St. George Ranked #1 Small City in America by Milken Institute

January 27, 2026 — St. George has achieved a remarkable distinction: the Milken Institute has ranked our city as the #1 Best-Performing Small Metropolitan Area in the United States in its 2026 annual ranking.

The recognition caps nearly a decade of consistent excellence, with St. George placing in the top five every year since 2016. This year's top ranking reflects the community's exceptional economic vitality and quality of life that residents and business owners experience daily.

What the Numbers Show

The Milken Institute's analysis revealed St. George's extraordinary high-tech sector growth, with a 106.3% increase in high-tech GDP over five years—the fastest expansion among all small metro areas evaluated. This growth reflects the region's success in attracting technology companies and fostering innovation alongside its traditional economic strengths.

The education and health services sector remains a cornerstone of the local economy, accounting for 17.1% of total employment. Combined with the leisure and hospitality industry—bolstered by proximity to Zion National Park and world-class outdoor recreation—these sectors have driven sustained year-over-year job growth.

How Cities Are Evaluated

The Milken Institute's Best-Performing Cities index is widely regarded as one of the nation's most comprehensive economic assessments. The methodology examines three primary factors:

• Labor Market Conditions — Job growth, wage growth, and employment trends
• High-Tech Impact — Technology output, concentration, and innovation metrics
• Access to Economic Opportunities — Housing affordability, economic inclusivity, and community resilience

Data sources include the U.S. Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistics, and Bureau of Economic Analysis.

Mayor Hughes Responds

Mayor Jimmie Hughes celebrated the achievement, stating: "Being ranked number one 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."

A Decade of Excellence

St. George's top-five streak since 2016 demonstrates that this ranking isn't a one-time achievement but the result of sustained community investment, strategic economic development, and the collective efforts of local businesses, government, and residents.

The region's appeal continues to draw new residents and businesses seeking the combination of economic opportunity, natural beauty, and quality of life that defines St. George and the broader Washington County community.

What This Means for Local Businesses

For the 200+ businesses listed in our directory, this recognition reinforces what they already know: St. George is a place where businesses can thrive. The combination of a growing population, strong consumer spending, and supportive business environment creates opportunities across every sector.

Whether you're in healthcare, home services, dining, or entertainment, being part of America's #1 small city is something to celebrate.

The full Milken Institute 2026 Best-Performing Cities report is available at milkeninstitute.org.

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