Minneapolis is one of the happiest cities in the world, new study shows
With its ample green space, vibrant arts and food scenes and generally genial denizens, is it any wonder Minneapolis ranks among the world's happiest cities?
The Institute for Quality of Life's Happy City Index ranks cities worldwide that "set the standard for urban happiness, sustainability, and quality of life." Minneapolis came in at No. 30, earning it gold status as one of the world's happiest.
The index assigns scores to cities in six categories: citizens, economy, governance, health, environment and mobility. Minneapolis earned its highest score in environment, followed by economy. The city's total score was 845, about 200 shy of top-ranked Copenhagen, Denmark.
The institute noted Minneapolis' "world-renonwed educational institutions," "robust and business-friendly economy," parks, public transit options and more as reasons for the city's high ranking.
"Of course Minneapolis is one of the happiest cities in the world—that's no surprise to those of us who call it home," Mayor Jacob Frey said. "Where else can you launch a startup in the morning, bike the Chain of Lakes at lunch and catch a game or a show at night? We've got big-city energy with backyard access to nature, and that makes life here pretty hard to beat."
Only one other U.S. city warranted a gold rating: New York, which came in at No. 17 overall with 902 points. The only other Midwestern cities in the top 200 are Indianapolis and Columbus, Ohio.
In last year's index, Minneapolis was the happiest city in the U.S.
The index was compiled by "analysing objective data, open information, and conducting interviews with residents," the institute said. More than 200 volunteers work to compile the list every year.
The 2025 World Happiness Report, which ranks 147 countries based on a population's average assessment of their quality of life, found the U.S. falling to 24th, its lowest ranking ever.
