California Cities Lag in “Best-Run” Rankings; Huntington Beach Scores High
Several California cities are struggling with efficient governance, according to a recent WalletHub study, while Huntington Beach stands out for its high-quality city services. The study assessed the 148 most populated cities in the U.S., evaluating factors from financial stability to education and public health.
California city Rankings: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
WalletHub’s analysis, which considered six key metrics, including financial stability, education, health, and safety, revealed a wide range of performance among California’s urban centers. The “quality of city services” was persistent by averaging these categories and dividing by the city’s “total budget per capita.”
Huntington Beach emerged as a top performer,securing the 34th spot overall and claiming the top position for “quality of city services.” However, other California cities fared less favorably, with San Francisco ranking last at #148.
Did You No? The city of Provo, Utah, was named the best-run city in the U.S.,citing economic growth,low crime and unemployment rates,and clean infrastructure.
Here’s a breakdown of how California cities ranked in the study:
| City | Overall Rank |
|---|---|
| Huntington Beach | 34 |
| Fremont | 93 |
| Modesto | 102 |
| San Diego | 107 |
| Santa ana | 111 |
| Anaheim | 121 |
| Sacramento | 126 |
| San Jose | 127 |
| Bakersfield | 128 |
| riverside | 130 |
| Stockton | 138 |
| Los Angeles | 139 |
| Long Beach | 140 |
| Fresno | 141 |
| Oakland | 146 |
| San Francisco | 148 |
Key Findings: California’s Strengths and Weaknesses
The wallethub study also highlighted specific areas were California cities excelled or struggled:
- Worst city for long-term debt outstanding per capita: San Francisco (#146)
- Worst city for high school graduation rate: San Francisco (#148)
- Best cities for high school graduation rate: Huntington beach,Anaheim,and Santa Ana (all tied #4)
- Best cities for infant mortality rate: San Francisco (#1),San Jose (#3)
- Worst city with the highest violent crime rate: Oakland (#1)
- Worst city with the lowest unemployment rate: Stockton (#144)
- Best city with highest median annual household income: Fremont (#1)
- Best cities with lowest % of population in poverty: fremont (#1),Huntington Beach (#4),and San Jose (#5)
- Worst cities with the lowest quality of roads: Oakland and San Francisco (tied #126),San Jose (#128),Anaheim,Long Beach,and Los Angeles (tied #129)
- Worst cities with the most air pollution: Anaheim,Huntington Beach,Los Angeles,Long Beach,and Santa Ana (tied #143),Riverside (#148)
Pro Tip: Cities can improve their rankings by focusing on data-driven strategies to improve financial stability,educational outcomes,and public safety.
Behind Provo’s Success: A Model for Well-Run Cities
provo, Utah, earned the top spot as the best-run city due to its robust economic growth, low crime and unemployment rates, and well-maintained infrastructure. The city’s business growth of approximately 5.2% and a high school graduation rate of nearly 91% signal a strong foundation for future prosperity.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, provo’s unemployment rate in April 2024 was 2.1%, significantly lower than the national average [1].
What steps can California cities take to improve their rankings and better serve their residents? How can communities balance economic growth with environmental sustainability?
The Importance of Well-Run Cities
A well-run city is crucial for the well-being and prosperity of its residents. Efficient city services, strong financial management, and a focus on education and public safety contribute to a higher quality of life and attract businesses and talent. Cities that prioritize these areas are better positioned for long-term success.
According to a 2023 report by the Pew Research Center, Americans’ trust in local government remains higher than their trust in the federal government [2], highlighting the importance of effective local governance.
Frequently Asked Questions About City Rankings
- what factors contribute to a city’s “best-run” ranking?
- A city’s “best-run” ranking is typically determined by factors such as financial stability, quality of city services (including education, health, and safety), and overall economic prosperity.
- Why did San Francisco rank so low in the wallethub study?
- San Francisco’s low ranking was attributed to factors such as high long-term debt per capita and a low high school graduation rate, despite its strong performance in infant mortality rate.
- how can cities improve their financial stability?
- Cities can improve their financial stability by implementing sound fiscal management practices, attracting businesses and investment, and diversifying their revenue streams.
- What role does education play in a city’s success?
- Education is a critical component of a city’s success,as it contributes to a skilled workforce,higher earning potential for residents,and a stronger economy.
- How does public safety impact a city’s ranking?
- Public safety is a key factor in a city’s ranking, as high crime rates can deter investment, reduce quality of life, and negatively impact residents’ well-being.
- What is the importance of Huntington Beach’s high ranking?
- Huntington Beach’s high ranking, particularly its top position for “quality of city services,” indicates that the city is effectively managing its resources and providing essential services to its residents.
- How can residents contribute to improving their city’s ranking?
- Residents can contribute by actively participating in local government,supporting community initiatives,and holding their elected officials accountable for effective governance.
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