attributed to Fremont residents’ strong family units and mental wellness. “(Fremont) has the lowest separation and divorce rate in the country, at only 9.3%. It also has the lowest share of adults who report having 14 or more mentally unhealthy days per month, so people in the city seem to be taking care of themselves psychologically,” the study writes.

Fremont public schools make 2026 California Distinguished list

Chip Lupo of WalletHub said an ideal city has an environment and conditions that support a person’s mental and physical health, such as shorter work commutes, good weather, and caring neighbors.

Only one other Bay Area city, San Jose, made it on the list’s top 10.

Fremont was followed by Bismarck, ND (#2), Scottsdale, AZ (#3), Burlington, VT (#4), and Fargo, ND (#5). San Jose ranked #10.

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