(City of Pocatello Press Release, February 3, 2026)
The City of Pocatello has been ranked 5th in the nation in the Milken Institute’s 2026 Best-Performing Cities Index, which evaluates the economic performance of metropolitan areas across the United States.
The annual report, Best-Performing Cities 2026: Resilience in a Cooling Economy, evaluates the economic performance of metropolitan areas across the United States using key indicators such as job growth, wage growth, housing affordability, and overall economic vitality. The index serves as an impartial benchmark for policymakers, business leaders, and government officials to assess regional economic performance within a national context.
The ranking reflects strong one-year job growth, high-tech sector growth, and increased wages. According to the study, employment gains were driven in part by an 11.4 percent increase in professional and business services jobs in 2024, along with growth in industries with a high concentration of STEM workers, collectively defined in the report as high-tech industries. The report also highlights improved connectivity, with the Pocatello metro area climbing 51 spots in the share of households with broadband access.
“This ranking reflects the hard work and collaboration happening across our community,” said Mayor Mark Dahlquist. “It speaks to the strength of our local economy, the dedication of our workforce, and the thoughtful planning that continues to move Pocatello forward.”
City leaders credit the ranking to strong partnerships, responsible planning, and continued investment in infrastructure, workforce development, and quality-of-life initiatives that support long-term economic stability.
The Milken Institute’s index also includes detailed component rankings, providing insight into the underlying factors contributing to economic performance and resilience.
More information about the Milken Institute’s 2026 Best-Performing Cities Index is available at milkeninstitute.org. Click HERE to read full report. Click HERE to read full summary.
