Lexington topped a national ranking of the best small cities in America, earning the No. 1 spot among 1,318 communities in WalletHub's 2026 study published Tuesday, Sept. 29.
The personal-finance site compared cities with populations between 25,000 and 100,000 using 45 measures across five equally weighted categories: affordability, economic health, education and health, quality of life and safety. Data were collected as of Sept. 1 from government agencies and private data providers.
Lexington scored especially well in safety. The town posted the fourth-lowest property crime rate and the 21st-lowest violent crime rate in the entire pool. It also ranked 12th for fewest motor vehicle crash deaths per capita and 17th for fewest alcohol-impaired driving fatalities per capita.
Lexington also scored high on household finances. The town's median annual household income tops $238,000, and residents carry the ninth-highest median credit score among the cities studied, at 783.
On the health side, Lexington placed among the top five nationally for the share of residents with health insurance, 13th-lowest for adults in poor or fair health and 24th for fitness centers per capita.
WalletHub noted that Lexington benefits from Massachusetts, which the study identified as the state with the best school systems in the country. The town broke ground Sept. 15 on a new $660 million high school building, the largest capital project in its history, with a target opening for the 2029–2030 school year.
"The best small cities offer strong job markets, high-quality education, good health care, safe living conditions and plenty of local flair to help you achieve a high quality of life," WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo said in a statement reported by LiveNow from Fox.
Massachusetts placed five other communities in the top 30: Milton at No. 7, Arlington at No. 8, Needham at No. 21, Melrose at No. 27 and Belmont at No. 28. Rounding out the national top five behind Lexington were Brookfield, Wisconsin; Carmel, Indiana; Apex, North Carolina; and Saratoga Springs, New York.
Upcoming in Lexington and Concord
- Lexington's new high school construction continues through the 2028–2029 school year, with the building set to open for the 2029–2030 term.
- The Lexington Select Board is considering a proposed 2.8% water and sewer rate increase; details are available through the town's public meeting schedule.
