LOOK: St. George is Leading the Nation According to New Economic Report

St. George has been flirting with being the best performing small city in the nation since 2016 and this year the area came out on top. This is awesome news if you live in Southern Utah. 

St. George is the Best Performing Small City According to 2026 Report 

The Milken Institute releases their best preforming cities report every year and St. George has been in the top five for the last several years. The recently released report put the Southern Utah city at the top. 

They use 13 metrics to determine the rankings that include high-tech industries in the area, the labor market, and how much access there is to economic opportunities. These are compared to trends nationwide. 

The Outlook is Good for Southern Utah 

The job market is cooking in St. George with long-term and short-term job growth posting high marks the last few years. The high-tech opportunities have been lower than other areas, but it is an area that is growing quickly. 

Other small cities on the list include Idaho Falls at number 2 followed by Kenosha, Wisconsin, Bend, Oregon and Pocatello, Idaho. The best performing large city was Huntsville, Alabama with Provo-Orem-Lehi in 4th place. 

Read More: Rural Utah Towns Seeing Tech Driven Economic Boost

This speaks to the people that make up Utah and the leadership in place.  St. George, Jimmie Hughes had this to say. 

Being ranked the #1 Small City in America confirms what we have long known in St. George. With more than 300 days of sunshine, a strong pro-business environment and access to world-class outdoor amenities, our community offers an unmatched quality of life and opportunity. Built on a pioneer spirit that values hard work and innovation, St. George is proud to be recognized by respected institutions like the Milken Institute as a place where businesses and people can thrive.

The outlook is bright for Southern Utah in 2026.