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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."
Best-run cities in America
- Provo, Utah
- Nampa, Idaho
- Manchester, New Hampshire
- Boise, Idaho
- Nashua, New Hampshire
- Sioux Falls, South Dakota
- Fort Wayne, Indiana
- Virginia Beach, Virginia
- Lincoln, Nebraska
- Mesa, Arizona
See the full report here.
The Source: Data used to create this ranking was collected as of May 19, 2026 from the U.S. Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Council for Community and Economic Research, Lincoln Institute of Land Policy, Moody's Investors Service, GreatSchools.org, County Health Rankings, Health Resources and Services Administration, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Federal Bureau of Investigation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Chmura Economics & Analytics, Zillow, The Road Information Program, Center for Neighborhood Technology, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Walk Score, The Trust for Public Land, INRIX, U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development, Numbeo and WalletHub research. This story was reported from Los Angeles.