We all have our reasons for living in (or around) Madison: The diverse neighborhoods and dining options. The vast recreational and cultural opportunities. And the overall vibe associated with a capital city anchored by a thriving Big Ten campus.
But if you’re looking for long-term health and happiness opportunities, Madison has plenty to offer, too. Madison landed at No. 15 on SmartAsset’s 2025 list of healthy cities. The financial technology company’s ranking of 100 of the largest U.S. cities is based on 10 health factors that include self-reported physical and mental wellbeing, obesity, smoking, drinking, air pollution, sleep quality and more. Data came from County Health Rankings & Roadmaps and the U.S. Census Bureau.
San Jose, Calif., emerged as the healthiest city in the country, followed by Arlington, Va., and Seattle; New Orleans ranks at the bottom. Nestled between Madison are Raleigh, N.C., at No. 14 and Lincoln, Neb., at No. 16.
Here a few Madison highlights, according to the report:
• Average number of physically unhealthy days per 30 days: 2.73 (National average: 3.3)
• Average number of mentally unhealthy days per 30 days: 4.69 (National average: 4.8)
• Percentage of adults who are current smokers: 11.7% (National percentage: 15%)
• Percentage of adults who are obese: 28.0% (National percentage: 34%)
• Percentage of adults reporting binge or heavy drinking: 25.7% (National percentage: 18%)
By comparison, Milwaukee ranks No. 83 on the list. Residents of that city report an average of 3.46 physically unhealthy days per 30 days and 5.36 mentally unhealthy days per 30 days — both above the national average. The city does, however, have fewer binge or heavy drinkers than Madison, but not by much (23%).
And there’s more good news: Madison ranks even higher on a new national list of happiest cities — coming in at No. 7 out of 182 cities. Three California cities top the WalletHub list: Fremont, San Jose (again) and Irvine, followed by Sioux Falls, S.D.; Overland Park, Kan.; Lincoln, Neb. Milwaukee lands at No. 131.
These rankings were based on comparisons of the 150 most populated U.S. cities (plus at least two of the most populated cities in each state) across three key dimensions: emotional and physical wellbeing, income and employment, and community and environment. Madison did particularly well in that third category.
“The ideal city provides conditions that foster good mental and physical health, like reasonable work hours, short commutes, good weather, and caring neighbors,” WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo says.
These are two more reasons why Madison and its surrounding communities should be on your short list of potential cities to consider when relocating. And I’m here to help you do just that.
