Nine Wisconsin cities have earned spots on U.S. News & World Report’s 2025-2026 list of the Best Places to Live in the United States, with Eau Claire and Appleton breaking into the national top 60.
The annual rankings analyzed 859 cities across the country using factors like quality of life, job market strength, value of living, net migration, and resident satisfaction.
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“This expansion gives consumers a more detailed view into what it’s like to live somewhere at the community level,” said Erika Giovanetti, consumer lending analyst at U.S. News, in a May 20 statement.
Wisconsin Cities in the Top 250 Nationally:
- #49 – Eau Claire
- #53 – Appleton
- #87 – Waukesha
- #114 – Oshkosh
- #125 – Wausau
- #170 – Green Bay
- #185 – Sheboygan
- #186 – Janesville
- #214 – Kenosha
These rankings showcase Wisconsin’s diverse cities that offer a balance of economic opportunity, livability, and affordability — key metrics as more Americans weigh relocating in the current economic climate.
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U.S. News’ 14 Best Places to Live in Wisconsin:
In addition to the nine nationally ranked cities, U.S. News listed these as the top 14 places to live within the state:
- Eau Claire
- Appleton
- Waukesha
- Oshkosh
- Wausau
- Green Bay
- Sheboygan
- Janesville
- Kenosha
- La Crosse
- Madison
- Fond du Lac
- Racine
- Milwaukee
The full methodology used to determine the rankings is available on U.S. News & World Report’s website.
