WalletHub Ranked Texas Small Cities in 2026 Study
Owners should monitor these livability metrics to assess local labor recruitment and employee retention conditions.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Remote Work
Live Poll
Do you prioritize local livability rankings when deciding where to live in your area?
WalletHub released its 2026 small-city livability study, which ranked 1,318 cities nationwide with populations between 25,000 and 100,000. The analysis uses 45 distinct measures to determine city performance, offering a snapshot of municipal competitiveness for business operators.
Why it matters
Understanding city livability scores helps business owners evaluate local talent attraction and the quality-of-life factors that influence long-term employee retention. These rankings reflect how effectively specific municipalities manage public resources and economic conditions.
The study analyzed 1,318 cities, with Texas cities like Cedar Park and Allen reaching the 96th percentile and Leander the 93rd. New Braunfels placed in the 78th percentile, while Canyon Lake and Cibolo secured the 62nd and 61st percentiles, respectively.
The players
WalletHub
A financial services company that produces data-driven studies on economic and lifestyle performance metrics.
The details
The rankings are derived from 45 measures across five categories, with data aggregated from the U.S. Census Bureau, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and the FBI. Operators can use these benchmarks to compare local infrastructure, crime rates, and employment stability against national peers. While Lexington, Massachusetts, took the top spot, no Texas city reached the study's 99th percentile threshold.
Timeline
September 1, 2026 marked the conclusion of the data collection process.
September 29, 2026 was the date the final rankings were published.
Market Landscape
This report follows a long-standing pattern set by the annual WalletHub small-city livability study series. It provides a standardized framework for evaluating regional competitiveness, extending the organization's tradition of ranking municipal performance across the country.
Owners should review how their home city's percentile ranking impacts the ability to recruit out-of-area talent that values municipal infrastructure. Use these benchmarks to assess whether local quality-of-life scores align with your long-term staffing and retention goals.
The takeaway
Livability rankings serve as a secondary signal for municipal economic health, which can directly affect your local operating costs and labor pool depth. Cross-reference your city's performance metrics with local hiring data to identify if regional reputation is hindering your ability to attract skilled labor.
Further reading
For broader trends in talent mobility, view our Remote Work section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Dallas Morning News.
Live Poll
Do you prioritize local livability rankings when deciding where to live in your area?
