According to the 2025 Happy City Index, Columbus is one of the happiest cities in the world.
The list just dropped, and Columbus snagged the #63 spot out of hundreds of global cities. That’s right, we ranked above Lisbon, Sydney, and even Rome. Not bad for a Midwestern city that sometimes gets overshadowed by its flashier coastal cousins.
So, what exactly is the Happy City Index? It’s not just about smiles and sunshine (although we do love our patio season). The index evaluates cities based on key factors like governance, environment, economy, health, mobility, and, most importantly, how these elements actually make life better for the people who live there. We’re talking accessible green spaces, responsive local leadership, walkable neighborhoods, and public services that actually work.
Columbus scored a total of 771 points, broken down like this:
- Citizens: 166
- Governance: 138
- Environment: 179
- Economy: 92
- Health: 100
- Mobility: 96
That high environment score? It might feel surprising, but it isn’t entirely surprising. Columbus has been making strides with green initiatives, an expanding trail system, and efforts to become more sustainable and resilient. And we’ve seen major investments in mobility too, from COTA improvements to increased bike infrastructure.
But what really sets Columbus apart is our people.
From students and young professionals to families and retirees, we’ve created a city that works for all kinds of happy. That’s exactly what the Happy City Index emphasizes—there’s no single definition of a “happy city.” It’s about meeting the diverse needs of the people who live there and making sure those needs are met with care, innovation, and inclusivity.
This global recognition follows Columbus’s recent shout-out from Condé Nast Traveler, which named us one of the top 10 Best Big Cities in the U.S. in 2024, calling out our food scene and cultural vibrancy.
So what’s next?
We keep going. We keep building, growing, and celebrating what makes Columbus special—from vibrant neighborhoods and inclusive communities to parks, festivals, and that certain Midwest magic that keeps people smiling.
Want to see the full list and learn more about what makes a city “happy”? Head over to happy-city-index.com and give Columbus a proud little scroll.
