The number crunchers at WalletHub are back with another data report – this time, it is their ranking of 2026’s Best State Capitals to Live In.
For this report, WalletHub compared the 50 state capitals using 48 key metrics, including cost or living and quality of life, the K–12 school-system, and the number of attractions. The top ranked city was the Texas capital of Austin, which was cited for having the highest median household income after adjusting for the cost of living ($93,902) and the second highest rates for opening new businesses. It was also praised for having the second-highest percentage of high schoolers who graduate within four years, the fourth-highest percentage of residents ages 25 and older with at least a bachelor’s degree, and the second-highest life expectancy for residents.
Rounding out the top five on this list was North Carolina’s capital of Raleigh, Georgia’s capital of Atlanta, Wisconsin’s capital of Wisconsin, and Idaho’s capital of Boise. Ranked last on the list was the Mississippi capital of Jackson.
“A state’s capital city is more than just the seat of its government – it’s also often the center of its economic activity,” said Chip Lupo, WalletHub analyst. “Some state capitals boast incredible job markets, high average salaries, world-class universities, and an abundance of attractions. Unfortunately, others have populations that are struggling financially, failing public education systems and poor public health systems. States should aim to make their capital city a shining example of the best they have to offer.”
