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Many people believe their hometown is the best, but how do we define success in a city? Measuring which cities stand out can be subjective. However, by utilizing concrete data, we can objectively identify the most successful small cities in America.
In our analysis, we leveraged data from the American Community Survey to evaluate various metrics, including unemployment rates, income levels, and poverty statistics, to determine which small cities are thriving. Below, you’ll find a quick overview of the top ten most successful small cities in the U.S. for 2026.
- The Village of Indian Hill, OH
- Terrell Hills, TX
- Ladue, MO
- Bellaire, TX
- West University Place, TX
- Lawrence, NY
- Melissa, TX
- North Hills, NY
- Cherry Hills Village, CO
- Glendale, MO
Methodology
To compile our list, we relied on the most recent American Community Survey (ACS) data. We focused exclusively on cities with populations ranging from 5,000 to 100,000, excluding Census-Designated Places (with exceptions for Hawaii).
Each city was evaluated based on three key factors:
- Unemployment rates
- Average income
- Poverty levels
The final rankings were determined by averaging the scores from these categories. Does your city rank in the top ten? Read on for the complete list.
1. The Village of Indian Hill
State: Ohio
City Description: Just north of Cincinnati, the Village of Indian Hill ranks first due to its remarkably low unemployment rate and a poverty rate of just 1.2%. This city, with a population of nearly 6,000, prioritizes a rural, community-focused lifestyle.
2. Terrell Hills
State: Texas
City Description: Nestled on the edge of downtown San Antonio, Terrell Hills ranks second, boasting an income that is 75% of the Village of Indian Hill’s, with impressive unemployment and poverty rates of 1% and 1.3%, respectively. The town has a proud history of independence, having resisted annexation by San Antonio in the 1940s.
3. Ladue
State: Missouri
City Description: Ladue, known for its lush greenery, ranks third with low unemployment and poverty levels, along with an average income of nearly $200,000. The city is noted for its stringent zoning laws that help maintain its charming neighborhoods.
4. Bellaire
State: Texas
City Description: Formerly an agricultural hub, Bellaire transformed into a city with nearly 20,000 residents in the 1940s. Known as “the City of Homes,” Bellaire ranks fourth, with exceptionally high income levels and poverty and unemployment rates below 2%.
5. West University Place
State: Texas
City Description: West University Place, another Texas stronghold, occupies the fifth position. Despite slightly higher poverty and unemployment rates, the city boasts an average income exceeding $200,000, making it a desirable place to live.
6. Lawrence
State: New York
City Description: Once a retreat for affluent New England families, Lawrence has evolved into a suburban community. While its average income is slightly lower at just over $140,000, it maintains unemployment and poverty rates below 2%.
7. Melissa
State: Texas
City Description: The final Texas city in our top ten, Melissa holds the seventh spot with an average income of $116,944, supported by remarkably low unemployment and poverty rates of 1.1% and 0.9%. Known for its rapid growth and resilience through past natural disasters, Melissa is thriving today.
8. North Hills
State: New York
City Description: North Hills, a private, gated community, was originally established as a tax haven. Its tradition continues, with low unemployment and poverty rates of 0.5% and 1.5%, alongside an average income of $114,716.
9. Cherry Hills Village
State: Colorado
City Description: Cherry Hills Village, named after a grove of cherry trees, is one of the wealthiest areas in Colorado and the U.S. It ranks ninth, boasting an impressive average income of $237,569, and frequently hosts prestigious golfing events like the PGA Championship.
10. Glendale
State: Missouri
City Description: Rounding out our list is Glendale, Missouri, named for its picturesque landscape. While its average income is $120,653, it achieves high rankings due to low unemployment and poverty rates of 1.4% and 1.2% respectively.
Conclusion
For those curious about the complete rankings, the extended list is provided below. Explore other resources at Zippia.
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Complete List of the Most Successful Small Cities in the U.S.
| Rank | City | State |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Village of Indian Hill | Ohio |
| 2 | Terrell Hills | Texas |
| 3 | Ladue | Missouri |
| 4 | Bellaire | Texas |
| 5 | West University Place | Texas |
| 6 | Lawrence | New York |
| 7 | Melissa | Texas |
| 8 | North Hills | New York |
| 9 | Cherry Hills Village | Colorado |
| 10 | Glendale | Missouri |
| 11 | Woodcliff Lake | New Jersey |
| 12 | Town and Country | Missouri |
| 13 | Helotes | Texas |
| 14 | Highland Village | Texas |
| 15 | Western Springs | Illinois |
| 16 | Palos Verdes Estates | California |
| 17 | Pepper Pike | Ohio |
| 18 | Mountain Brook | Alabama |
| 19 | Trophy Club | Texas |
| 20 | Glencoe | Illinois |
| 21 | Irvington | New York |
| 22 | Demarest | New Jersey |
| 23 | Winnetka | Illinois |
| 24 | Mill Valley | California |
| 24 | Watchung | New Jersey |
| 26 | Brentwood | Tennessee |
| 27 | Shorewood | Minnesota |
| 28 | Castle Pines | Colorado |
| 29 | Harrison | Wisconsin |
| 30 | Elm Grove | Wisconsin |
| 31 | Oak Ridge | North Carolina |
| 32 | Victoria | Minnesota |
| 32 | Little Silver | New Jersey |
| 34 | Fair Oaks Ranch | Texas |
| 35 | Briarcliff Manor | New York |
| 35 | Scarsdale | New York |
| 37 | Los Altos | California |
| 38 | La Canada Flintridge | California |
| 39 | Oakwood | Ohio |
| 40 | Zionsville | Indiana |
| 41 | Southlake | Texas |
| 42 | Englewood Cliffs | New Jersey |
| 43 | Leawood | Kansas |
| 44 | Asbury | Iowa |
| 44 | Colleyville | Texas |
| 46 | Wyoming | Ohio |
| 47 | Poolesville | Maryland |
| 48 | Weldon Spring | Missouri |
| 49 | Pelham Manor | New York |
| 50 | Mililani Mauka | Hawaii |
| 51 | Vienna | Virginia |
| 52 | Marvin | North Carolina |
| 53 | Dardenne Prairie | Missouri |
| 54 | East Honolulu | Hawaii |
| 55 | Erie | Colorado |
| 55 | Huntington Woods | Michigan |
| 57 | Medina | Minnesota |
| 58 | Arlington | Tennessee |
| 59 | Summerfield | North Carolina |
| 60 | Fox Point | Wisconsin |
| 61 | La Habra Heights | California |
| 62 | Oak Brook | Illinois |
| 63 | Sammamish | Washington |
| 64 | Franklin Park | Pennsylvania |
| 65 | University Park | Texas |
| 66 | Atherton | California |
| 67 | Wilmette | Illinois |
| 68 | Powell | Ohio |
| 69 | Clive | Iowa |
| 70 | Haddonfield | New Jersey |
| 71 | Signal Mountain | Tennessee |
| 72 | Bernardsville | New Jersey |
| 73 | Beachwood | Ohio |
| 74 | Greenwood Village | Colorado |
| 75 | New Providence | New Jersey |
| 76 | St. John | Indiana |
| 77 | Plain City | Utah |
| 78 | Grandview Heights | Ohio |
| 79 | Lake Bluff | Illinois |
| 80 | Northbrook | Illinois |
| 81 | Keller | Texas |
| 82 | Dublin | Ohio |
| 83 | Pike Road | Alabama |
| 84 | Rogers | Minnesota |
| 84 | Royal Kunia | Hawaii |
| 86 | Farmington | Utah |
| 87 | Des Peres | Missouri |
| 88 | Brecksville | Ohio |
| 89 | Montgomery | Ohio |
| 90 | Avon | Indiana |
| 91 | Mequon | Wisconsin |
| 92 | Worthington | Ohio |
| 93 | Sunset Hills | Missouri |
| 94 | Woodside | California |
| 95 | Tiburon | California |
| 96 | Bay Village | Ohio |
| 97 | Eagle | Colorado |
| 98 | San Marino | California |
| 99 | Mendham | New Jersey |
| 100 | Nolensville | Tennessee |
Author
Ryan Morris was a writer for the Zippia Advice blog who tried to make the job process a little more entertaining for all those involved. He obtained his BA and Masters from Appalachian State University.
