Midland ranked No. 85 nationally in the 2026-27 “Best Places to Live” rankings released by U.S. News & World Report.
According to the report, Midland was the highest-ranked community in West Texas and ranked No. 28 among Texas cities included in the survey. The rankings evaluated 250 major U.S. cities based on factors including value, desirability, job market strength and quality of life.
The report showed Midland’s median household income at $91,219, above the national median of $83,181. Midland’s median home value was listed at $319,162, below the national average of $359,870.
U.S. News & World Report also reported Midland’s average commute time at 18.33 minutes, four minutes shorter than the national average. Midland’s unemployment rate was listed at 3.1% compared to the national average of 4.54%.
Demographic information included in the report showed 31% of Midland residents are under age 20, while 16% are 25 to 34, another 16% are 35 to 44, 19% are 45 to 65, and 11% are older than 65. The report also stated 48.5% of Midland residents are married and 51.5% are single.
The top three cities in the national rankings were Carmel, Fishers and Flower Mound, Texas.