For years, Shreveport, Louisiana, has been ranked as one of the least happy cities in the U.S. according to WalletHub’s annual study. However, the latest data shows some slight improvement—but not enough to shake the city’s reputation for low happiness levels.
Shreveport’s Happiness Ranking: Is It Improving?
Compared to previous years, Shreveport has moved up slightly in the rankings:
- 2022: Ranked 10th least happy city
- 2025: Now ranked 15th least happy city
While this is a step in the right direction, it’s still far from an uplifting statistic. Looking further back, in 2019, Shreveport ranked 20th least happy, meaning happiness levels have dropped over the years. Many believe the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 had a lasting impact on the city’s mental health, economy, and overall well-being.
Why Does Shreveport Consistently Rank as an Unhappy City?
The WalletHub study evaluates U.S. cities based on three main categories:
- Emotional & Physical Well-Being
- Income & Employment
- Community & Environment
Shreveport’s latest rankings in these categories reveal why the city continues to struggle:
- Emotional & Physical Well-Being: 10th worst
- Income & Employment: 5th worst
- Community & Environment: Ranked 42nd best (a slight positive)
Breaking Down the Factors Behind Shreveport’s Low Happiness Score
Emotional & Physical Well-Being (Ranked 10th worst)
- High depression rates
- Above-average suicide rates
- Low reports of adequate sleep
- Shorter life expectancy than the national average
Income & Employment (Ranked 5th worst)
- Low income growth rate
- High poverty levels
- Low job satisfaction
- Unstable job security and high unemployment rates
Community & Environment (Ranked 42nd best)
- Divorce rates play a factor
- Weather conditions impact happiness
- Public parks and recreational areas contribute positively