Milken’s 2026 Best Performing Cities

The Best-Performing-Cities (BPC) index provides an objective, quantitative evaluation of the performance of 411 metropolitan areas, which policymakers, businesses, and researchers can use to develop long-term economic strategies that deliver persistent and equitable growth.

The BPC index is composed of 13 metrics related to short- and long-term trends in the labor market, performance of high-tech industries, and shared access to economic opportunities.

Among large metros, the Carolinas remain one of the nation’s hottest regions. North Carolina boasts three of the top 15 best-performing cities. and all five of South Carolinas large metros rank in the top quartile.

Source: Milken Institute