Bismarck Shines Is One Of The Top 25 Best-Run Cities For 2026

The City of Bismarck is on a Roll

According to a new WalletHub study, we've got our ducks in a row in the city of Bismarck. So much so, that the Capital City is ranked at #25 as one of the best-run cities in the United States. That's despite not having enough boat ramps in the city (drum shot).

About the Best-Run Cities Study

Here's how WalletHub came up with its data. They compared the top 148 of the largest United States cities based on the quality of public services delivered to residents against the city's overall budget, and how effectively public funds are being managed. Again, where's that boat ramp money? The study then developed a "Quality of Services score based on 36 metrics across six key service areas, and then compared those results with each city's per-capita budget.

What Bismarck is Doing Right

The city of Bismarck shined in the category of financial stability, health rankings, safety rankings, and overall economy rankings. Just think if we had more boat ramps. Okay, last time I'll mention that one.

One other North Dakota city scored on the good side of the overall study, and that would be the city of Fargo, which came in at #54. 

Life is good in the Capital City, if we only had more banks...and fireworks shows at the Larks games. Oh, well, I guess you can't have it all, but it's close here in Bismarck. Enjoy your weekend.