Fayetteville–Springdale–Rogers and St. George Top Milken’s 2026 Best-Performing Cities
Event summary
- Fayetteville–Springdale–Rogers, AR ranked #1 among large cities in the 2026 Milken Institute Best-Performing Cities index, driven by strong labor markets and affordable housing.
- St. George, UT topped the small cities ranking due to rapid high-tech expansion and sustained job growth.
- The 2026 rankings are based on data from 2024, with short-term job growth measured from July 2024 to July 2025.
- Washington, DC–MD experienced the most dramatic decline, dropping 118 spots to its current 180th position.
The big picture
The 2026 Milken Institute rankings highlight the strategic importance of balanced economic growth, with top-performing cities excelling in labor markets, high-tech sectors, and housing affordability. The data reflects a broader trend of regional economic diversification amid slowing national employment growth and rising living costs. Southern and Mountain Division cities dominate the top tiers, indicating strong policy choices and investments in these areas.
What we're watching
- Labor Market Trends
- How sustained labor market performance in Fayetteville–Springdale–Rogers and St. George will affect their long-term economic resilience amid cooling national conditions.
- High-Tech Expansion
- Whether St. George can maintain its rapid high-tech growth, particularly in education and health services sectors.
- Housing Affordability
- The pace at which housing affordability will remain a competitive advantage for Fayetteville–Springdale–Rogers given rising costs across the US.
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