Trump effect? Republican states dominate America’s best-run city list, WalletHub finds; check your city’s rank

If you’re looking for a city that runs like a well-oiled machine, you might want to pack your bags for Provo, Utah. This year, a notable trend has emerged: cities in Republican-led states dominate the top of the list, according to a new study by financial site WalletHub. The majority in the top 10 reflect a pattern where conservative fiscal policies and Republican governance appear to align with strong city performance.


Provo has clinched the title of the best-run city in the United States for 2025, outshining 147 other major cities with its impressive blend of smart budgeting, stellar public services, and a dash of mountain charm.



WalletHub’s annual analysis is no simple contest—it’s a deep dive into what really makes a city tick. What sets WalletHub’s ranking apart is its focus on how well each city delivers quality services—like public safety, education, and transportation—relative to its per-capita budget.

Overall Rank	City	Quality of City Services Rank	Total Budget per Capita Rank
1	Provo, UT	5	2
2	Nampa, ID	41	1
3	Manchester, NH	32	3
4	Boise, ID	11	5
5	Nashua, NH	4	15
6	Dover, DE	73	4
7	Sioux Falls, SD	16	17
8	Lincoln, NE	18	19
9	Virginia Beach, VA	2	40
10	Fort Wayne, IN	47	12

Then, they measured each city’s “quality of services” against its per-capita budget to see who gets the most bang for their buck. As WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo put it, “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. 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”.


So, what’s Provo’s secret sauce? For starters, the city boasts a robust business growth rate of 5.2% and an eye-popping high school graduation rate of 91%—well above the national average of 87%. Provo also shines when it comes to safety, ranking as the city with the fourth-lowest violent crime rate in the country and the seventh-lowest property crime rate. Infrastructure is another strong suit, with well-maintained roads and public spaces keeping residents happy and commutes smooth. And with an unemployment rate of just 2.8%, it’s clear that Provo’s economic engine is humming along nicely.


Mayor Michelle Kaufusi couldn’t hide her excitement when she learned about the ranking. “This recognition from WalletHub is truly an honor, but it’s really just a testament to our incredible city team and the residents who make Provo such a special place to live,” she said. “We’ve always believed in getting the basics right first, which are, for us, quality schools, safe neighborhoods, well-maintained roads, and, of course, responsible budgeting”.


Trailing just behind Provo are Nampa, Idaho, and Manchester, New Hampshire. Nampa earned high marks for its extremely low government debt and strong safety record, while Manchester was recognized for its low pollution levels and steady growth in home values.