- - What are best state capitals to live in the U.S.? Where Atlanta ranks

Irene Wright, USA TODAYFebruary 16, 2026 at 10:00 PM

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Across the nation, 50 cities represent their states as the seats of government.

State capitals may not be the biggest cities, but they are still home to millions of residents and represent more than just an answer on a grade school geography test.

So, where are the best capital cities to live in across the U.S.? A new WalletHub report names top — and bottom — cities.

"A state's capital city is more than just the seat of its government — it's also often the center of its economic activity. Some state capitals boast incredible job markets, high average salaries, world-class universities, and an abundance of attractions," WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo said in the report. "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."

Best capital cities to live in the U.S.

Analysts at WalletHub used 48 different metrics to determine which capital cities were the best places to live, ranging from affordability to education, health care, crime rates and overall quality of life.

Here are the top five:

Austin, Texas

Raleigh, North Carolina

Atlanta, Georgia

Madison, Wisconsin

Boise, Idaho

Atlanta ranks high thanks to its median household income and cost of living, according to the report.

Average incomes sit at just over $85,000 annually, and the city has the third-highest median income growth of capital cities.

"It also has the eighth-lowest median debt-to-earnings ratio in the country, indicating strong financial stability among residents," the report says.

Analysts also noted Atlanta as a city for "foodies," with lots of affordable, high-rated restaurants, and that the city had lower rates of obesity and a high number of fitness centers. Atlanta also ranks first for the number of attractions and nightlife options per capita.

Five worst capital cities to live in the U.S.

Here are the cities that made the bottom of the list.

Little Rock, Arkansas

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Trenton, New Jersey

Augusta, Maine

Jackson, Mississippi

You can find the full 50-city list here.

Irene Wright is the Atlanta Connect reporter with USA Today’s Deep South Connect team. Find her on X @IreneEWright or email her at [email protected].

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: These are the best state capitals to live in the U.S. See the list

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