New ranking shows America's best and worst run cities

New ranking shows America’s best and worst run cities

Which U.S. cities get the most value from taxpayer dollars? A new study is ranking the nation’s best-run cities.

admin June 17, 2026 2 minutes read

As cities across the United States face economic uncertainty, public safety concerns, and increasing demands on public services, a new study has identified the communities where public funds are being most effectively managed.

WalletHub analyzed 148 of the largest U.S. cities to identify those with the most efficient operations. The study developed a “Quality of Services” score based on 36 metrics across six key service areas, and then compared those results with each city’s per-capita budget.

Provo, Utah named best-run city

According to the data, Provo, Utah, was named the best-run city in America, earning the top spot among 148 of the nation’s largest cities.

Provo’s strong performance was driven by several factors, including a business growth rate of approximately 3.1% and a high school graduation rate nearing 91%, indicators that suggest a healthy economic outlook and a well-prepared workforce.

The city also scored highly in public safety and infrastructure. Provo recorded the seventh-lowest violent crime rate and the eighth-lowest property crime rate among cities studied. In addition, it ranked 24th nationally for road quality, reflecting continued investment in maintaining public infrastructure.

Provo is the third-largest city in Utah. It is 43 miles south of Salt Lake City along the Wasatch Front. (Credit: Getty Images)

Transportation efficiency further boosted Provo’s standing. Residents benefit from relatively short commute times and low traffic congestion, factors that contribute to quality of life and signal effective long-term planning by city leaders, according to the data.

Provo was followed by Nampa, Idaho and Manchester, New Hampshire.

What They’re Saying: “The best-run cities in America use their budgets most effectively to provide high-quality financial security, education, health, safety and transportation to their residents,” Chip Lupo, a WalletHub analyst, said in a statement. “Many of the top cities also have a very low amount of outstanding government debt per capita, which can prevent financial troubles in the future.”