Summary
A new study by WalletHub lists the best small cities in the United States to live in for 2025 based on various factors. Carmel, Indiana, topped the list due to its strong economy and well-being of its residents. Other top-ranked cities include Brookfield, Wisconsin, and Apex, North Carolina.
Key Facts
- WalletHub compared over 1,300 U.S. cities with populations between 25,000 and 100,000.
- The study used 45 measures organized into five categories: affordability, economic health, education and health, quality of life, and safety.
- Carmel, Indiana, ranks first with a low unemployment rate of 3.3% and a high median household income of almost $135,000.
- Brookfield, Wisconsin, is second with a 2.7% unemployment rate and a 10th-ranked median credit score of 782 in the U.S.
- Apex, North Carolina, ranks third with one of the lowest poverty rates and a strong education and health environment.
- The rankings included cities like Lexington, Massachusetts, and Fishers, Indiana, in the top 10.
- WalletHub releases this “Best Small Cities in America” report every year.
