Thanks in part to the COVID-19 pandemic, more and more people have been leaving big cities and heading to more suburban areas. Smaller cities are more affordable, typically offer shorter commutes, and make social distancing a little easier. Because of this, the website WalletHub put together a list of the best small cities in America.

According to the article, "WalletHub compared more than 1,200 U.S. cities with populations between 25,000 and 100,000 based on 43 key indicators of livability." Some of those factors include crime rates, median household incomes, high school graduation rates, job growth, poverty rates, and the average number of COVID cases.

Not surprisingly, plenty of cities here in Iowa were ranked pretty high! The best small city in the state is actually Bettendorf, which was ranked in the 90th percentile overall and 66th in affordability. Ankeny wasn't far behind, also making the 90th percentile and ranking 53rd for affordability. Here are some of the rankings for other cities in Iowa:

  • Urbandale - 86th percentile, 19th for affordability
  • Marion - 86th percentile, 61st for affordability
  • West Des Moines - 81st percentile
  • Dubuque - 81st percentile
  • Iowa City - 79th percentile
  • Ames - 76th percentile
  • Cedar Falls - 72nd percentile

I was also excited to see that my hometown of St. Clair Shores, Michigan made the list! We were in the 73rd percentile. I loved growing up right on Lake St. Clair, and I still enjoy going back to visit whenever I can. It was really nice to see the city recognized! You can check out the full list of the best small cities in America on the website HERE.

Source: WalletHub

Xtream Arena and GreenState Family Fieldhouse

More From 104-5 KDAT