MANCHESTER, NH– Look out, Provo, Utah, and Nampa, Idaho – Manchester is coming for you.
Although there’s nothing wrong with being No. 3, the City of Manchester would like to move on up to the top slot in 2027.
But for now, we’re holding steady at No. 3 overall, after once again been recognized as one of the “best-run cities in the United States.” The city’s overall ranking was announced Tuesday as part of WalletHub’s annual Best-Run Cities in America report. Manchester also occupied the No. 3 spot in 2025.
The ranking evaluates how effectively local governments deliver services and produce results for residents across a broad range of categories, including financial stability, education, health, safety, economy, and infrastructure.
Highlights:
- 6th-lowest air pollution.
- 13th-highest forecasted 1-year change in the median home value,
- 19th-lowest property crime rate and
- 25th-lowest violent crime rate in the country
- 12th-smallest traffic congestion
- 15th-lowest unemployment rate in the country
Manchester ranked third among more than 140 cities nationwide, continuing a trend of national recognition for the City’s performance and quality of life.
Source:
WalletHub
“Being named one of the best-run cities in America is a reflection of the hard work and dedication of many, including our City employees, community partners, and residents who make Manchester such a special place to live, work, and raise a family,” said Mayor Jay Ruais. “This recognition comes at a time when Manchester is making real progress on some of our community’s biggest challenges. Crime has continued to fall, we’re expanding housing opportunities, addressing homelessness through a comprehensive response, while making our City run more effectively and efficiently, delivering results for our taxpayers among other key initiatives. While more hard work remains, this ranking is a testament to the progress our City is making and the bright future ahead for Manchester.”
WalletHub’s annual rankings compare cities across a variety of performance measures to identify communities that effectively deliver services and achieve strong outcomes for residents.
The full WalletHub Best-Run Cities in America report is available at: Best- & Worst-Run Cities in America in 2026