Happiness, Space and Place: Community Area Clustering and Spillovers of Life Satisfaction in Canada

Abstract There has been a rapidly growing number of studies the geographical aspects happiness and well-being. Many these have highlighting role space place individual spatial contextual determinants happiness. However, most to date do not explicitly consider clustering possible spillover effects The few that spillovers conduct analysis at relatively coarse scale country or region. This article analyses such much smaller unit: community areas. These are small area level geographies intra-urban level. In particular, presents econometric approach life satisfaction data aggregated 1,215 communities in Canada examines spillovers. Communities suitable given they form reference point for households. We find communities’ is spatially clustered while regression results show it associated neighbouring as well latter's average household income unemployment rate. shared cultural traits institutions may explain satisfaction. findings highlight importance characteristics when discussing policies improve well-being (small area) place.