Ten Happiest U.S. Cities and the Two Colorado Places on the List

Each year, Gallup-Healthways issues its well-being index, which, among other things, attempts to determine the happiest cities in these United States. And Colorado communities regularly make the cut. That's true again this year. Two Front Range community finished in the top ten, based on the following criteria: Purpose: Liking what...

By Michael Roberts

March 3, 2016

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Each year, Gallup-Healthways issues its well-being index, which, among other things, attempts to determine the happiest cities in these United States.

And Colorado communities regularly make the cut.

That's true again this year. Two Front Range community finished in the top ten, based on the following criteria:

Purpose: Liking what you do each day and being motivated to achieve your goals

Social: Having supportive relationships and love in your life

Financial: Managing your economic life to reduce stress and increase security

Community: Liking where you live, feeling safe and having pride in your community

Physical: Having good health and enough energy to get things done daily

Count down the photo-illustrated top ten below, featuring Gallup-Healthways data, followed by the complete report.

Number 10: San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles-Arroyo Grande, CA

Well-Being Index Score: 64.3

Purpose Rank: 40

Social Rank: 12

Financial Rank: 52

Community Rank: 3

Physical Rank: 13

Number 9: Anchorage, AK

Well-Being Index Score: 64.4

Purpose Rank: 11

Social Rank: 35

Financial Rank: 3

Community Rank: 24

Physical Rank: 24

Number 8: Charlottesville, VA

Well-Being Index Score: 64.5

Purpose Rank: 6

Social Rank: 8

Financial Rank: 43

Community Rank: 8

Physical Rank: 6

Number 7: Boulder, CO

Well-Being Index Score: 64.5

Purpose Rank: 142

Social Rank: 102

Financial Rank: 5

Community Rank: 7

Physical Rank: 1

Number 6: Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA

Well-Being Index Score: 64.6

Purpose Rank: 21

Social Rank: 44

Financial Rank: 7

Community Rank: 6

Physical Rank: 11

Continue to keep counting down the happiest cities in the U.S., including one more from Colorado.

Number 5: Barnstable Town, MA

Well-Being Index Score: 64.6

Purpose Rank: 30

Social Rank: 4

Financial Rank: 11

Community Rank: 26

Physical Rank: 3

Number 4: Fort Collins, CO

Well-Being Index Score: 64.6

Purpose Rank: 41

Social Rank: 10

Financial Rank: 35

Community Rank: 2

Physical Rank: 19

Number 3: North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton, FL

Well-Being Index Score: 64.7

Purpose Rank: 14

Social Rank: 2

Financial Rank: 1

Community Rank: 15

Physical Rank: 7

Number 2: Salinas, CA

Well-Being Index Score: 65.0

Purpose Rank: 3

Social Rank: 9

Financial Rank: 8

Community Rank: 44

Physical Rank: 2

Number 1: Naples-Immokalee-Marco Island, FL

Well-Being Index Score: 65.0

Purpose Rank: 4

Social Rank: 6

Financial Rank: 18

Community Rank: 1

Physical Rank: 15

Gallup Healthways State of American Well-Being

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Michael Roberts began his career with Westword in 1990 as music editor. In 1999, he took on a new role, full-time media reporter, as author of a column called The Message. In 2008, he became the lead writer for Westword's news blog, The Latest Word, a position he held until January 2023. Michael continues to freelance for Westword, covering everything from business to sports and the media; he also contributes to Jazziz, a national music magazine. He holds a bachelor's degree from what is now Colorado Mesa University and master's degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Northwestern University.

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