2026 Rankings

Best Places to Live in the U.S.

Our data-driven rankings analyze housing affordability, safety, commute times, walkability, and purchasing power using transparent, citable public data sources.

WhereAtHome Score Methodology

Transparent, weighted composite of available public data. Missing factors are excluded and available weights are rescaled. Learn more

Housing Affordability: 20%
Income vs Housing: 20%
Commute Time: 15%
Crime: 20%
Walkability: 15%
Purchasing Power: 10%

Filter Rankings

Showing all 1960 cities

Complete Rankings Table

Click any city name to view detailed profile and score breakdown

# City Pop. Home Value Income Commute Crime Walk CoL Score ▼ Grade
1 Collinsville, IL 23,779 (2023) $198,331 (2026) $63,155 (2022) 23.9 min Moderate-Low 79 92 85.8 B
2 Marion, IN 28,105 (2023) $140,425 (2026) $42,366 (2022) 17.1 min Low 40 82 85.1 B
3 South Euclid, OH 21,264 (2023) $184,259 (2026) $75,933 (2022) 23.7 min Moderate-Low 47 90 84.8 B
4 Liberal, KS 18,999 (2023) $147,432 (2026) $55,602 (2022) 13.9 min Moderate 41 90 84.7 B
5 Altoona, PA 42,788 (2023) $144,245 (2026) $50,435 (2022) 17.5 min Moderate 54 87 84.4 B
6 Madisonville, KY 19,355 (2023) $156,268 (2026) $54,234 (2022) 19.4 min Low 20 89 84.3 B
7 Mason City, IA 26,906 (2023) $160,581 (2026) $60,786 (2022) 14.6 min Moderate 37 87 84.3 B
8 Marshalltown, IA 27,574 (2023) $179,538 (2026) $65,000 (2022) 17.4 min Moderate 43 84 84.1 B
9 Kettering, OH 56,876 (2023) $247,857 (2026) $69,818 (2022) 19.8 min Very Low 41 91 84 B
10 Austin, MN 26,171 (2023) $193,110 (2026) $61,667 (2022) 17 min Moderate-Low 37 91 83.9 B
11 Decatur, GA 24,307 (2023) $282,512 (2026) $129,992 (2022) 26.8 min Low 60 147 83.8 B
12 Ashland, KY 21,154 (2023) $129,143 (2026) $51,250 (2022) 20.7 min Moderate-Low 31 85 83.7 B
13 Bethany, OK 20,369 (2023) $176,832 (2026) $54,606 (2022) 20.3 min Moderate-Low 47 90 83.4 B
14 Clinton, IA 24,239 (2023) $135,966 (2026) $55,196 (2022) 18 min Moderate 38 85 83.4 B
15 Seymour, IN 21,666 (2023) $234,078 (2026) $57,347 (2022) 17.8 min Very Low 37 89 83.3 B
16 Mayfield Heights, OH 19,793 (2023) $235,842 (2026) $59,423 (2022) 22.4 min Very Low 47 94 83.1 B
17 New Castle, PA 21,413 (2023) $153,221 (2026) $39,948 (2022) 20.9 min Low 44 79 83.1 B
18 Dodge City, KS 27,514 (2023) $212,962 (2026) $66,932 (2022) 11.6 min Moderate 34 87 82.9 B-
19 Ferndale, MI 19,083 (2023) $254,401 (2026) $86,120 (2022) 26.1 min Moderate-Low 67 99 82.8 B-
20 Freeport, IL 23,136 (2023) $129,722 (2026) $44,658 (2022) 18.3 min Moderate 42 82 82.8 B-
21 Parma Heights, OH 20,431 (2023) $224,246 (2026) $57,197 (2022) 24.5 min Very Low 41 89 82.7 B-
22 Parma, OH 78,951 (2023) $220,070 (2026) $65,848 (2022) 24.8 min Low 42 88 82.7 B-
23 Burlington, IA 23,565 (2023) $127,220 (2026) $51,628 (2022) 14.8 min Moderate-High 41 88 82.6 B-
24 Huber Heights, OH 43,313 (2023) $212,794 (2026) $75,903 (2022) 23.3 min Moderate-Low 28 90 82.5 B-
25 Kingsville, TX 24,586 (2023) $144,540 (2026) $50,963 (2022) 19.4 min Moderate 38 90 82.5 B-
26 East Moline, IL 20,806 (2023) $156,179 (2026) $60,032 (2022) 20.1 min Moderate 33 90 82.4 B-
27 Greenville, MS 27,644 (2023) $54,393 (2026) $35,148 (2022) 18.2 min Moderate 32 83 82.4 B-
28 North Platte, NE 22,523 (2023) $220,664 (2026) $56,890 (2022) 12.9 min Moderate-Low 40 90 82.4 B-
29 Wyandotte, MI 24,057 (2023) $191,950 (2026) $62,111 (2022) 24.2 min Moderate 60 90 82.4 B-
30 Cleveland Heights, OH 43,908 (2023) $211,115 (2026) $69,155 (2022) 22.4 min Moderate 53 92 82.2 B-
31 Cuyahoga Falls, OH 50,742 (2023) $220,712 (2026) $67,922 (2022) 22.2 min Moderate-Low 46 91 82.2 B-
32 Allen Park, MI 27,528 (2023) $212,490 (2026) $73,792 (2022) 24.5 min Moderate 51 93 82.1 B-
33 Moline, IL 41,965 (2023) $152,495 (2026) $63,553 (2022) 18.7 min Moderate-High 44 92 82 B-
34 Wichita Falls, TX 102,691 (2023) $176,679 (2026) $55,584 (2022) 14.4 min Moderate 29 89 81.9 B-
35 Columbus, NE 24,464 (2023) $273,170 (2026) $65,341 (2022) 12.4 min Low 42 93 81.8 B-
36 Waterloo, IA 66,606 (2023) $149,005 (2026) $54,104 (2022) 16.5 min Moderate-High 37 88 81.8 B-
37 Columbus, IN 51,522 (2023) $281,533 (2026) $75,114 (2022) 18.1 min Very Low 29 96 81.7 B-
38 Hutchinson, KS 39,662 (2023) $154,218 (2026) $55,265 (2022) 15.8 min Moderate-High 35 86 81.7 B-
39 Rock Island, IL 36,132 (2023) $129,626 (2026) $55,732 (2022) 19.2 min Moderate-High 44 89 81.7 B-
40 Duncan, OK 23,170 (2023) $138,377 (2026) $55,162 (2022) 21 min Moderate 27 87 81.5 B-
41 Galesburg, IL 29,130 (2023) $106,286 (2026) $42,346 (2022) 16.8 min Moderate-High 37 84 81.5 B-
42 Jackson, MS 143,709 (2023) $84,299 (2026) $42,193 (2022) 20.3 min Moderate 26 85 81.4 B-
43 Muscatine, IA 23,341 (2023) $196,852 (2026) $58,474 (2022) 17.1 min Moderate 38 91 81.4 B-
44 Ottumwa, IA 25,252 (2023) $126,345 (2026) $53,085 (2022) 17.5 min Moderate-High 35 83 81.4 B-
45 Alliance, OH 21,525 (2023) $168,623 (2026) $51,721 (2022) 20.4 min Moderate 43 83 81.3 B-
46 East Peoria, IL 22,012 (2023) $184,958 (2026) $73,720 (2022) 19.5 min Moderate 17 94 81.3 B-
47 Murrysville, PA 20,745 (2023) $359,930 (2026) $117,067 (2022) 29.1 min Very Low 51 114 81.3 B-
48 Emporia, KS 24,105 (2023) $175,303 (2026) $49,661 (2022) 11.7 min Moderate-High 45 85 81.1 B-
49 Monroeville, PA 27,974 (2023) $235,247 (2026) $80,625 (2022) 26.8 min Low 21 99 81.1 B-
50 Moore, OK 63,470 (2023) $223,786 (2026) $73,285 (2022) 23.9 min Moderate-Low 32 94 81.1 B-

Data Sources: U.S. Census Bureau (ACS), Zillow Home Value Index, FBI Crime Data Explorer, WalkScore.com, Niche.com

Note: Population and income data reflect latest ACS estimates (2023). Home values reflect 2026 market data. Available crime and walkability observations are current as of 2026. Coverage varies by city; an em dash (—) means data is pending.

Detailed City Profiles

Collinsville, IL
1
B
85.8 Score

Collinsville, IL

Small Illinois city with local appeal

Median Home

$198,331

Population

23,779

Schools

Data pending

Crime

Moderate-Low

Midwest View Collinsville, IL →
Marion, IN
2
B
85.1 Score

Marion, IN

Small Indiana city with local appeal

Median Home

$140,425

Population

28,105

Schools

Data pending

Crime

Low

Midwest View Marion, IN →
South Euclid, OH
3
B
84.8 Score

South Euclid, OH

Small Ohio city with local appeal

Median Home

$184,259

Population

21,264

Schools

Data pending

Crime

Moderate-Low

Midwest View South Euclid, OH →
Liberal, KS
4
B
84.7 Score

Liberal, KS

Small Kansas city with local appeal

Median Home

$147,432

Population

18,999

Schools

Data pending

Crime

Moderate

Midwest View Liberal, KS →
Altoona, PA
5
B
84.4 Score

Altoona, PA

Small Pennsylvania city with local appeal

Median Home

$144,245

Population

42,788

Schools

Data pending

Crime

Moderate

Northeast View Altoona, PA →
Madisonville, KY
6
B
84.3 Score

Madisonville, KY

Small Kentucky city with local appeal

Median Home

$156,268

Population

19,355

Schools

Data pending

Crime

Low

Southeast View Madisonville, KY →
Mason City, IA
7
B
84.3 Score

Mason City, IA

Small Iowa city with local appeal

Median Home

$160,581

Population

26,906

Schools

Data pending

Crime

Moderate

Midwest View Mason City, IA →
Marshalltown, IA
8
B
84.1 Score

Marshalltown, IA

Small Iowa city with local appeal

Median Home

$179,538

Population

27,574

Schools

Data pending

Crime

Moderate

Midwest View Marshalltown, IA →
Kettering, OH
9
B
84 Score

Kettering, OH

Ohio community balancing growth and livability

Median Home

$247,857

Population

56,876

Schools

Data pending

Crime

Very Low

Midwest View Kettering, OH →
Austin, MN
10
B
83.9 Score

Austin, MN

Small Minnesota city with local appeal

Median Home

$193,110

Population

26,171

Schools

Data pending

Crime

Moderate-Low

Midwest View Austin, MN →
Decatur, GA
11
B
83.8 Score

Decatur, GA

Small Georgia city with local appeal

Median Home

$282,512

Population

24,307

Schools

Data pending

Crime

Low

Southeast View Decatur, GA →
Ashland, KY
12
B
83.7 Score

Ashland, KY

Small Kentucky city with local appeal

Median Home

$129,143

Population

21,154

Schools

Data pending

Crime

Moderate-Low

Southeast View Ashland, KY →
Bethany, OK
13
B
83.4 Score

Bethany, OK

Small Oklahoma city with local appeal

Median Home

$176,832

Population

20,369

Schools

Data pending

Crime

Moderate-Low

Southwest View Bethany, OK →
Clinton, IA
14
B
83.4 Score

Clinton, IA

Small Iowa city with local appeal

Median Home

$135,966

Population

24,239

Schools

Data pending

Crime

Moderate

Midwest View Clinton, IA →
Seymour, IN
15
B
83.3 Score

Seymour, IN

Small Indiana city with local appeal

Median Home

$234,078

Population

21,666

Schools

Data pending

Crime

Very Low

Midwest View Seymour, IN →
Mayfield Heights, OH
16
B
83.1 Score

Mayfield Heights, OH

Small Ohio city with local appeal

Median Home

$235,842

Population

19,793

Schools

Data pending

Crime

Very Low

Midwest View Mayfield Heights, OH →
New Castle, PA
17
B
83.1 Score

New Castle, PA

Small Pennsylvania city with local appeal

Median Home

$153,221

Population

21,413

Schools

Data pending

Crime

Low

Northeast View New Castle, PA →
Dodge City, KS
18
B-
82.9 Score

Dodge City, KS

Small Kansas city with local appeal

Median Home

$212,962

Population

27,514

Schools

Data pending

Crime

Moderate

Midwest View Dodge City, KS →
Ferndale, MI
19
B-
82.8 Score

Ferndale, MI

Small Michigan city with local appeal

Median Home

$254,401

Population

19,083

Schools

Data pending

Crime

Moderate-Low

Midwest View Ferndale, MI →
Freeport, IL
20
B-
82.8 Score

Freeport, IL

Small Illinois city with local appeal

Median Home

$129,722

Population

23,136

Schools

Data pending

Crime

Moderate

Midwest View Freeport, IL →
Parma Heights, OH
21
B-
82.7 Score

Parma Heights, OH

Small Ohio city with local appeal

Median Home

$224,246

Population

20,431

Schools

Data pending

Crime

Very Low

Midwest View Parma Heights, OH →
Parma, OH
22
B-
82.7 Score

Parma, OH

Ohio community balancing growth and livability

Median Home

$220,070

Population

78,951

Schools

Data pending

Crime

Low

Midwest View Parma, OH →
Burlington, IA
23
B-
82.6 Score

Burlington, IA

Small Iowa city with local appeal

Median Home

$127,220

Population

23,565

Schools

Data pending

Crime

Moderate-High

Midwest View Burlington, IA →
Huber Heights, OH
24
B-
82.5 Score

Huber Heights, OH

Small Ohio city with local appeal

Median Home

$212,794

Population

43,313

Schools

Data pending

Crime

Moderate-Low

Midwest View Huber Heights, OH →
Kingsville, TX
25
B-
82.5 Score

Kingsville, TX

Small Texas city with local appeal

Median Home

$144,540

Population

24,586

Schools

Data pending

Crime

Moderate

Southwest View Kingsville, TX →
East Moline, IL
26
B-
82.4 Score

East Moline, IL

Small Illinois city with local appeal

Median Home

$156,179

Population

20,806

Schools

Data pending

Crime

Moderate

Midwest View East Moline, IL →
Greenville, MS
27
B-
82.4 Score

Greenville, MS

Small Mississippi city with local appeal

Median Home

$54,393

Population

27,644

Schools

Data pending

Crime

Moderate

Southeast View Greenville, MS →
North Platte, NE
28
B-
82.4 Score

North Platte, NE

Small Nebraska city with local appeal

Median Home

$220,664

Population

22,523

Schools

Data pending

Crime

Moderate-Low

Midwest View North Platte, NE →
Wyandotte, MI
29
B-
82.4 Score

Wyandotte, MI

Small Michigan city with local appeal

Median Home

$191,950

Population

24,057

Schools

Data pending

Crime

Moderate

Midwest View Wyandotte, MI →
Cleveland Heights, OH
30
B-
82.2 Score

Cleveland Heights, OH

Small Ohio city with local appeal

Median Home

$211,115

Population

43,908

Schools

Data pending

Crime

Moderate

Midwest View Cleveland Heights, OH →
Cuyahoga Falls, OH
31
B-
82.2 Score

Cuyahoga Falls, OH

Ohio community balancing growth and livability

Median Home

$220,712

Population

50,742

Schools

Data pending

Crime

Moderate-Low

Midwest View Cuyahoga Falls, OH →
Allen Park, MI
32
B-
82.1 Score

Allen Park, MI

Small Michigan city with local appeal

Median Home

$212,490

Population

27,528

Schools

Data pending

Crime

Moderate

Midwest View Allen Park, MI →
Moline, IL
33
B-
82 Score

Moline, IL

Small Illinois city with local appeal

Median Home

$152,495

Population

41,965

Schools

Data pending

Crime

Moderate-High

Midwest View Moline, IL →
Wichita Falls, TX
34
B-
81.9 Score

Wichita Falls, TX

Mid-size Texas city with community character

Median Home

$176,679

Population

102,691

Schools

Data pending

Crime

Moderate

Southwest View Wichita Falls, TX →
Columbus, NE
35
B-
81.8 Score

Columbus, NE

Small Nebraska city with local appeal

Median Home

$273,170

Population

24,464

Schools

Data pending

Crime

Low

Midwest View Columbus, NE →
Waterloo, IA
36
B-
81.8 Score

Waterloo, IA

Iowa community balancing growth and livability

Median Home

$149,005

Population

66,606

Schools

Data pending

Crime

Moderate-High

Midwest View Waterloo, IA →
Columbus, IN
37
B-
81.7 Score

Columbus, IN

Indiana community balancing growth and livability

Median Home

$281,533

Population

51,522

Schools

Data pending

Crime

Very Low

Midwest View Columbus, IN →
Hutchinson, KS
38
B-
81.7 Score

Hutchinson, KS

Small Kansas city with local appeal

Median Home

$154,218

Population

39,662

Schools

Data pending

Crime

Moderate-High

Midwest View Hutchinson, KS →
Rock Island, IL
39
B-
81.7 Score

Rock Island, IL

Small Illinois city with local appeal

Median Home

$129,626

Population

36,132

Schools

Data pending

Crime

Moderate-High

Midwest View Rock Island, IL →
Duncan, OK
40
B-
81.5 Score

Duncan, OK

Small Oklahoma city with local appeal

Median Home

$138,377

Population

23,170

Schools

Data pending

Crime

Moderate

Southwest View Duncan, OK →
Galesburg, IL
41
B-
81.5 Score

Galesburg, IL

Small Illinois city with local appeal

Median Home

$106,286

Population

29,130

Schools

Data pending

Crime

Moderate-High

Midwest View Galesburg, IL →
Jackson, MS
42
B-
81.4 Score

Jackson, MS

Mid-size Mississippi city with community character

Median Home

$84,299

Population

143,709

Schools

Data pending

Crime

Moderate

Southeast View Jackson, MS →
Muscatine, IA
43
B-
81.4 Score

Muscatine, IA

Small Iowa city with local appeal

Median Home

$196,852

Population

23,341

Schools

Data pending

Crime

Moderate

Midwest View Muscatine, IA →
Ottumwa, IA
44
B-
81.4 Score

Ottumwa, IA

Small Iowa city with local appeal

Median Home

$126,345

Population

25,252

Schools

Data pending

Crime

Moderate-High

Midwest View Ottumwa, IA →
Alliance, OH
45
B-
81.3 Score

Alliance, OH

Small Ohio city with local appeal

Median Home

$168,623

Population

21,525

Schools

Data pending

Crime

Moderate

Midwest View Alliance, OH →
46
B-
81.3 Score

East Peoria, IL

Small Illinois city with local appeal

Median Home

$184,958

Population

22,012

Schools

Data pending

Crime

Moderate

Midwest View East Peoria, IL →
Murrysville, PA
47
B-
81.3 Score

Murrysville, PA

Small Pennsylvania city with local appeal

Median Home

$359,930

Population

20,745

Schools

Data pending

Crime

Very Low

Northeast View Murrysville, PA →
Emporia, KS
48
B-
81.1 Score

Emporia, KS

Small Kansas city with local appeal

Median Home

$175,303

Population

24,105

Schools

Data pending

Crime

Moderate-High

Midwest View Emporia, KS →
Monroeville, PA
49
B-
81.1 Score

Monroeville, PA

Small Pennsylvania city with local appeal

Median Home

$235,247

Population

27,974

Schools

Data pending

Crime

Low

Northeast View Monroeville, PA →
Moore, OK
50
B-
81.1 Score

Moore, OK

Oklahoma community balancing growth and livability

Median Home

$223,786

Population

63,470

Schools

Data pending

Crime

Moderate-Low

Southwest View Moore, OK →

City-by-City Analysis

#1: Collinsville, Illinois

Collinsville is an Illinois city with a population of approximately 23,779, part of the St. Louis, MO-IL metropolitan area. The median home value is approximately $198,331. Median household income is $63,155.

WhereAtHome Score

85.8/100

Median Home (2026)

$198,331

Median Income (2022)

$63,155

Crime

Moderate-Low

  • Population of approximately 23,779 (2023 Census estimate)
  • Median home value of $198,331 (Zillow ZHVI)
  • Median household income of $63,155 (Census ACS)
  • Average commute time of 23.9 minutes
  • Part of the St. Louis, MO-IL metro area

View full Collinsville profile →

#2: Marion, Indiana

Marion is an Indiana city with a population of approximately 28,105, part of the Marion, IN metropolitan area. The median home value is approximately $140,425. Median household income is $42,366.

WhereAtHome Score

85.1/100

Median Home (2026)

$140,425

Median Income (2022)

$42,366

Crime

Low

  • Population of approximately 28,105 (2023 Census estimate)
  • Median home value of $140,425 (Zillow ZHVI)
  • Median household income of $42,366 (Census ACS)
  • Average commute time of 17.1 minutes
  • Part of the Marion, IN metro area

View full Marion profile →

#3: South Euclid, Ohio

South Euclid is an Ohio city with a population of approximately 21,264, part of the Cleveland-Elyria, OH metropolitan area. The median home value is approximately $184,259. Median household income is $75,933.

WhereAtHome Score

84.8/100

Median Home (2026)

$184,259

Median Income (2022)

$75,933

Crime

Moderate-Low

  • Population of approximately 21,264 (2023 Census estimate)
  • Median home value of $184,259 (Zillow ZHVI)
  • Median household income of $75,933 (Census ACS)
  • Average commute time of 23.7 minutes
  • Part of the Cleveland-Elyria, OH metro area

View full South Euclid profile →

#4: Liberal, Kansas

Liberal is a Kansas city with a population of approximately 18,999, part of the Liberal, KS metropolitan area. The median home value is approximately $147,432. Median household income is $55,602.

WhereAtHome Score

84.7/100

Median Home (2026)

$147,432

Median Income (2022)

$55,602

Crime

Moderate

  • Population of approximately 18,999 (2023 Census estimate)
  • Median home value of $147,432 (Zillow ZHVI)
  • Median household income of $55,602 (Census ACS)
  • Average commute time of 13.9 minutes
  • Part of the Liberal, KS metro area

View full Liberal profile →

#5: Altoona, Pennsylvania

Altoona is a Pennsylvania city with a population of approximately 42,788, part of the Altoona, PA metropolitan area. The median home value is approximately $144,245. Median household income is $50,435.

WhereAtHome Score

84.4/100

Median Home (2026)

$144,245

Median Income (2022)

$50,435

Crime

Moderate

  • Population of approximately 42,788 (2023 Census estimate)
  • Median home value of $144,245 (Zillow ZHVI)
  • Median household income of $50,435 (Census ACS)
  • Average commute time of 17.5 minutes
  • Part of the Altoona, PA metro area

View full Altoona profile →

Data Sources & Methodology

Rankings use data from: U.S. Census Bureau (American Community Survey), Zillow (Home Value Index), FBI (Crime Data Explorer), Walk Score, and Niche. Coverage varies by city; optional metrics are used only when available. Home values are 2026 data; available income and commute figures reflect latest ACS estimates (2024).

Read our full methodology

Frequently Asked Questions

How is the WhereAtHome Score calculated?

The score uses six factors from publicly cited sources. When a factor is unavailable, it is excluded and the available factor weights are rescaled to total 100%.

How often is the data updated?

Home values are updated quarterly from Zillow. Census data (income, commute) is updated annually when new ACS data is released. Crime statistics are updated when FBI releases new CDE data.

Why isn't school quality in the score?

School quality is displayed for reference but not weighted into the composite score. This avoids penalizing excellent cities that may be ideal for singles, couples, or retirees without school-age children.

Can I compare specific cities?

Yes! Use our city comparison tool to see side-by-side metrics for any two cities in our database.