City Profile: New York, NY
General Overview
Education & Innovation
Governance & Transparency
Health & Well-being
Mobility & Transport
Environment & Sustainability
Economy & Business
General Overview
- Country: United States
- Population of the city: 9040000
- Area of the city measured in square kilometres (km²): 1213
- Budget of the city in 2024 (GBP): 187 180 000 000 GBP
- Percentage of population of the country living in the city: 2.60%
- GDP PER PERSON: 67742
- REAL GDB - GROWTH: 2.9
- Percentage of all employed individuals in public administration: 13.70%
Education & Innovation
- The highest ranking position of university in global educational indexes: first 50
- The percentage of income that should be allocated to cover the cost of studies: 26.70%
- Percentage of population of the city with a master's degree: 6.70%
- Percentage of the population who knew at least one foreign language: 20.00%
- Percentage of population with digital skills: 76.00%
- Patent granted per 10,000 residents: 10.02
Governance & Transparency
- Number of residents (per 1000) involved in local governance structures: 0.33
- City have its own open data website, or does it regularly report and publish its data on the national open data platform managed by a government agency: yes
- Datasets containing information about the city and its residents which are available on the open data portal managed by the city or a government agency to which the city provides information: 4000
- E-services: fault reporting, electronic payments, on-line appointment scheduling: yes
- Existence of up-to-date and officially adopted development strategy: yes
- Number of valid and currently in-force sectoral (thematic) strategies: 8
Health & Well-being
- Percentage of population with medical insurance: 92.00%
- Number of doctors per 1,000 residents: 3.6
- Life Expectancy Rate (at birth): 77.7
- Obesity rate: 41.90%
- Average number of working hours: 36.4
- Percentage of the adult population receiving support and coordinated mental health care: 23.00%
- The number of suicide attempts per 1,000 residents: 0.14
- Number of recorded incidents of violence in public places per 1000 residents: 13.69
Mobility & Transport
- Green Mobility Share (%): 40.00%
- Existence of electronic payment system for transportation services, such as payments by card at terminals or via a mobile app: yes
- Payment via the city's mobile application: yes
- Payment via a special payment card at a terminal in the public transport vehicle: yes
- Payment via a debit or credit card at a terminal in the public transport vehicle: yes
- Existence of intelligent traffic management system (ITS): yes
- Public transport network km per 100 resident: 0.03
- Distance to the nearest airport offering international flights: 0
- Percentage of public transport vehicles (e.g., buses, metro, trams) fully adapted for people with mobility disabilities: 30
- Number of traffic-related fatalities per 10000 residents: 0.27
- City provide data on public transportation (e.g., departure times, real-time location of public transport vehicles) through an open data portal managed by the city or a government entity: yes
- City provide on its website, mobile app, or through collaboration with other entities the ability to plan a journey using public transportation, known as a journey planner: yes
Environment & Sustainability
- Efficient use of electricity (per GDP): 0.17
- Average PM10 value in the city: 13
- Existence of biodiversity protection strategy in the city: yes
- Amount of waste produced per resident (tons): 0.01
- Percentage of the population that is served by sewage treatment facilities: 100.00%
- Recycling rate: 35.00%
- Number of parks per square kilometre: 1.4
- Existence of any documents or municipal legal solutions promoting the use of renewable energy: yes
- Existance of information about CO2 emissions: yes
Economy & Business
- Number of businesses per 1,000 residents: 228.09
- Number of new businesses per 1,000 residents: 32.33
- Unemployment rate: 6.00%
- Number of foreign affiliates per 10,000 residents: 1.2
- Percentage deviation in earnings relative to the national average: 12.00%
- Percentage of employed people with disabilities: 6.00%
The 2025 Happy CITY INDEX was developed with contributions from over 150 researchers worldwide, ensuring reliable and comparable data. While we strive to address data gaps and limitations, all data used in our analysis comes from verified sources.
Our methodology is designed to reduce potential errors and ensure accuracy in the final results. However, if you identify any inaccuracies, please email [email protected] with verifiable sources supporting the correction.
We appreciate your understanding and your willingness to contribute to one of the world’s most comprehensive studies on sustainable urban development.
Rank:
GOLD
Points:
902
New York City, a global icon of finance, culture, and innovation, is a metropolis that never sleeps. Home to over 9 million residents and spanning 1,213 square kilometres, it is one of the most influential urban centres in the world. With a staggering budget of 187.18 billion GBP in 2024, the city accounts for 2.6% of the U.S. population and continues to be a driving force in the nation’s economy, boasting a GDP per capita of 67,742 GBP and a robust growth rate of 2.9%.
As an intellectual and technological powerhouse, New York is home to universities ranked among the top 50 globally. Education is highly valued, with 6.7% of the population holding a master's degree, though the cost of studies requires 26.7% of an individual’s income. Digital skills are widespread, with 76% of residents proficient in digital literacy. The city is also a hub for innovation, producing 10.02 patents per 10,000 residents, reinforcing its role as a leader in research and development.
Governance and transparency are key pillars of New York’s administration. Civic engagement is notable, with 0.33 per 1,000 residents involved in local governance structures. The city maintains one of the most extensive open data platforms, with 4,000 datasets available to the public. Digital governance is well-integrated, offering fault reporting, electronic payments, and online appointment scheduling. The city’s strategic direction is guided by eight sectoral strategies, ensuring comprehensive urban planning and policy execution.
Healthcare and well-being remain critical concerns for the city. While 92% of residents have medical insurance, challenges persist, including an obesity rate of 41.9%. The city provides 3.6 doctors per 1,000 residents, with a life expectancy of 77.7 years. Mental health services are a priority, with 23% of the adult population receiving coordinated care. However, public safety remains a pressing issue, with 13.69 recorded incidents of violence per 1,000 residents, highlighting the city's ongoing efforts to enhance security and community well-being.
New York’s transport infrastructure is vast and complex, supporting millions of daily commuters. With a green mobility share of 40%, the city continues to expand its sustainable transport options. An intelligent traffic management system optimises movement, while digital payment options streamline public transport access. However, only 30% of public transport vehicles are fully adapted for individuals with mobility disabilities, indicating room for improvement. The city maintains real-time public transport data and journey planning services, ensuring a more efficient and connected urban experience.
Sustainability is a growing focus for New York. The city has implemented a biodiversity protection strategy and promotes renewable energy adoption. With 100% of the population served by sewage treatment facilities and a recycling rate of 35%, waste management remains a priority. However, while air pollution levels are relatively low, with an average PM10 of 13, the city produces 0.01 tons of waste per resident annually, underscoring the importance of sustainable consumption initiatives.
As an economic powerhouse, New York thrives on entrepreneurship and international business. The city is home to 228.09 businesses per 1,000 residents, with 32.33 new businesses launched per 1,000 residents annually. The unemployment rate stands at 6%, while earnings are 12% higher than the national average. The city also embraces inclusivity, with 6% of employed individuals having disabilities.
As an intellectual and technological powerhouse, New York is home to universities ranked among the top 50 globally. Education is highly valued, with 6.7% of the population holding a master's degree, though the cost of studies requires 26.7% of an individual’s income. Digital skills are widespread, with 76% of residents proficient in digital literacy. The city is also a hub for innovation, producing 10.02 patents per 10,000 residents, reinforcing its role as a leader in research and development.
Governance and transparency are key pillars of New York’s administration. Civic engagement is notable, with 0.33 per 1,000 residents involved in local governance structures. The city maintains one of the most extensive open data platforms, with 4,000 datasets available to the public. Digital governance is well-integrated, offering fault reporting, electronic payments, and online appointment scheduling. The city’s strategic direction is guided by eight sectoral strategies, ensuring comprehensive urban planning and policy execution.
Healthcare and well-being remain critical concerns for the city. While 92% of residents have medical insurance, challenges persist, including an obesity rate of 41.9%. The city provides 3.6 doctors per 1,000 residents, with a life expectancy of 77.7 years. Mental health services are a priority, with 23% of the adult population receiving coordinated care. However, public safety remains a pressing issue, with 13.69 recorded incidents of violence per 1,000 residents, highlighting the city's ongoing efforts to enhance security and community well-being.
New York’s transport infrastructure is vast and complex, supporting millions of daily commuters. With a green mobility share of 40%, the city continues to expand its sustainable transport options. An intelligent traffic management system optimises movement, while digital payment options streamline public transport access. However, only 30% of public transport vehicles are fully adapted for individuals with mobility disabilities, indicating room for improvement. The city maintains real-time public transport data and journey planning services, ensuring a more efficient and connected urban experience.
Sustainability is a growing focus for New York. The city has implemented a biodiversity protection strategy and promotes renewable energy adoption. With 100% of the population served by sewage treatment facilities and a recycling rate of 35%, waste management remains a priority. However, while air pollution levels are relatively low, with an average PM10 of 13, the city produces 0.01 tons of waste per resident annually, underscoring the importance of sustainable consumption initiatives.
As an economic powerhouse, New York thrives on entrepreneurship and international business. The city is home to 228.09 businesses per 1,000 residents, with 32.33 new businesses launched per 1,000 residents annually. The unemployment rate stands at 6%, while earnings are 12% higher than the national average. The city also embraces inclusivity, with 6% of employed individuals having disabilities.