NASHUA, N.H. – The City of Nashua has once again earned national recognition for effective municipal governance, ranking 5th overall among the nation's best-run cities in WalletHub's 2026 "Best- and Worst-Run Cities in America" report. The annual study evaluated 148 of the largest U.S. cities based on how efficiently local governments deliver services relative to their budgets.
In addition to its overall ranking, Nashua achieved the 4th-highest Quality of City Services score in the nation. The study also highlighted Nashua's exceptional performance in several key categories, including a #2 national ranking for safety and a #4 ranking for economic performance.
"This recognition reflects the hard work and dedication of our municipal employees, community partners, elected officials, and residents," said Mayor Jim Donchess. "Nashua continues to demonstrate that responsible fiscal management and high-quality public services go hand-in-hand. We are proud that our commitment to public safety, economic opportunity, and quality of life is being recognized on a national stage."
WalletHub's rankings compare cities across six major categories: financial stability, education, health, safety, economy, and infrastructure and pollution. Researchers then measure those outcomes against each city's per-capita budget to determine which municipalities provide the greatest value to residents.
The report noted Nashua's strong performance on safety and economic indicators, as well as its low poverty rate, which contributed to one of the highest overall service-quality scores in the country. Nashua joins neighboring Manchester, which ranked 3rd overall, in demonstrating New Hampshire's strong tradition of effective local government.
"Nashua's success is the result of thoughtful planning, sound budgeting, and a shared commitment to building a city where people want to live, work, raise a family, and start a business," Mayor Donchess added. "While rankings are not our goal, they affirm that the investments we make on behalf of our residents are producing real results."
For more information about the WalletHub study, visit WalletHub's Best- and Worst-Run Cities in America (2026).
