This Indiana City Was Named One of the Ten Best-Run Cities in America

Seems like no matter what the job is – teacher, coach, umpire, or especially politician – there’s always someone who thinks they could do it better. And honestly, running a city has got to be one of the most thankless, complex jobs out there. You’re juggling budgets, infrastructure, public safety, and a million opinions. So, when a city gets recognized for doing it well, it deserves a serious shoutout.

What is Indiana's Best-Run City?

That brings us to the latest report from WalletHub.com, which just released its list of 2025’s Best and Worst-Run Cities in America. Out of 148 of the country’s largest cities, Fort Wayne, Indiana, came in at an impressive #10. That’s right – top ten! And no, it’s not Indianapolis representing us – Fort Wayne is officially putting Indiana on the map for good city management.

What Makes a City “Well-Run”?

WalletHub based the rankings on six key categories: Financial Stability, Education, Health, Safety, Economy, and Infrastructure & Pollution. Basically, they looked at everything that makes a city work – or not – and Fort Wayne stood out in the best way.

ALSO READ: Fort Wayne, IN is America's 14th Best City to Drive In

How Other Indiana Cities Ranked

Two other Indiana cities also made the list, but didn’t fare as well. Indianapolis landed at #56, and Gary came in near the bottom at #120. Some of Gary’s struggles included having the 3rd highest unemployment rate, the lowest median household income, and the 2nd highest poverty rate in the country.

As for the very top and bottom of the list? Provo, Utah, takes the crown as the best-run city in America, while San Francisco, California, holds the not-so-coveted last place at #148.

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You can see the FULL REPORT for all the information, and/or scroll over the map below to see the rest of the rankings.