Raleigh, North Carolina; Ogden, Utah; and Salt Lake City, Utah have emerged as the top-performing big cities in the US, according to an annual report by the Milken Institute. The rankings consider factors such as job growth, affordable housing, economic equality, and other key indicators.
The Milken Institute’s Best Performing Cities index evaluates metros based on labor market performance, tech industry growth, and access to economic opportunities. This year, Raleigh moved up to the top spot after ranking second in 2023 and third in 2024. Utah cities Ogden and Salt Lake City took the other two podium spots, with Ogden experiencing a significant 24-place rise in its labor market performance.
The report credits Raleigh’s strong job growth, wage increases, and thriving high-tech sector for its top spot. Utah cities also performed well, with Ogden and Salt Lake City citing robust job markets, growing tech sectors, and access to economic opportunities as key drivers of their success.
Other top-performing metros include Huntsville, Alabama; Colorado Springs, Colorado; Austin, Texas; Fayetteville, Arkansas; Olympia, Washington; Palm Bay, Florida; and Boise City, Idaho. Smaller cities like St. George, Utah, and Auburn, Alabama, are also growing due to lower housing costs and better economic equality.
The Milken Institute’s rankings provide insight into the US cities that are driving economic growth and stability, highlighting areas of strength and opportunity for policymakers and business leaders.
Source: https://www.axios.com/2025/01/14/best-performing-us-cities