The best-run city in America, according to data—and see the rest of the 50 top-rated cities
Story by Aine Givens, Data Work By Elena Cox • 4d
Best-run cities in America
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Cities and towns throughout the United States vary drastically in terms of how well they are managed and operated on a daily and yearly basis. Those that work efficiently and effectively usually have stronger economies, lower crime rates, and higher median annual incomes.
However, it's important to note that tried-and-true strategies for city management could soon change. As of 2024, artificial intelligence is increasingly being used for tasks like city planning and operation. In the near future, this could impact everything from traffic to air quality within many urban centers, which may completely redefine what we think of as a successful city.
For now, though, some of the best-run American cities—such as Fargo, North Dakota; Huntington Beach, California; and Lexington-Fayette, Kentucky—are distinguished by their opportunities for economic growth and education, which in turn increases the quality of services and quality of life for their residents. These cities also tend to attract young professionals and older, more experienced professionals looking to start or advance their careers.
To define the best of the best, Stacker listed the 50 best-run U.S. cities using 2023 data from WalletHub's Best- and Worst-Run Cities in America. Cities are ranked by their overall operating efficiency, which is determined by the quality of services and total budget per capita.
Factors used to determine the overall quality of city services comprise weighted average scores in six key categories, including financial stability, education, health, safety, economy, and infrastructure and pollution.
Click through to learn more about America's best-run cities.
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