Every year we receive national rankings for our economy, well-being, and as a beautiful place to live with unbelievable recreational opportunities. And this year was no exception! To highlight our amazing community, I've selected my favorite Provo rankings from 2021:
#1 Best Performing City
I was thrilled to learn that Provo has been ranked #1 for best performing city in the Nation! This is just one more way Provo has gotten things right. Credit goes to the citizens of Provo, particularly our entrepreneurs and business leaders, and also to our educational institutions that provide support.
I want businesses large and small to know we're eager for them to come locate here. They will find in Provo an extraordinary workforce, a vibrant hi-tech industry, and a culturally rich community with loads of incredible recreational opportunities right at their doorstep. (Milken Institute; February 2021)
#1 Safest Big City in Utah
A study from MoneyGeek analyzed crime in 303 cities with populations over 100,000 to figure out the cost of crime in those cities. Provo found itself ranked No. 21 on the list of larger cities in the country, and it was the first city in Utah listed, therefore is the safest big city in the state! I'd like to thank our police officers, firefighters, paramedics, and other first responders who risk their lives every day to keep our community safe. Your dedication and hard work doesn’t go unnoticed. (MoneyGeek; January 2021)
One of the Best Places to Live and Retire Now
According to AARP, Provo is one of the Best Places to Live and Retire Now. So what makes us a top city? Our community’s public safety, economic growth led by a burgeoning tech sector, volunteerism, and healthy living. Provo offers watersports, hiking, fly fishing, and skiing within a short drive of the antique shops, bookstores, and restaurants along Center Street. The nearby Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest features more than 1,700 miles of hiking trails, and more than 500 miles are open to easier-to-pedal electric bicycles and electric trail bikes. (AARP; November 2021)
#8 Best Place for Career Opportunities
Provo is an entrepreneurship haven. We've got some very fast-growing companies that are indigenous, and we've also got a lot of the larger coastal tech companies realizing that having a Provo base of operations has a strong advantage. Provo is an extraordinary workforce, a vibrant hi-tech industry, and a culturally rich community with loads of incredible recreational opportunities right at their doorstep. (SmartAsset; August 2021)
#10 Most Educated City in America
Provo has been ranked as one of the most educated cities in America by WalletHub! Their main findings also ranked Provo with the 3rd highest percentage of high school diploma holders in the nation and the 2nd highest percentage of Associates Degree holders in the nation. Research shows that a skilled and educated workforce provides a significant boost to the economy. (WalletHub, July 2021)