Stats of our lives
Stats of our lives: Happiness has its price
Money can buy happiness, starting at 50 grand a year — and more in our collection of surprising facts and figures
$50,000
Annual income at which Americans start seeing a dramatic increase in happiness with their lives, friendships, health, and leisure time
$41,674
Average annual income for an American in 2010
44
Percentage of Americans who earn $50,000 or more a year
Sources: LearnVest, Social Security Admin.