Here's an unscientific observation. My wife lived in Madison, Wisconsin for a period of time, but was not necessarily that happy. That lone fact has not stopped the city from just being named one of the happiest cities in the entire world.
The internet needs to make up its mind. One day it claims that Missouri is a training ground for teams of murderers. The next it says we're so happy we have sunshine coming out of our ears. That's the case for a new ranking that says Missouri is home to one of the happiest places in America and I can almost guarantee that you'll be surprised where.
I'm not trying to be a cynic, but I must admit that I was somewhat surprised by this. Illinois has just been named one of the happiest states in America. It's apparently all sunshine and roses in the Land of Lincoln - allegedly.