Mesa ranked as best-run city in Arizona, 11th best in the US

Article originally posted on KTAR News on June 25, 2025

PHOENIX — The East Valley city of Mesa recently ranked as the No. 11 best-run city in the country.

A study from WalletHub looked into 148 largest U.S. cities and focused on how well city leaders managed and spent public funds.

The quality of services city residents received in comparison to a city’s budget was also a factor in the study.

Details on Mesa and other best-run city rankings

Other categories that were looked at were rankings in financial stability, education, health, safety, economy and infrastructure and pollution.

Mesa was Arizona’s top entry on the list. The East Valley city was ranked No.10 in total budget per capita.

Phoenix was the next city on the list coming in at No. 39 and Tucson came in at No. 57

Provo, Utah, came in as the top best-run city in the country. Nampa, Idaho; Manchester, New Hampshire; Boise, Idaho and Nashua, New Hampshire rounded out the top five best-run cities.

The two worst cities were Detroit, Michigan and San Francisco, California.

Gilbert was recently ranked No.8 best place to raise a family.