Study ranks Sioux Falls among happiest cities

We have a lot making us happy in Sioux Falls — at least, according to a new national survey.

The report by WalletHub ranked Sioux Falls No. 11 out of more than 180 U.S. cities based on various measures of what generally makes people happy.

The 29 key indicators of happiness draw on data sets including factors such as depression rates, income-growth rates and the average leisure time spent each day. A ranking of 91 was average.

Here’s how Sioux Falls fared in several key categories:

• No. 57: Depression rate.
• No. 9: Adequate sleep rate.
• No. 69: Sports-participation rate.
• No. 1: Unemployment rate.
• No. 43: Separate and divorce rate.

Notably, of the top 10 happiest cities, four were in California and two were in Hawaii. The only one with a climate comparable to Sioux Falls was Milwaukee which ranked fourth.

“Location plays a hand in how bright or gloomy our days are,” the report said.” For years, researchers have studied the science of happiness and found that its key ingredients include a positive mental state, healthy body, strong social connections, job satisfaction and financial well-being. However, money can only make you so happy – people who make $75,000 a year won’t get any higher satisfaction from more money.”

For a look at the complete report, click here.