Happiest city in Southern California

Irvine was named the happiest city in Southern California and fifth in the nation, according to WalletHub’s 2022 rankings.

Irvine was named the happiest city in Southern California and fifth in the nation, according to WalletHub’s 2022 rankings.

The personal finance website compared 182 of the largest U.S. cities, looking at 30 indicators of happiness – from income growth rate to average leisure time.

Irvine residents had the third-lowest separation and divorce rate and fifth-lowest depression rate. Thanks to its abundance of parks and amenities, Irvine also tied for fifth in the sports participation rate.

Overall, Irvine finished among the top 16 in all three major categories – emotional and physical well-being; income and employment; and community and environment.