Some state capitals are vastly better places to live and offer many advantages over others. Wondering if your capital ranks? Below, we share the top and bottom state capitals to help you consider where you might want to live.
I researched data from the personal finance website WalletHub. The site compared all 50 cities across 49 metrics to find the most livable state capitals, measuring and ranking each capital based on factors like affordability, economic health, education, and more. The analysis determined which capitals offer the best quality of life and which lack essential amenities, which I’ll break down in this article.
The Top 20 State Capitals
Here are the top 20 state capitals per WalletHub’s ranking:
The top 20 capitals scored well for their combination of economic prosperity and livability factors.
Key Finding
The top-ranking capital is Austin, known for its vibrant music scene, outdoor recreation opportunities, and thriving technology sector. Coming in second is Raleigh, which offers affordable housing, quality schools, and plentiful jobs. Another high-ranking capital is Madison, praised for its cultural attractions and highly educated workforce.
The Bottom 20 State Capitals
Here are the bottom 20 state capitals per WalletHub’s ranking:
Mid-tier capitals lagging in livability include Indianapolis, Lansing, Honolulu, and Charleston. While not the worst, these capitals still have room for improvement.
Key Finding
Trenton is at the bottom of the rankings because it suffers from a high violent crime rate, low income, and poor high school graduation rate.
How To Decide Which State Capital Is Best for You
As you evaluate different state capitals, consider any significant disparities. Choosing a capital with higher incomes, lower crime, and better education can positively impact your life, providing access to economic mobility, safety, and a brighter future.
Explore these factors more in the dropdown sections below.
It’s easier to find employment in a city robust with job options. Austin boasts a median household income of over $80,000, which signifies better job opportunities than most markets.
Another key factor is safety. Safety is a top priority for most families when selecting a livable capital, so I recommend looking into a capital’s crime rate before deciding on your new home.
A capital's infrastructure and public services greatly impact residents' daily lives. The quality of roads, schools, healthcare, and other amenities often determine whether citizens thrive.
For example, Baton Rouge is infamous for its poor drainage, leading to chronic flooding and damaged homes and businesses. Insufficient public transit also leads to crippling road congestion.
In contrast, Columbus provides well-maintained roads and ample public transit, enabling mobility. Top hospitals and clinics provide quality care. Overall, capitals like Columbus better meet residents’ needs through robust infrastructure and services.
Affordability is a major ranking factor. Some state capitals offer far more value than others.
For example, housing in Pierre is very affordable, with median home values around $275,000 — significantly lower than pricier capitals. Other wallet-friendly cities include Lincoln, Raleigh, and Madison. Living somewhere with a lower cost of living enables comfortable living on modest salaries, allowing you to buy a home and build financial security, which is a massive plus for many families.
In contrast, Honolulu’s astronomical costs, with median homes over $700,000, render it unaffordable for many. Unfortunately, exceptionally high living expenses prevent savings and enjoyment of amenities for many families.
So, Is It Important To Consider Your State Capital's Livability?
When deciding where to live, weigh factors like affordability, jobs, education, transit, and amenities. You’ll also want to consider your state capital’s livability and family friendliness.
An unsafe capital with poor schools and limited mobility can impact your potential. However, a prosperous capital with ample opportunities maximizes its citizens’ quality of life. Before choosing where to settle, research capital rankings. While you could move elsewhere in the state, the capital’s prosperity uplifts the entire state. Carefully consider your options before deciding where you want to live next.
FAQs About State Capital Livability
How significant is the cost of living?
Cost of living is a significant factor when comparing the livability of different state capitals. Affordable living costs allow residents to get more value for their money and stretch their incomes further, allowing them to enjoy a better quality of life. Between lower housing costs, utilities, and grocery bills, more residents can afford to put aside money for the future and splurge on luxuries.
Do rankings fluctuate annually?
Modest year-to-year shifts occur, but dramatic changes are rare unless significant improvements or downturns happen. Rankings often reflect structural advantages or disadvantages, making huge fluctuations unlikely.
What if my capital ranks poorly?
You can advocate for change if your capital scores low. Contact state and city leaders that support reforms that spur growth and opportunity and hold officials accountable for capital improvements.
How are rankings calculated?
WalletHub analyzes measurable metrics like jobs, wages, poverty, education, crime, transit use, parks, healthcare access, pollution, and more. Combining hard data across categories determines their rankings for the best and worst state capitals regarding livability.
