Study: Happiest Cities in Washington

By Rebecca Lake

Washington is known for getting its fair share of rain and fog, but the gloom doesn't seem to dampen the spirits of those who live here. If lush green forests and rocky seascapes aren't enough to put a smile on your face, the lack of state income tax and the below-average unemployment rate are sure to do the trick. While the majority of the Evergreen State's residents live in Seattle, we've found some smaller towns that give the seaport city a run for its money in terms of happiness.

Study Methodology

We formulated our study using U.S. Census data and information drawn from FBI crime statistics. Each of Washington's cities was assigned a ranking based on how it scored in seven distinct categories. The places that made the top 10 had the best cumulative rating across the following:

Restaurants
Crime rate
Commute
Departure time
Income
Divorce rate
Housing

Gathering around the dinner table with your family or friends is a great pick-me-up when you're feeling down. Our rankings are based partially on the number of restaurants per capita to gauge which cities offer the most spots to connect over a delicious meal.

How secure you feel in your hometown can have a direct impact on your happiness level. To see which Washington cities are the safest, we considered the odds of becoming the victim of a violent crime.

Getting stuck in traffic, the fastest way to turn a smile upside down, is one reason many people opt to relocate to more suburban or rural areas. We checked out each city's average commute to determine where residents experience the fewest traffic hassles.

Waking up at the crack of dawn comes naturally to some people, and research suggests they may be a little happier for it. Curious about which cities had the highest number of early risers, we looked at the percentage of residents who leave for work before 5 a.m.

If you frequently end up with more month than money to go around, the financial strain can leave you in a grouchy mood. The ranking of our 10 cities is partly based on the median household income to see where residents are pulling in the best salaries.

Marriage changes the dynamics within a couple and for some, it's not always for the best. If you're interested in where marriages seem to be the strongest, check out how each city ranked according to the percentage of men and women who are divorced.

When you look at median home and rent prices, Washington is a pretty affordable place to live. However, we know that in cities like Seattle, residents spend a bit more for their homes. To see how each city in our study stacks up, we looked at the percentage of income residents fork over for housing.

10 Happiest Cities in Washington

10. Bellevue

Restaurants per capita: 1 per 358 inhabitants
Odds of being the victim of a violent crime: 1 in 782.7
Average commute time: 21.8 minutes
Percentage of residents leaving for work before 5 a.m.: 1.7%
Median household income: $88,073
Percentage of residents who are divorced: 7.8% of males, 12.3% of females
Percentage of income spent on housing: 21.4%

With a population of more than 126,000 people, Bellevue is far and away the largest city in our study. It's also Seattle's biggest suburb and one of the most affluent. If you want a larger median paycheck, a decent commute time, and safe neighborhoods, Bellevue is the total package. Home and rental prices are higher than the Seattle metro area, but you're spending a lower percentage of your income for housing overall.

Did You Know: If you're looking for a job, you're in luck. Companies like Expedia, Microsoft and Boeing all have offices in Bellevue.

9. Tumwater

Restaurants per capita: 1 per 329 inhabitants
Odds of being the victim of a violent crime: 1 in 387.9
Average commute time: 18.5 minutes
Percentage of residents leaving for work before 5 a.m.: 5.5%
Median household income: $61,264
Percentage of residents who are divorced: 9.2% of males, 15.8% of females
Percentage of income spent on housing: 21.5%

Tumwater is a much smaller city of about 18,000 people, just south of Olympia. As far as residents go, they agree that it's a serene place to call home. It's especially well-suited for working professionals, since the average commute takes under 19 minutes and the median payday is right around $61,000. Pellegrino's is the go-to spot if you've got a craving for authentic Italian fare.

Did You Know: Tumwater is the oldest permanent American settlement on the Puget Sound.

8. Anacortes

Restaurants per capita: 1 per 339 inhabitants
Odds of being the victim of a violent crime: 1 in 1,006.1
Average commute time: 21.8 minutes
Percentage of residents leaving for work before 5 a.m.: 5.5%
Median household income: $59,857
Percentage of residents who are divorced: 10.9% of males, 13.5% of females
Percentage of income spent on housing: 21.5%

Anacortes serves as a ferry port for those traveling to the San Juan Islands, and about 16,000 people live here year-round. There are several things that work in its favor to encourage happiness among residents, starting with a relative lack of violent crime. Getting to work takes less than 22 minutes on average, and a median income of almost $60,000 isn't small change.

Did You Know: Known for bringing the “holly and jolly” to the holidays, actor and singer Burl Ives lived in Anacortes until his death in 1995.

7. Colville

Restaurants per capita: 1 per 203 inhabitants
Odds of being the victim of a violent crime: 1 in 4,715
Average commute time: 12.2 minutes
Percentage of residents leaving for work before 5 a.m.: 7.5%
Median household income: $34,075
Percentage of residents who are divorced: 12.6% of males, 14.6% of females
Percentage of income spent on housing: 22.9%

Colville lies off the beaten path in northeastern Washington, and for its 4,700 residents, it's one of the state's best-kept secrets. This tiny little town scored the top ranking in four different categories, with the lowest violent crime rate, the shortest average commute time, the highest percentage of workers heading out before 5 a.m., and the most restaurants per capita. Incomes are lower compared to other cities, but it's balanced by a cost of living that's below the state and national average.

Did You Know: Colville's first schoolhouse is one of several historic buildings on display at the Keller Historical Center.

6. Richland

Restaurants per capita: 1 per 509 inhabitants
Odds of being the victim of a violent crime: 1 in 610.5
Average commute time: 19.3 minutes
Percentage of residents leaving for work before 5 a.m.: 3.5%
Median household income: $68,744
Percentage of residents who are divorced: 10.7% of males, 13.1% of females
Percentage of income spent on housing: 16.6%

Richland is nicknamed "The Windy Town," but the occasional gusts aren't enough to ruffle the feathers of its 51,000 residents. This upbeat community boasts the lowest housing costs on our list based on income, which is a healthy $68,000. Violent crime isn't commonplace, and you'll need less than 20 minutes on average to complete your morning drive.

Did You Know: Richland's sister city is Hsinchu, which is located along Taiwan's northwest coast.

5. West Richland

Restaurants per capita: 1 per 1,266 inhabitants
Odds of being the victim of a violent crime: 1 in 878.8
Average commute time: 21.3 minutes
Percentage of residents leaving for work before 5 a.m.: 2.8%
Median household income: $82,969
Percentage of residents who are divorced: 7% of males, 11.6% of females
Percentage of income spent on housing: 17.2%

With just under 13,000 residents, West Richland is much smaller than its neighbor with a similar name. However, that didn't stop it from climbing to a higher position in our rankings. Housing is slightly more expensive, but it's easy to overlook since the median household income is nearly $15,000 higher. When it comes to divorce and violent crime rates, West Richland also had the edge.

Did You Know: West Richland sits just south of the Hanford Site, a decommissioned nuclear power complex that was established as part of the Manhattan Project.

4. Lynden

Restaurants per capita: 1 per 332 inhabitants
Odds of being the victim of a violent crime: 1 in 1,527.9
Average commute time: 20.7 minutes
Percentage of residents leaving for work before 5 a.m.: 5.6%
Median household income: $54,129
Percentage of residents who are divorced: 4.3% of males, 9.3% of females
Percentage of income spent on housing: 23.6%

Located just a few miles from the Canadian border, Lynden is a quaint little paradise of nearly 13,000 people. Couples seem to be quite content and the combined divorce rate of 13.6 percent is the lowest in our study. It's also enticing for families who want to settle down someplace safe, where housing doesn't cost an arm and a leg. If you're hungry for lunch, dinner or Sunday brunch, be sure to check out Bob's Burgers and Brew.

Did You Know: Lynden once held the world record for the most churches per capita.

3. Mercer Island

Restaurants per capita: 1 per 639 inhabitants
Odds of being the victim of a violent crime: 1 in 2,125.5
Average commute time: 21.6 minutes
Percentage of residents leaving for work before 5 a.m.: 1.6%
Median household income: $127,360
Percentage of residents who are divorced: 6% of males, 8.3% of females
Percentage of income spent on housing: 19.2%

The city of Mercer Island is located on an island of the same name, directly between Seattle and Bellevue. As far as high-end communities go, it definitely fits the bill, with residents taking home a median income of over $127,000. Peace and quiet are abundant, as evidenced by the extremely low violent crime rate. Divorce isn't something that happens often, and you won't see too much time fly by on your way to work.

Did You Know: Barack Obama's mother, Stanley Ann Dunham, graduated from Mercer Island High School in 1960.

2. East Wenatchee

Restaurants per capita: 1 per 354 inhabitants
Odds of being the victim of a violent crime: 1 in 750.3
Average commute time: 16.4 minutes
Percentage of residents leaving for work before 5 a.m.: 5.2%
Median household income: $51,841
Percentage of residents who are divorced: 11.8% of males, 10.8% of females
Percentage of income spent on housing: 19.8%

East Wenatchee sits just a stone's throw across the Columbia River from the larger city of Wenatchee. More than 13,000 people have staked their claims here, and they seem pretty comfortable with their choice. Commute times aren't too much of an inconvenience, and the median pay residents earn is nothing to sneeze at. Plus, violent crime is rare, making it an ideal choice if you prefer a more tranquil pace.

Did You Know: On October 5, 1931, pilots Clyde Pangborn and Hugh Herndon Jr. landed near East Wenatchee after completing the first nonstop flight across the Pacific Ocean.

1. Redmond

Restaurants per capita: 1 per 229 inhabitants
Odds of being the victim of a violent crime: 1 in 1,549.2
Average commute time: 20.7 minutes
Percentage of residents leaving for work before 5 a.m.: 2.8%
Median household income: $96,088
Percentage of residents who are divorced: 7.7% of males, 11.9% of females
Percentage of income spent on housing: 19.9%

Although it's known primarily as the headquarters of Microsoft, the city of Redmond is much more than a tech giant’s haven. With over 56,000 residents, it's one of Seattle's busier suburbs and a universally terrific place to live. You'll have no problem feeling safe and sound in any of the local neighborhoods, and housing takes up about 20 percent of income. The Stone House is one of the best places in town to grab a steak, but Flying Saucer Pizza can't be beat if you're hungry for a slice.

Did You Know: One of Redmond's most famous former residents is actor James Doohan, who played "Scotty" in the original Star Trek series.

We've reached the end of our list and some folks may be surprised that Seattle isn't on it. While it's true that the Emerald City is an internationally renowned commercial and cultural center, it fell a little short in our study rankings. Residents of the cities that

The Top 50 Happiest Cities in Washington

Rank	City	People per Restaurants and Bars	Violent Crime Odds	Average Commute Time	% Leaving Before 5am	Median Household Income	% Male Divorce¹	% Female Divorce¹	Income Spent on Housing
1	Redmond	229.0	1 in 1,549.2	20.7	2.8%	$96,088	7.7%	11.9%	19.9%
2	East Wenatchee	353.7	1 in 750.3	16.4	5.2%	$51,841	11.8%	10.8%	19.8%
3	Mercer Island	639.5	1 in 2,125.5	21.6	1.6%	$127,360	6.0%	8.3%	19.2%
4	Lynden	331.7	1 in 1,527.9	20.7	5.6%	$54,129	4.3%	9.3%	23.6%
5	West Richland	1,266.3	1 in 878.8	21.3	2.8%	$82,969	7.0%	11.6%	17.2%
6	Richland	509.3	1 in 610.5	19.3	3.5%	$68,744	10.7%	13.1%	16.6%
7	Colville	203.3	1 in 4,715.0	12.2	7.5%	$34,075	12.6%	14.6%	22.9%
8	Anacortes	338.9	1 in 1,006.1	21.8	5.5%	$59,857	10.9%	13.5%	21.5%
9	Tumwater	329.1	1 in 387.9	18.5	5.5%	$61,264	9.2%	15.8%	21.5%
10	Bellevue	358.2	1 in 782.7	21.8	1.7%	$88,073	7.8%	12.3%	21.4%
11	Newcastle	899.3	1 in 1,336.5	25	1.6%	$106,771	3.8%	10.4%	20.5%
12	Liberty Lake	438.3	1 in 1,927.3	22.7	3.7%	$79,535	11.4%	21.7%	18%
13	Brier	2,083.7	1 in 6,225.0	28.1	5.1%	$99,243	8.2%	9.0%	23.8%
14	Quincy	438.3	1 in 218.3	14.4	3.2%	$43,047	4.4%	7.8%	20.1%
15	Othello	627.7	1 in 377.7	15.2	5.1%	$41,064	6.5%	7.3%	22.5%
16	Stanwood	160.6	1 in 708.1	26.4	12.9%	$61,637	11.0%	18.6%	24.8%
17	College Place	1,776.8	1 in 897.5	14.5	3.4%	$42,260	8.7%	11.2%	20.5%
18	Normandy Park	929.1	1 in 724.9	22.7	3.4%	$84,792	7.5%	12.0%	21.9%
19	Prosser	322.2	1 in 457.8	20.9	3.0%	$48,009	10.3%	10.0%	18.3%
20	Mill Creek	339.5	1 in 548.9	28.7	6.2%	$89,124	7.1%	10.8%	24.6%
21	Issaquah	296.7	1 in 1,741.2	28.3	2.2%	$87,074	5.7%	11.4%	23.4%
22	Sammamish	1,582.9	1 in 2,947.4	29.2	1.3%	$143,861	4.5%	6.1%	21.4%
23	Kennewick	477.8	1 in 336.1	21.6	6.2%	$51,581	11.5%	12.8%	20.1%
24	Ephrata	494.8	1 in 465.8	15.2	4.4%	$37,560	6.4%	11.4%	22%
25	Mukilteo	420.5	1 in 1,218.5	25.6	3.8%	$91,204	10.3%	13.2%	23.6%
26	Fircrest	939.9	1 in 948.1	22.3	7.4%	$63,750	8.4%	15.6%	25.4%
27	Kirkland	281.7	1 in 546.1	22.6	2.7%	$86,656	8.9%	15.2%	23.1%
28	Edgewood	1,583.5	1 in 737.8	27.2	4.9%	$73,807	10.4%	13.3%	20.1%
29	Steilacoom town, Washington	867.1	1 in 764.4	26.5	3.8%	$69,423	10.3%	11.8%	20.5%
30	Camas	731.8	1 in 1,658.8	26.3	6.3%	$80,184	8.4%	13.6%	26.1%
31	Pasco	934.3	1 in 328.9	20.5	7.1%	$49,220	9.8%	10.2%	23.7%
32	Duvall	478.9	1 in 6,895.0	34.1	2.9%	$111,356	3.9%	11.8%	24.2%
33	Spokane Valley	464.8	1 in 465.1	19.3	5.3%	$48,690	12.5%	16.0%	21.6%
34	Lake Forest Park	926.6	1 in 1,621.9	28.3	2.6%	$100,156	10.3%	12.4%	21.7%
35	Maple Valley	755.3	1 in 934.6	37.4	8.2%	$98,604	9.2%	13.0%	25.2%
36	University Place	928.3	1 in 370.0	24.3	8.2%	$59,685	10.3%	15.0%	22.8%
37	Kenmore	788.1	1 in 1,239.7	30.2	3.3%	$83,906	7.7%	10.9%	22.8%
38	Edmonds	374.1	1 in 712.4	27.1	4.1%	$73,072	10.1%	14.7%	23.1%
39	Sunnyside	391.6	1 in 707.4	20.4	6.9%	$32,961	6.1%	10.9%	25.3%
40	Milton	306.4	1 in 647.9	25.2	9.3%	$62,730	16.6%	20.5%	24.4%
41	Bainbridge Island	517.0	1 in 1,957.5	43.7	4.3%	$92,558	9.4%	12.9%	23.3%
42	Olympia	236.1	1 in 318.2	20	3.4%	$53,147	9.6%	17.1%	23.2%
43	DuPont	550.5	1 in 698.3	22.1	2.7%	$83,438	7.1%	11.7%	26.2%
44	Fife	245.6	1 in 173.6	24.7	10.2%	$57,653	15.2%	16.0%	24.1%
45	Walla Walla	393.4	1 in 287.3	12.8	4.5%	$42,032	13.9%	13.6%	23%
46	Enumclaw	365.4	1 in 2,239.0	33.6	7.9%	$58,440	12.3%	16.7%	24.3%
47	Covington	631.0	1 in 402.3	33.6	8.4%	$92,023	6.9%	13.3%	25.9%
48	Oak Harbor	318.0	1 in 591.0	17.6	3.5%	$48,809	8.4%	13.6%	27.3%
49	Grandview	786.6	1 in 337.8	20.4	9.5%	$37,885	7.9%	15.3%	24%
50	Bothell	339.7	1 in 982.5	26.7	3.9%	$72,157	11.2%	13.7%	25.7%

¹Treated as one combined metric for ranking purposes (at a 50:50 male to female ratio).

Rebecca Lake is a journalist at CreditDonkey, a credit card comparison and reviews website. Write to Rebecca Lake at rebecca@creditdonkey.com. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for our latest posts.

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