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When considering a new city to live or work, the intelligence level of the community is a key factor for many individuals and businesses alike. A highly educated population can foster innovation, enhance job prospects, and improve the overall quality of life. In this article, we identify the cities across America with the most educated residents.
We analyzed educational attainment data to determine the smartest city in each state. The results showcase those towns that not only value education but also produce a well-prepared workforce for the future.
Check out our complete analysis at the end, but first, here are the top 10 smartest cities in the United States.
Top Smartest Cities
- Hoboken, New Jersey
- West Hollywood, California
- Gunbarrel, Colorado
- Conshohocken, Pennsylvania
- Davidson, North Carolina
- Bexley, Ohio
- Arden Hills, Minnesota
- Jericho, New York
- Fairhope, Alabama
- North Druid Hills, Georgia
Continue reading to discover how we identified these 10 cities as educational leaders or scroll down for insights into what makes them stand out.
How We Determined the Smartest City in Each State
While intelligence can be gauged through various metrics, including IQ scores and standardized tests, we focused on a more tangible measure: educational attainment. Our analysis involved assessing the percentage of the population with higher education credentials.
We ranked each city based on:
- Percentage of adults over 25 with at least a bachelor’s degree (Higher is better)
- Percentage of 18-25 year-olds with a minimum of a high school diploma (Higher is better)
The data is sourced from the latest American Community Survey by the Census, focusing on cities with a working population of at least 5,000. This method provides a clear view of current educational trends and the potential for growth in these communities. From this analysis, we have identified the smartest city in each state.
If your city isn’t among the top 10, don’t be discouraged! Scroll to the bottom for our detailed chart and discover how your area compares.
1. Hoboken, New Jersey
Bachelor’s Degree: 51%
High School Diploma: 99.6%
Hoboken, New Jersey, is the epitome of educational excellence, boasting an impressive 51% of residents holding a bachelor’s degree. With only 0.4% of young adults lacking a high school diploma, this city is a beacon for those seeking an intellectually stimulating environment.
2. West Hollywood, California
Bachelor’s Degree: 44%
High School Diploma: 99.4%
West Hollywood is not just a hub for entertainment; it’s also a center for academic achievement. With 44% of its residents holding bachelor’s degrees and 99.4% with at least a high school diploma, this city showcases a strong commitment to education.
3. Gunbarrel, Colorado
Bachelor’s Degree: 43%
High School Diploma: 99.0%
Gunbarrel, Colorado, stands out as a city filled with highly educated young adults, thanks to its exceptional schools. With 43% of residents over 25 holding a bachelor’s degree, it’s clear that Gunbarrel prioritizes education.
4. Conshohocken, Pennsylvania
Bachelor’s Degree: 39%
High School Diploma: 99.3%
As a suburb of Philadelphia, Conshohocken shines brightly in education. With 39% of adults over 25 boasting a bachelor’s degree, this smaller city demonstrates that size doesn’t dictate educational success.
5. Davidson, North Carolina
Bachelor’s Degree: 40%
High School Diploma: 98.2%
Davidson, North Carolina, is not only picturesque but also home to a well-educated populace, where 40% have earned at least a bachelor’s degree. Its charming community and high educational standards make it an attractive destination for new residents.
6. Bexley, Ohio
Bachelor’s Degree: 38%
High School Diploma: 98.5%
Bexley, Ohio, is a community that prioritizes education, with 38% of residents over 25 holding a bachelor’s degree. With only 1.5% of young adults lacking a high school diploma, Bexley exemplifies the value of education.
7. Arden Hills, Minnesota
Bachelor’s Degree: 36%
High School Diploma: 98.6%
Arden Hills, Minnesota, is not only home to the University of Northwestern – St. Paul but also boasts an impressive education rate, with 36% of adults holding a bachelor’s degree. The city’s strong school systems contribute to its educational success.
8. Jericho, New York
Bachelor’s Degree: 36%
High School Diploma: 98.0%
Jericho, New York, ranks 8th for educational attainment, with a solid 36% of residents holding a bachelor’s degree. The city’s commitment to education is evident, with 98% achieving at least a high school diploma.
9. Fairhope, Alabama
Bachelor’s Degree: 34%
High School Diploma: 100%
Fairhope, Alabama, may surprise many with its educational achievements. With a remarkable 100% of young adults holding a high school diploma and 34% possessing a bachelor’s degree, Fairhope is a testament to the state’s educational potential.
10. North Druid Hills, Georgia
Bachelor’s Degree: 38%
High School Diploma: 96.4%
North Druid Hills, Georgia, rounds out our list as the 10th smartest city, with 38% of residents holding a bachelor’s degree and a commendable 96.4% achieving at least a high school diploma. This city is a hub for educated individuals.
Smart is as Smart Does
Education plays a crucial role in shaping career opportunities and enhancing the community’s overall quality of life. The cities highlighted above are not only home to a well-educated populace but also possess strong school systems that nurture this talent. Such environments are favored by businesses looking to attract skilled workers and foster innovation.
If your city didn’t make the top 10, remember that many intelligent individuals reside in cities not listed here. It’s never too late for communities to invest in education and strive for improvement.
Smartest City in Every State
| State | City | Bachelor’s Degree (%) | High School Diploma (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Fairhope | 33 | 100 |
| Alaska | College | 23 | 97 |
| Arizona | Flagstaff | 27 | 97 |
| Arkansas | Fayetteville | 26 | 96 |
| California | West Hollywood | 44 | 99 |
| Colorado | Gunbarrel | 43 | 99 |
| Connecticut | West Hartford | 29 | 92 |
| Delaware | Newark | 26 | 98 |
| Florida | Lake Butler | 39 | 94 |
| Georgia | North Druid Hills | 37 | 96 |
| Hawaii | Mililani Mauka | 35 | 95 |
| Idaho | Moscow | 32 | 97 |
| Illinois | River Forest | 37 | 95 |
| Indiana | West Lafayette | 26 | 99 |
| Iowa | Ames | 31 | 98 |
| Kansas | Manhattan | 26 | 98 |
| Kentucky | Francisville | 31 | 97 |
| Louisiana | Youngsville | 33 | 94 |
| Maine | Portland | 30 | 92 |
| Maryland | Towson | 31 | 96 |
| Massachusetts | Somerville | 33 | 96 |
| Michigan | Westwood | 31 | 99 |
| Minnesota | Arden Hills | 35 | 98 |
| Mississippi | Oxford | 29 | 98 |
| Missouri | Kirkwood | 34 | 95 |
| Montana | Bozeman | 34 | 98 |
| Nebraska | Chalco | 25 | 100 |
| Nevada | Summerlin South | 26 | 95 |
| New Hampshire | Dover | 28 | 94 |
| New Jersey | Hoboken | 50 | 99 |
| New Mexico | Portales | 16 | 95 |
| New York | Jericho | 35 | 98 |
| North Carolina | Davidson | 40 | 98 |
| North Dakota | Fargo | 27 | 94 |
| Ohio | Bexley | 37 | 98 |
| Oklahoma | Edmond | 31 | 94 |
| Oregon | Bull Mountain | 36 | 95 |
| Pennsylvania | Conshohocken | 39 | 99 |
| Rhode Island | Newport | 33 | 90 |
| South Carolina | Lake Wylie | 35 | 97 |
| South Dakota | Vermillion | 28 | 99 |
| Tennessee | Collegedale | 26 | 98 |
| Texas | Addison | 39 | 94 |
| Utah | Provo | 28 | 96 |
| Vermont | Burlington | 29 | 97 |
| Virginia | Lansdowne | 32 | 98 |
| Washington | Newcastle | 39 | 95 |
| West Virginia | Morgantown | 26 | 98 |
| Wisconsin | Madison | 32 | 96 |
| Wyoming | Jackson | 38 | 95 |
Author
Kathy is the head of content at Zippia with a knack for engaging audiences. Prior to joining Zippia, Kathy worked at Gateway Blend growing audiences across diverse brands. She graduated from Troy University with a degree in Social Science Education.
