Posted by: Richie Bernardo

State capitals aren’t just for lawmaking. Often, they’re thriving cities with a lot of economic and cultural value. In fact, they can be some of the best places to live in America. But not all state capitals are created equal. And though 17 of them are the largest cities in their states, the biggest population doesn’t always represent the best quality of life. Some have rampant poverty problems. For example, over 30% of the population of Harford, CT lives in poverty, compared to 12.7% of the entire United States.

In order to determine which state capitals make the best homes, WalletHub compared all 50 across 51 key indicators of affordability, economic strength, quality of education and health, and overall living standards. Our data set ranges from cost of living to K–12 school-system quality to number of attractions. Read on for our findings, expert insight from a panel of researchers and a full description of our methodology.

1. Main Findings
2. Ask the Experts
3. Methodology

Main Findings

 

Best State Capitals

Overall Rank (1=Best)	City	State Capital Index	‘Affordability’ Rank	‘Economic Well-Being’ Rank	‘Quality of Education & Health’ Rank	‘Quality of Life’ Rank
1	Austin, TX	67.73	7	3	2	4
2	Madison, WI	64.67	26	6	1	5
3	Boise, ID	63.15	8	11	8	9
4	Lincoln, NE	63.03	9	8	4	18
5	Bismarck, ND	61.63	3	1	21	36
6	Raleigh, NC	60.89	4	10	16	23
7	Denver, CO	60.53	41	7	12	3
8	Salt Lake City, UT	60.47	16	12	11	11
9	Juneau and, AK	58.27	15	2	17	37
10	Concord, NH	58.25	6	13	22	31
11	Columbus, OH	58.19	12	30	23	10
12	Helena, MT	58.06	19	9	10	33
13	Olympia, WA	57.10	25	22	7	21
14	Oklahoma City, OK	56.48	2	14	36	24
15	St. Paul, MN	55.83	34	24	9	20
16	Cheyenne, WY	55.82	1	4	39	43
17	Montpelier, VT	55.76	30	20	3	28
18	Pierre, SD	55.39	13	17	19	34
19	Des Moines, IA	55.33	11	36	20	29
20	Phoenix, AZ	55.16	22	25	25	15
21	Atlanta, GA	55.11	29	42	15	7
22	Nashville, TN	54.56	20	15	33	16
23	Annapolis, MD	53.34	31	32	18	22
24	Jefferson City, MO	53.31	10	16	38	41
25	Salem, OR	53.28	38	18	13	27
26	Santa Fe, NM	53.27	31	21	30	17
27	Sacramento, CA	53.00	43	26	26	8
28	Honolulu, HI	53.00	50	5	5	1
29	Springfield, IL	52.90	5	23	37	40
30	Boston, MA	51.33	49	29	6	2
31	Albany, NY	51.21	45	39	14	12
32	Columbia, SC	49.97	33	43	27	19
33	Tallahassee, FL	49.95	37	40	24	26
34	Topeka, KS	49.61	17	28	34	46
35	Lansing, MI	49.41	21	34	32	39
36	Richmond, VA	48.07	42	41	44	6
37	Augusta, ME	47.91	40	27	28	42
38	Indianapolis, IN	45.66	27	46	42	30
39	Frankfort, KY	44.75	14	37	48	45
40	Harrisburg, PA	44.68	39	48	40	14
41	Dover, DE	44.49	28	38	43	48
42	Little Rock, AR	44.28	23	33	45	47
43	Charleston, WV	43.94	18	31	46	50
44	Baton Rouge, LA	43.15	36	35	49	32
45	Carson City, NV	43.08	46	19	41	49
46	Providence, RI	42.17	47	47	29	13
47	Montgomery, AL	40.52	24	44	50	38
48	Jackson, MS	40.43	35	45	47	44
49	Hartford, CT	38.72	48	49	31	25
50	Trenton, NJ	38.70	44	50	35	35

Ask the Experts

Living in a state capital offers many perks, but there are tradeoffs as well. For more insight, we asked a panel of experts to weigh in with their thoughts on the following key questions:

1. What are the benefits and drawbacks to living in a state’s capital city?
2. In evaluating the best state capitals to live in, what are the top five indicators?
3. How does exempting government buildings from local property taxes affect the fiscal well-being of capital cities?
4. Are residents of capital cities more likely to be politically engaged, all else equal?

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• Janet A. Weiss Mary C. Bromage Collegiate Professor of Organizational Behavior, Public Policy and Business Administration at the University of Michigan
• Laura Merrifield Wilson Assistant Professor of Political Science at the University of Indianapolis
• James Headley Professor in the Department of Political Science and International Affairs at Eastern Washington University
• Ted H. Brown Assistant Professor of Political Science in the Department of Social Sciences at Southwestern Oklahoma State University
• Jennifer Bachner Director of the Master of Science in Government Analytics Program at Johns Hopkins University
• Christine Pappas Professor of Political Science and Chair of the Political Science and Legal Studies Department at East Central University
• Michael Storper Distinguished Professor of Regional and International Development in the Luskin School of Public Affairs at the University of California, Los Angeles
• Earlene Camarillo Assistant Professor of Political Science in the Department of Politics, Policy and Administration at Western Oregon University
• Tessa Conroy Assistant Professor in the Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics at the University of Wisconsin-Madison
• Phillip Granberry Lecturer in Economics in the College of Liberal Arts at the University of Massachusetts Boston
• Steven E. Collins Associate Professor of Political Science at Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City
• Jim Moore Assistant Professor and Director of the Tom McCall Center for Policy Innovation at Pacific University
• Daniel Fiorino Distinguished Executive in Residence in the Department of Public Administration and Policy at American University
• Bob Brooks Assistant Professor and Director of the Public Administration Program in the Business & Technology Division at Colorado Christian University
• Meghna Sabharwal Associate Professor and PhD Director in the Public and Nonprofit Management Program at The University of Texas at Dallas

Janet A. Weiss Mary C. Bromage Collegiate Professor of Organizational Behavior, Public Policy and Business Administration at the University of Michigan

What are the benefits and drawbacks to living in a state’s capital city?

State capitals are the home base for the legislature, courts, and headquarters for state agencies. As a result, state governments employ many professional workers in the capital -- leading to a relatively educated population and a stable employment market. State capitals also attract many state-wide organizations that advocate for issues and policies. These also increase employment opportunities for professionals.

In evaluating the best state capitals to live in, what are the top five indicators?

The same as any other community: health care, education, housing affordability, transportation options, economic opportunity, cultural diversity.

How does exempting government buildings from local property taxes affect the fiscal well-being of capital cities?

Property tax exemptions for government buildings reduce the property tax revenue raised by local governments. These reductions can be balanced by other sources of revenue (such as sales or income taxes). The reductions are also offset by state workers who live in the capital and pay property taxes, and by economic development that is attracted to be close to the state government, such as advocacy organizations, consultants, or contractors.

Are residents of capital cities more likely to be politically engaged, all else equal?

State capitals may have more active media organizations, to cover news about the official actions of state government. So, perhaps residents of state capitals are better informed about politics in the state than average citizens elsewhere in the state.

Laura Merrifield Wilson Assistant Professor of Political Science at the University of Indianapolis

What are the benefits and drawbacks to living in a state’s capital city?

The benefits of living in the capital city are clearly location-based. This is where state politics really happen and during the legislative session, all of the activity, focus, and attention is here on us in the capital. It is good economically, but can also be beneficial from a reputation perspective, where people association the inner workings of state government immediately with the city itself. Unfortunately, the exact same could be said for the drawbacks.

In Indiana specifically -- because Indianapolis is by far the largest city and also the capital in an otherwise generally rural state -- it creates animosity between those in the city and those outside, in the rest of the state. Many state legislators campaign against the capital, claiming that the city takes more than its fair share from the state government, while those within the city feel that the economic prosperity and growth that is a direct result of our capital's efforts are unfairly deviated out to the rest of the state.

In evaluating the best state capitals to live in, what are the top five indicators?

Some state capitals are booming, others suffer from a lag in growth. The best indicators include unemployment numbers, crime statistics, household income levels, public school rankings, and population growth. Each of these indicates whether the area is thriving and growing, or if it is lagging behind the rest of the state.

How does exempting government buildings from local property taxes affect the fiscal well-being of capital cities?

The property tax exemption for government buildings affects the financial outlook of the cities based on the value and number of properties exempted and, of course, the percent of property tax levied in the first place. A capital city with many expensive and expansive buildings, which aren't contributing to the lump sum of property tax -- especially in a government system reliant more on property taxes than sales tax -- would undoubtedly experience greater financial hurdles than a capital with fewer buildings, valued at less, and with less reliance on such a tax.

Are residents of capital cities more likely to be politically engaged, all else equal?

Living in the capital city where state politics is in full force, helps serve as an impetus for residents to follow and get more involved in the state issues being discussed, debated, and ultimately, decided in their backyard. Though they legally have no more rights than anyone else in the state, because the capitals receive more attention politically and serve as the political epicenter for state government, it makes it easier for citizens to be engaged.

James Headley Professor in the Department of Political Science and International Affairs at Eastern Washington University

In evaluating the best state capitals to live in, what are the top five indicators?

Your question about capital cities makes me think of the old adage regarding real estate -- “location, location, location.” It is all about location -- location and proximity. State capitals are often large and vibrant cities, or located fairly close to large, vibrant cities. Benefits of living in a capital city would include access to governmental agencies and services.

The five top factors in evaluating best state capitals to live include:

• Universities in the city;
• Cost of living;
• Proximity to outdoor activities;
• Tech industry presence;
• Economic vitality of the city.

Ted H. Brown Assistant Professor of Political Science in the Department of Social Sciences at Southwestern Oklahoma State University

In evaluating the best state capitals to live in, what are the top five indicators?

State capitals in the Western United States often benefit from having ample access to land, and in many cases, a conscious effort at city planning. However, once we look past some of the traditional indicators such as infrastructure, clean water and air, and the availability of affordable housing, the most important indicators for the best state capitals are:

• The age and level of education of the population, as these demographics will suggest the likelihood that the local governing body will be able to enact change.
• The access to high speed/broadband Internet, as this allows for a variety of information, entertainment options, and the potential for growth in technology-oriented economies.
• The access to quality services provided by local and state government. This is an area where some Western states excel, whereas others intentionally fail to provide access, such as good public transportation, etc.
• Determining whether wages in an area match up regionally, as well as nationally. A person may benefit greatly from a capital city with a low cost of living, but if travel is a priority, the trade-offs may make it less appealing.
• How does a particular capital match up with personal preferences? Some capital cities will offer different amenities than others, such as access to outdoor activities, food, theatre, music, etc. With these different offerings and personal preferences, individuals should find a city that most closely mirrors their lifestyle priorities.

How does exempting government buildings from local property taxes affect the fiscal well-being of capital cities?

The traditional narrative of a city focuses upon finding the right combination of property, sales, and income taxes. By exempting government buildings from local property taxes, the onus of meeting local taxes shifts disproportionately to homeowners and businesses. These groups are taxed at higher rates because the property being occupied by state government does not generate revenue.

Additionally, the dispersion of the tax burden on homeowners and local businesses forces the consumer to make up the difference, and this can relate to higher costs and additional fees for local citizens and visitors (such as higher taxes or an additional sin tax that targets patrons at tourist destinations).

Are residents of capital cities more likely to be politically engaged, all else equal?

Residents in capital cities are in a unique position to be exposed to lawmakers and the foundations of democracy on an almost daily basis. These lawmakers, when in session, will patronize local businesses and interact with citizens. These informal encounters can influence legislators far more than the letter written by a citizen in a home district. Also, residents of capital cities are more likely to be exposed to demonstrations aimed at the lawmaking institutions. While this may create information overload and an aversion for the democratic process, there is also a strong likelihood that one of these demonstrations could resonate with a member of the local population. In effect, the number of demonstrations can completely disillusion voters or it could help create a “woke” populace.

Jennifer Bachner Director of the Master of Science in Government Analytics Program at Johns Hopkins University

What are the benefits and drawbacks to living in a state’s capital city?

There is a tremendous amount of policymaking that affects the day-to-day life of Americans, that takes place at the state level, particularly in the areas of education, transportation, health and criminal justice. If you’re interested in these issues, a state capital may be a great place to live. State government officials implement and evaluate programs in these and numerous other policy areas. And interested citizens who care about these issues can advocate for their positions.

Further, state capitals often have rich political, cultural and even ecological histories. Residents of Annapolis, Maryland can enjoy sailing on or fishing in the beautiful Chesapeake Bay, while those who live in Santa Fe, New Mexico (the oldest state capital) are surrounded by distinct architecture and numerous art galleries that highlight the multicultural character of the city.

In some cases, however, a state capital might be a much smaller city than a particular individual would like. Big city enthusiasts are likely to prefer Los Angeles or San Francisco over Sacramento, California and New York City over Albany, New York. While often charming, many state capitals do not provide the same atmosphere (or job market) as a large metropolitan area.

In evaluating the best state capitals to live in, what are the top five indicators?

Everyone has different needs and interests when deciding where to live, but several indicators are widely applicable. First, a healthy job market is likely to be critical when evaluating whether a particular state capital is a good place to reside. Relatedly, the affordability of the capital (i.e., cost of living) is an important factor to consider.

Cultural fit is also important. Someone who loves country music will find Nashville, Tennessee extremely desirable, whereas an avid skier would thrive in Salt Lake City, Utah. Each state capital offers a unique residential experience.

Proximity to other places of interest is also important. If one has family in New England or along the eastern seaboard, Boston, Massachusetts might be the best state capital. If one prefers a location with easy access to southern states, Raleigh, North Carolina might be the best choice.

Traffic is a fourth useful indicator. Nobody likes congestion, and some state capitals, such as Boston, Massachusetts and Atlanta, Georgia, rank among the worst cities in the nation in terms of traffic.

Finally, potential residents should consider safety when evaluating whether to live in a particular location. There are several rating scales that researchers have compiled to measure the safety of big and small cities across America.

Are residents of capital cities more likely to be politically engaged, all else equal?

Given the work of political staff, advocacy groups, lobbyists and other professionals in state capitals, you can expect to find a higher rate of engaged residents in a capital city. There are also reasons to suspect that even those not directly employed in the political arena may be more politically engaged. For example, political science teaches us that higher levels of social capital are linked to more political engagement, and many state capitals boast tight-knit communities. Further, research shows that political knowledge leads to an increase in political engagement, and residents of state capitals are more likely to possess higher levels of political knowledge as they work with, or even interact socially with other residents whose professional lives revolve around state government affairs.

Christine Pappas Professor of Political Science and Chair of the Political Science and Legal Studies Department at East Central University

What are the benefits and drawbacks to living in a state’s capital city?

Capital cities have the benefit that a large percentage of the residents of the city are government employees. These people are typically more highly educated and more civic-minded than the average citizen. Additionally, whereas their salaries are not particularly competitive with the private sector, they are steady salaries with good benefits that set the bar for other employers. Another benefit is the joy of being able to meet with one’s legislator, governor, or even statewide judges. For example, Oklahoma’s Supreme Court has occasionally hosted movie nights, so that citizens can watch legally themed films with judges and then engage in discussions.

One drawback to capital cities may be an overreliance on safe and steady government jobs. A culture of entrepreneurship may not thrive. However, with more emphasis on public/private partnership, this dynamic may be changing.

In evaluating the best state capitals to live in, what are the top five indicators?

A person evaluating a state capital to live in would probably consider the same factors as a person considering any city. For example, the city should be livable and have a low crime rate. If one really had the pick of all state capitals, one might look for a capital that either featured a bipartisan atmosphere or one that is congruent with one’s political beliefs. For example, Lincoln, Nebraska, has an officially non-partisan legislature which tends to dull partisan tensions.

How does exempting government buildings from local property taxes affect the fiscal well-being of capital cities?

Taking government buildings off of tax rolls will have different effects in different states, depending on that state’s reliance on property tax.

Are residents of capital cities more likely to be politically engaged, all else equal?

Citizens who live in state capitals have many more opportunities to become politically engaged because of the easy access to state government officials, including statewide officers, Supreme Court judges, legislators, and bureaucrats who carry out important regulatory functions. One could clearly have the ability be become very engaged with policymaking and implementation. For example, most administrative rulemaking has times for official public comment. Many legislative committees have open forums. Governors give speeches. Capitol Buildings are frequent locations of political protest. When one lives nearby, making these comments is very easy. However, as with any city, many people will not take advantage of these opportunities.

Something that people who live in large cities might not consider is that when one is in a rural area, it is very easy to know who one’s legislators are. There are no competing campaign signs or gerrymandered districts that tear neighborhoods apart. Any legislator in a capital city could probably go to Walmart without being recognized.

Michael Storper Distinguished Professor of Regional and International Development in the Luskin School of Public Affairs at the University of California, Los Angeles

Political capitals do have an economic specialization: the politics industry. That affects the local economy. The bigger the politics industry in the state, the bigger the local impact. The politics industry, considered as a sector of the economy, would encompass not only government, but consulting, lobbying and all that goes with it.

Our national capital is a very rich city because the politics industry has expanded greatly in recent decades. Not so much government, although this is an important component (and it's a high-skill, high-wage sector), but lobbying, which has expanded disproportionately to the size of government, because the spoils from lobbying have increased (and they feed off one another). Washington thus concentrates lots of people with high levels of education and high incomes.

Some state capitals might have these characteristics. In America, we had this 18th century movement to separate political capitals from economic capitals -- so New York, our economic and cultural capital, is not like London or Paris, which are economic and political and cultural capitals. This has advantages and disadvantages, or in any case, it has complex effects.

At the state level, most of our capitals are provincial cities that involve lots of flying in and out. The idea in the 18th century was that they would be isolated from the corruption of big economic and cultural capitals, thus able to carry out their governance functions in a clean way. This is obviously not what has happened. In many ways, our capital cities are now so concentrated on politics, without much local balance from other kinds of communities, that the professional politics people dominate them more than ever. So, in many ways, the geography that was intended by the founders has been ineffective or has even backfired in many ways.

I'm not sure average residents are more likely to be politically engaged, but average residents are more likely to be professionally linked to politics or government in capital cities. So they are interested parties.

Earlene Camarillo Assistant Professor of Political Science in the Department of Politics, Policy and Administration at Western Oregon University

What are the benefits and drawbacks to living in a state’s capital city?

As a professor of political science/administration, one great benefit is the availability of internships for my students and the potential to work in government while learning about it.

How does exempting government buildings from local property taxes affect the fiscal well-being of capital cities?

I haven't noticed this being a problem. Either way, it is funded by taxpayer dollars. Not sure if it has any major impact on the city.

Are residents of capital cities more likely to be politically engaged, all else equal?

Perhaps just because of the proximity to the capitol, and the likelihood that more news stories will center around things that happen there. It is also more likely to see protests and other forms of activity. Personally, though, I haven't noticed that anyone is any more or less engaged than anywhere else I've lived.

Tessa Conroy Assistant Professor in the Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics at the University of Wisconsin-Madison

What are the benefits and drawbacks to living in a state’s capital city?

State capitals vary quite a bit, as do the benefits and drawbacks. One benefit can be the relatively stabilizing effect that government employment can have on the economy. Although even that will vary if, say, the legislature is not full-time, or if state agencies are not located in the capital. Some capitals are quite urban and offer benefits that are characteristics of large cities, but may have little to do with being the capital -- arts, museums, restaurants, personal services, and outdoor recreation, as examples. Other capitals are relatively isolated. Capitals may be subject to added congestion due to political activities, which some may find inconvenient. The benefits and drawbacks are largely in the eye of the residents and the kind of attributes they value in a community.

In evaluating the best state capitals to live in, what are the top five indicators?

Likely, the “best" state capitals have the same features that a lot of attractive regions have. Often, it comes down to quality of life -- things like having relatively abundant urban and natural amenities, and a talented, vibrant population are important drivers. Often, these factors are coupled with having a university presence. I think Boise, Austin, and Salt Lake City are good examples.

How does exempting government buildings from local property taxes affect the fiscal well-being of capital cities?

This might be hard to determine to the extent that these entities are making payments in lieu of taxes (PILT or PILOT), which can offset foregone local property taxes.

Are residents of capital cities more likely to be politically engaged, all else equal?

Perhaps, if for no other reason than a relatively large share of the population may be working for a government entity, and media are more likely to cover political activity.

Phillip Granberry Lecturer in Economics in the College of Liberal Arts at the University of Massachusetts Boston

What are the benefits and drawbacks to living in a state’s capital city?

Because no consistent mechanism existed for states to choose the location of their capitals, much variation exists in the economic and social characteristics of state capitals. This variation makes identifying advantages and drawbacks of living in capital cities difficult to quantify. In some states, the capital is more centrally located, like Little Rock, Arkansas, while others have a longer historical context before the state boundary was known, like Boston, Massachusetts. This variation in how the capitals’ location was decided is highlighted in their population variation, as Phoenix, Arizona has had a population of 1.6 million in 2016, while Montpelier, Vermont has a population of under 10,000.

Overall, there tends to be a bias towards smaller state capitals, as 12 have a population under 50,000, and only 11 state capitals are among the 50 largest cities in the United States. These patterns for population distribution seem to be well-established. Therefore, an economic disadvantage of living in capital cities is their relatively small population. However, some people would prefer to live in a smaller city. These tastes and preferences would be difficult to quantify to identify advantages and drawbacks of living in a state capital.

In evaluating the best state capitals to live in, what are the top five indicators?

To provide some mechanism to evaluate the potential for economic growth in capital cities, I created a scale that ranked state capitals for their economic attractiveness. The most important characteristics were household income, percentage of the population with a Bachelor’s degree or higher, percentage of the population foreign born, total population, and college enrollment. The top capital cities in my potential for economic growth were Denver, Colorado; Boston, Massachusetts; Honolulu, Hawaii; Raleigh, North Carolina; and Lincoln, Nebraska.

How does exempting government buildings from local property taxes affect the fiscal well-being of capital cities?

Exempting government buildings from local property tax should not adversely impact the fiscal well-being of state capital cities. The amount of tax exempt land is relatively small, even for the smallest state capitals. In addition, government employees are a selective population. They have higher levels of educational attainment and technical skills that are needed to keep government functioning efficiently. This makes their income relatively high, compared to other employees. Their higher income would benefit the local economy, as it redistributes tax revenue from remainder of the state to the capital city. The advantages of this redistribution of income should counter any loss of property tax revenue.

Steven E. Collins Associate Professor of Political Science at Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City

What are the benefits and drawbacks to living in a state’s capital city?

The city of Oklahoma City has grown quite a bit over the years. It is still a big oil and gas city, but recently, there have been a ton of cultural events available for residents. Those are quite the benefits. Drawbacks -- traffic, traffic, traffic.

In evaluating the best state capitals to live in, what are the top five indicators?

• Public transportation;
• Cultural events;
• Diversity;
• Infrastructure;
• Distance to other major cities.

How does exempting government buildings from local property taxes affect the fiscal well-being of capital cities?

It can be a bit irresponsible, since exemption means less money in the overall pot. However, Oklahoma has far greater budgetary concerns than this.

Are residents of capital cities more likely to be politically engaged, all else equal?

Actually, I find that people in rural Oklahoma are more engaged than those in the capital city.

Jim Moore Assistant Professor and Director of the Tom McCall Center for Policy Innovation at Pacific University

What are the benefits and drawbacks to living in a state’s capital city?

For political junkies and those with business with the state government -- actual business (like selling products to the state), lobbying, keeping tabs on state government -- the capital city is the place to be. It is only with the personal connections to government workers and elected officials that the relationships and evidence to make policy can truly be assembled. For non-politicos, when the legislature is in town, there is more activity in the food and lodging businesses. The drawbacks are also big. If state government is somehow being blamed for something, the protesters will arrive and snarl traffic for a bit. For the capital city itself, government austerity measures can mean higher unemployment levels when state employee numbers dwindle, as well as a dip in the usual expenditures of a legislative session.

In evaluating the best state capitals to live in, what are the top five indicators?

• Simple access to state officials.
• Connections to the rest of the world. The Internet connections had better be pretty robust.
• The distance between the political capital and the economic capital(s). In many states, capitals are cities that made political sense many decades ago, but the economic center is somewhere else. If that distance is over about an hour -- the time to get to a meeting in one place or the other -- that can make it more difficult to play roles in both worlds. Airports, high-speed trains, and non-clogged freeways are crucial to bridging this gap.
• Does the capital have a culture of its own? Strong state capitals have other industries besides the politics.
• Availability of temporary housing for those who take part in the legislative cycles.

How does exempting government buildings from local property taxes affect the fiscal well-being of capital cities?

If the capital city does not have other well-developed industries and reasons for people to live there, this is a huge issue, especially in states without other major local taxes (e.g., the several states without sales taxes). State government is almost ethically required to provide payments in lieu of taxes, so the local school districts and other local governments can provide the services that make the capital city enticing to state workers. Otherwise, state workers will live elsewhere (if there are nearby options) and commute. And this just puts more stress on roads that are underfunded. A particular problem can be a concentration of state incarceration facilities in and around capital cities. If the local government is underfunded, who is supposed to deal with finding escapees and the like? The solution: capital cities must have diversified economies to thrive.

Are residents of capital cities more likely to be politically engaged, all else equal?

No. In the capital cities that I have studied, there are no major differences in voter turnout, participation in political organizations, or general knowledge about politics. However, anecdotal evidence suggests that capital city voters are a bit friendlier to tax proposals. After all, that is the source of the income of all those state workers.

Daniel Fiorino Distinguished Executive in Residence in the Department of Public Administration and Policy at American University

What are the benefits and drawbacks to living in a state’s capital city?

State capitals vary a great deal, from Boston to Bangor to Columbus. The benefits would be a larger array of professional opportunities, and the chance to meet and interact with a broader range of people than otherwise might be the case. The drawbacks are that if you don't like politics, you might be unhappy, because that is a big business in a state capital.

In evaluating the best state capitals to live in, what are the top five indicators?

I would look at indicators on the quality of life in a city. Among these are the quality and availability of recreational opportunities, the local air quality, the concern with being a "sustainable" city (managed growth, transportation options, livable and walkable neighborhoods), indicators of citizen participation, and economic and racial equity.

Are residents of capital cities more likely to be politically engaged, all else equal?

Part of the population will be engaged because that is their job, as legislators, agency heads, agency staff, lobbyists, and so on. So, there would be this higher level of participation. As for the general public, I think that would vary with the local culture. I would not assume capital cities would otherwise be more engaged, but that could be the case.

Bob Brooks Assistant Professor and Director of the Public Administration Program in the Business & Technology Division at Colorado Christian University

What are the benefits and drawbacks to living in a state’s capital city?

Capital cities, largely because they are generally urban communities, may provide a high level of economic opportunities, such as a greater number of higher-income jobs, although there may be a corresponding higher cost of living.

Urban areas, including state capitals, likely have a higher level of educational opportunities, particularly in higher education. The quality of public education in state capitals varies significantly. Ten percent more urban residents have a Bachelor’s degree than those living in rural areas.

The accessibility and quality of health care in urban areas, including most state capitals, is generally higher than in non-urban areas, and health care costs are somewhat lower. Urban residents tend to be healthier.

Housing price and availability is cyclical, moving from highly available to scarce and back every 10 years or so. Although prices tend to be lower in rural areas, people who live outside the MSA (metropolitan statistical area) show a higher percentage of homeownership.

State capitals and other urban areas offer a number of quality-of-life advantages over rural areas. Social activities, including entertainment, professional sports and the arts are more prominent in urban areas, particularly state capitals. Urban areas also generally offer a greater diversity of transportation opportunities such as bike paths, trains, international airports, ports, and so forth. Urban areas also offer greater social and cultural diversity.

State capitals and large urban areas fall short in crime and safety (crime rate in urban areas is 74 percent higher than rural areas) at least partially because of negative social issues, such as poverty, homelessness, density, crime and anonymity. Taxes are generally higher in urban areas and the pressures of traffic, longer commutes and higher-pressure jobs can also take their toll on urban residents.

Other issues which make a community more or less desirable have less to do with the nature of the city than it does the general environment in which it is located. The weather, readily available outdoor recreation opportunities, and the regional environment also lend themselves to the livability of the community’s residence. Denver, Santa Fe, and Helena have the Rocky Mountains. Boston, Annapolis, Providence, Honolulu, Juneau, Dover, and Olympia have the ocean. While these amenities add greatly to a community’s desirability, it has little to do with whether it is a state capital.

Finally, perhaps the most important thing that affects a person’s quality of life is a sense of community. People are relational. The most fulfilling part of life is our friends and our families. Some find that people in small towns have more of a sense of community and feel closer to one another. Others find the sense of community in their urban neighborhoods.

In evaluating the best state capitals to live in, what are the top five indicators?

The things that increase the livability of a community are the same whether the city is a state capital or not. Generally, people find a place more satisfactory if it meets their needs and expectations in the areas of economics, education, health care, housing, and quality of life features which include social amenities, transportation options, diversity, recreation and environmental opportunities, and the safety of themselves and their families.

How does exempting government buildings from local property taxes affect the fiscal well-being of capital cities?

A $20-million commercial building in Denver would produce about a $500,000 in property tax revenue to the city. If that same building were used for government purposes that made it exempt from local property taxes, I would estimate that the creation of thousands of stable jobs, as well as the economic impacts of expenditures by state government employees within the city (sales tax generators) would offset a great deal of that lost tax revenue. Other entities, such as school districts, may be impacted to a greater extent by this loss of revenue; however, school populations are generated by residential properties, not commercial buildings.

Are residents of capital cities more likely to be politically engaged, all else equal?

Capital city residents are likely more politically engaged, at least at the state government level, simply because of their proximity. Denver is almost an 8-hour drive from the southwest corner of the state. Boise City, Texas is 614 miles from Austin. Also, the local nightly news in capital cities often covers political issues with greater frequency, increasing the interest in political affairs.

Meghna Sabharwal Associate Professor and PhD Director in the Public and Nonprofit Management Program at The University of Texas at Dallas

What are the benefits and drawbacks to living in a state’s capital city?

Advantages -- capital cities that are able to meet the key indicators of growth (as mentioned above) will automatically attract investment to the community. This will further attract a well-educated and a diverse workforce. This is great for ensuring economic sustainability and keeping unemployment rates low.

Disadvantages -- capital cities located in a downtown can get very crowded when the legislature is in session. This can cause headaches for locals and out-of-town visitors.

In evaluating the best state capitals to live in, what are the top five indicators?

Economic viability, strong education system, vibrant communities that have thriving art and cultural activities, diverse and inclusive communities, and above all, safe and affordable housing. State capitals that are able to meet these criteria can be attractive places to live.

Some good examples of state capitals to live in are Austin, Texas; Madison, Wisconsin; and Raleigh, North Carolina. However, not all state capitals are the same. For example, not all big cities have strong economies. Individual preferences also may play a role. Not everyone wants to live in state capitals, for instance, many state capitals are located in smaller cities away from financial hubs in the state.

Are residents of capital cities more likely to be politically engaged, all else equal?

Capital cities definitely witness more political action as compared with non-capital cities. Political engagement is not just about voting. One can be engaged in public meetings, contacting local officials, volunteering, attending a rally or a protest, or supporting activities that are associated with a cause, such as health care, immigration, poverty, etc. Advocacy groups and lobbyists mostly concentrate in state capitals. Certainly, greater political activity and exposure to political events make residents of capital cities more aware and sensitive to political issues, thereby impacting political engagement.

Methodology

In order to identify the best state capitals to live in, WalletHub compared all 50 across four key dimensions: 1) Affordability, 2) Economic Well-Being, 3) Quality of Education & Health and 4) Quality of Life.

We evaluated those dimensions using compiled 51 relevant metrics, which are listed below with their corresponding weights. Each metric was graded on a 100-point scale, with a score of 100 representing the most livable state capital. Data for metrics marked with an asterisk (*) were available only at the state level. For metrics marked with two asterisks (**), we used the square root of the population to calculate the population size in order to avoid overcompensating for minor differences across cities.

We then determined each state capital’s weighted average across all metrics to calculate its “State Capital Index” and used the resulting indexes to rank-order our sample.

Affordability – Total Points: 25

• Cost of Living: Double Weight (~10.00 Points)
• Median Household Income: Double Weight (~10.00 Points)
• Housing Costs: Full Weight (~5.00 Points)

Economic Well-Being – Total Points: 25

• Population Growth: Full Weight (~1.79 Points)
• Income Growth: Full Weight (~1.79 Points)
• Median Credit Score: Full Weight (~1.79 Points)
• Income Inequality: Full Weight (~1.79 Points)
• Debt as a Share of Median Income: Full Weight (~1.79 Points)
• Share of Population Living Below Poverty Level: Full Weight (~1.79 Points)
• Homeownership Rate: Full Weight (~1.79 Points)
• Share of Homes Underwater (with negative equity): Full Weight (~1.79 Points)
• Unemployment Rate: Full Weight (~1.79 Points)
• Underemployment Rate: Full Weight (~1.79 Points)
• Foreclosure Rate: Full Weight (~1.79 Points)
• Bankruptcy Rate: Full Weight (~1.79 Points)
• Building-Permit Activity: Full Weight (~1.79 Points)
• Share of State & Local Government Employees: Full Weight (~1.79 Points)

Quality of Education & Health – Total Points: 25

• K–12 School-System Quality: Full Weight (~1.56 Points)
• Average University Score: Full Weight (~1.56 Points)
• Number of Universities in Top 973: Full Weight (~1.56 Points)
• Share of Adults with at Least a Bachelor’s Degree: Full Weight (~1.56 Points)
• Share of Population with Health-Insurance Coverage: Full Weight (~1.56 Points)
• Quality of Public Hospital System: Full* Weight (~1.56 Points)
• Hospital Beds per Capita**: Full Weight (~1.56 Points)
• Premature-Death Rate: Double Weight (~3.13 Points)
• Infant-Mortality Rate: Full Weight (~1.56 Points)
• Share of Adults in Good Health: Double Weight (~3.13 Points)
• Adult Obesity Rate: Full Weight (~1.56 Points)
• Physical Inactivity: Full Weight (~1.56 Points)
• Share of Live Births with Low Birth Weight: Double Weight (~3.13 Points)

Quality of Life – Total Points: 25

• Share of Millennial Newcomers: Full Weight (~1.09 Points)
• Number of Attractions: Full Weight (~1.09 Points)
• Nightlife Options per Capita**: Full Weight (~1.09 Points)
• Restaurants per Capita**: Full Weight (~1.09 Points)
• Affordable Restaurants with Ratings of 4.5+ Stars: Full Weight (~1.09 Points)
• Bars per Capita**: Full Weight (~1.09 Points)
• Coffee Shops per Capita**: Full Weight (~1.09 Points)
• Movie Theaters per Capita**: Full Weight (~1.09 Points)
• Fitness Centers per Capita**: Full Weight (~1.09 Points)
• Walkability: Full Weight (~1.09 Points)
• Bike Score: Full Weight (~1.09 Points)
• Access to Public Transportation: Full Weight (~1.09 Points)
• Average Commute Time: Full Weight (~1.09 Points)
• Likelihood of Traffic Accidents: Full Weight (~1.09 Points)
• Driving Fatalities per Capita**: Full Weight (~1.09 Points)
• Average Weekly Work Hours: Full Weight (~1.09 Points)
• Mildness of Weather: Full Weight (~1.09 Points)
• Air Quality: Full Weight (~1.09 Points)
• Sports Fan-Friendliness: Full Weight (~1.09 Points)

 

Sources: Data used to create this ranking were collected from the U.S. Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Department of Housing and Urban Development, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Council for Community and Economic Research, Chmura Economics & Analytics, ATTOM Data Solutions (RealtyTrac), TransUnion, GreatSchools.org, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Health Resources & Services Administration, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, County Health Rankings, Walk Score, Zillow, Administrative Office of the United States Courts, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Allstate Insurance Company, Yelp, TripAdvisor, United States Environmental Protection Agency and WalletHub research.

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