Provo was ranked atop nation’s largest cities — why one city leader says that is

SALT LAKE CITY — WalletHub’s latest evaluation of 2026’s best- and worst-run cities in America has Provo locked in at No. 1. The report analyzed 148 of the country’s largest cities and ranked them by operating efficiency.

It is not the first time the city received such a ranking. In 2024, the Utah County hub that is also home to Brigham Young University was ranked seventh overall, and just last year, it was named the best overall city, making this year its second time in a row at the top.

Why Provo excels

“Provo, Utah, is the best-run city, and the reasons for that are that the city is experiencing business growth of around 3.1%, alongside a high school graduation rate of nearly 91%,” WalletHub editor Chip Lupo said. “Provo is also a city that is safe. It has the seventh-lowest violent-crime rate and the eighth-lowest property crime rate in the country. To top things off, Provo has relatively short average commute times.”

Deputy Mayor Kyle Friant said he believes it’s a testament to the people of Provo.

“I think it is our residents,” he said. “I think that the residents we have, from people who are multigenerational Provo residents, to people who come to be a student and are first generation here in Provo, they really make the community a place that is vibrant, safe and deeply connected in a way that is very unique.”

The analysis took into account financial stability, education, health, safety, economy, and infrastructure and pollution. Provo performs especially well in safety (No. 10), infrastructure and pollution (No. 23), health (No. 26) and financial stability (No. 35).

According to Lupo, “The best-run cities in America use their budgets most effectively” to provide good conditions for their citizens. “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.”

Cities following Provo include:

• Nampa, Idaho: No. 2
• Manchester, New Hampshire: No. 3
• Boise, Idaho: No. 4
• Nashua, Hew Hampshire: No. 5
• Sioux Falls, South Dakota: No. 6

The bottom five round out to:

• Chicago, Illinois: No. 144
• Oakland, California: No. 145
• New York, New York: No. 146
• Detroit, Michigan: No. 147
• San Francisco, California: No. 148

Provo businesses

Provo is home to Brigham Young University, which has one of the top-performing business schools in the country. That helps Provo be rich in entrepreneurship.

“Our goal in our administration is to make sure those startups continue to be able to stay here, that we have affordable housing options for employees so that businesses can not only locate here, but have their employees here and participate in the community here,” Friant said. “(The 3% growth) also gives us the opportunity to continue to stretch ourselves and make sure that number remains where it is and continues to grow.”

It’s already the birthplace of several large companies — like Angel Studios, Nu Skin and Qualtrics — and the deputy mayor says he wants Provo to remain a place where companies can start and continue to grow.

“One thing that we care a great deal about is looking at our code and looking at the regulations and processes we have in place to ensure that our business permitting process is more efficient and more understandable for those looking to develop businesses.”

Among the safest cities in the country

Ranked seventh and eighth for lowest violent crime and property crime rate, respectively, Provo has seen its safety continue to increase, something Friant credits to a combination of the kind of people who live in Provo and law enforcement.

“Neighborhood safety and connection is the priority of every piece of Provo city government, especially our law enforcement agencies,” Friant said. “It also goes back to neighborhood connectivity. The more connected our neighbors (are), the more we’re able to deter crime.”

Keeping commutes short

As the city continues to grow, transportation can become a problem, but Provo manages to keep commutes relatively short. Friant says there are many who walk or ride their bike to get around, so maintaining systems to allow efficient travel for everyone is important.

Recently, Provo was recognized with a gold-level distinction from the American Cyclist Association for its efforts to make bicycling efficient and safe.

Continuing progress

Moving forward, city leadership seeks to continue to build off the success it has found by building even greater trust with its residents and doing what has already happened in Provo by continuing a “culture of excellence and a focus on connection.”

“Being recognized as the best-run city in America is an honor, but more importantly, it reflects the hard work of our employees, community partners and residents,” Mayor Marsha Judkins said in a press release. “Cities do not earn distinctions like this because of a single program or project. They earn them through thoughtful planning, responsible stewardship of public resources and a shared commitment to making life better for the people who call Provo home.”