WalletHub analysis considers factors including affordability
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Small-city living can be a lot more affordable than larger city alternatives but which ones are the best and worst overall?
A new analysis by WalletHub set out to answer that by studying 1,268 small cities (population: 25,000-100,000) across the US and ranking them based on 40 key indicators of livability including affordability, economic health, education & health, quality of life, and safety.
Topping the list is Leawood, KS, ranking 1st for affordability and in the top 40 for economic health and education & health. However, it was ranked 130 for safety and 643 for quality of life. Carmel, IN, and Princeton, NJ, complete the top 3.
Meanwhile, McLean, Virginia has the highest median annual household income, $190,258, which is 9.7 times higher than in Carbondale, Illinois, the city with the lowest at $19,515.
The highest homeownership rate is in The Villages, FL, while Fort Hood, TX has the lowest rate.
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Top 20 Small Cities in America |
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1 |
Leawood, KS |
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11 |
Arlington, MA |
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2 |
Carmel, IN |
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12 |
Melrose, MA |
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3 |
Princeton, NJ |
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13 |
Fishers, IN |
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4 |
Brentwood, TN |
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14 |
Wellesley, MA |
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5 |
Milton, MA |
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15 |
Mason, OH |
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6 |
Needham, MA |
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16 |
Franklin, TN |
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7 |
Los Altos, CA |
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17 |
Southlake, TX |
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8 |
Littleton, CO |
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18 |
Highland Park, IL |
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9 |
Newton, MA |
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19 |
Westport, CT |
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10 |
West Fargo, ND |
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20 |
Kirkland, WA |
