According to data from the site Wallet Hub, Washington is one of the happiest states in the country, which is no surprise to those of us lucky enough to live here. And while you’ll find happy people in every part of the state, there are definitely places with more content citizens than others.
This site analyzed data like crime rate, divorce rate, commute time and available restaurants to come up with the happiest places in the state. And some of them might surprise you — in fact, statistically, the small town of Colville is one of the happiest places in the nation.
Colville is located in Stevens County, about 72 miles north of Spokane.
City Data About 5,600 people live in town or in the outskirts.
So why is Colville happy? Their 12 minute (on average) commute time might have something to do with it.
Jimmy Emerson, DVM / Flickr There’s also a very low violent crime rate and a low property crime rate as well.
Restaurant options also contribute to a town’s happiness levels, and Colville’s dining scene is great for a city of its size.
Sheri B / Yelp This is Stephani’s Oak Street Grill, one of several great spots in town to enjoy an amazing meal.
At $34,075 (as of 2015), the median household income here isn’t exactly high… but the cost of living is low, so that doesn’t really matter.
Joe Runcer / Flickr The average person spends about 23% of their income on housing.
It’s very likely that the surrounding scenery contributes to the happiness levels as well.
David Grant / Flickr
Colville offers a nice, simple way of life that many people find refreshing.
Auto-Vue Drive-In Theatre Colville Facebook The seasonal Auto-Vue Drive-In Theatre conjures up nostalgic memories of the past.
Statistically speaking, Colville is definitely one of the happiest places in the state (and the country). Here are the rest of Washington’s happiest spots.
City Data
About 5,600 people live in town or in the outskirts.
Jimmy Emerson, DVM / Flickr
There’s also a very low violent crime rate and a low property crime rate as well.
Sheri B / Yelp
This is Stephani’s Oak Street Grill, one of several great spots in town to enjoy an amazing meal.
Joe Runcer / Flickr
The average person spends about 23% of their income on housing.
David Grant / Flickr
Auto-Vue Drive-In Theatre Colville Facebook
The seasonal Auto-Vue Drive-In Theatre conjures up nostalgic memories of the past.
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