The Small City Economic Dynamism Index was developed to provide a snapshot of the economic trajectory and current conditions of small and midsized U.S. cities. To create the index, we extracted data on 816 metro and micro areas with populations of less than 500,000. We use data on micropolitan and metropolitan areas to allow for a broader understanding of a city's regional economy, and to allow for greater data availability. Economic dynamism is measured by changes in 13 indicators across four dimensions: demographics, economics, human and social capital, and infrastructure. Details on the index such as its component indicators, sources, literature, methodology, and references are described in the link below.

View index details