Carver County Named One Of Happiest Counties In Nation
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) - A Twin Cities community is claiming a spot on a national list that's sure to make them smile.
Carver County was named one of the happiest counties in the nation. The data firm Smart Asset ranked Carver County fourth out of the top 25 happiest counties.
"We have just about everything you could want," Warren Olson, from Chanhassen, said.
"With development in mind and the things they do in the community, it's always with residents in mind, which is probably why they are happy residents," Mary Johnson, from Chanhassen, said.
In addition to being home to renowned golf courses, more than 50 lakes and miles of bike trails, relationships and the economy fare well in the county. The marriage rate of 63.4 percent ranked seventh out of 1,000 counties studied nationwide.
The unemployment rate was just 5.7 percent — under the 9.7 percent national average.
"We have some pretty happy families," Carver County administrator Dave Hemze said. "Not that money brings you happiness, but it certainly doesn't hurt."
Hemze said the county is unique in that it includes both suburban and rural areas all within easy access to Minneapolis.
"It's really a beautiful place, from the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum to the shores of Lake Waconia," Hemze said.
But what makes residents so happy? Most say it's about the people.
"It's not small, but it feels small because we're all so close, and it's just a nice area," Samantha Keeler, from Chaska, said.
Scott County, Minnesota, also made the list at No. 13.
