Huntsville is the second-best performing city in America according to rankings released Tuesday by the Milken Institute.
Only Fayetteville, Arkansas, ranks ahead of the Rocket City in the 2026 Best Performing Cities report. Huntsville moved up two spots from the previous year’s rankings. Charleston, South Carolina; Boise, Idaho; Raleigh, North Carolina; Provo, Utah; Salt Lake City, Utah; Orlando, Florida; Austin, Texas; and Olympia, Washington round out the top 10.
“These rankings are a continued affirmation of the people, industries and institutions that make Huntsville exceptional,” Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle told AL.com. “Our growth is driven by innovation, a highly skilled workforce and strong partnerships across defense, aerospace and advanced manufacturing. This recognition shows that Huntsville is not just growing – we’re building an economy designed for long-term success.”…