Minnesota Secures Eight Spots in U.S. News Best Places to Live Rankings

U.S. News & World Report's annual Best Places to Live ranking placed eight Minnesota cities among the top 250 in the nation. The list, compiled using data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the Department of Commerce, the Federal Reserve and other sources, scores communities on four weighted indexes: Value (housing affordability and cost of living), Quality of Life (education, health care, air quality, environment, economy and infrastructure), Desirability (crime, weather, culture, leisure and commute times) and Job Market (unemployment and median income). A February 2026 public survey determined the weightings for each index.

Plymouth topped the Minnesota segment, ranking 31st nationally and 19th on the best‑small‑cities breakout list, praised for its strong job market, top‑rated schools and abundant parks and lakes. The other seven cities also performed strongly, highlighting Minnesota's overall appeal for residents seeking affordable, safe, and well‑served communities.