The significance of residents’ perception of happiness in fostering individual well-being, social harmony, and the enduring stability of the nation cannot be overstated. Drawing upon data from the ”China Comprehensive Social Survey of 2021” (CGSS2021), this inquiry adopts a stepwise regression analysis, utilizing ordered logistic regression, to elucidate the myriad factors that shape the happiness indices among Chinese citizens. The results reveal that variables such as gender, age, political orientation, educational attainment, health condition, household income, marital status, social class, social trust, and social equity are pivotal determinants of happiness among the Chinese populace. It is imperative to prioritize the enhancement of residents’ sense of accomplishment, well-being, and security through targeted investments in health, education, economic stability, and the cultivation of a positive societal outlook. These endeavors are aimed at providing robust theoretical foundations and practical insights for improving residents’ happiness indices and advancing societal harmony and progress.