Cities With Highest Digital Quality of Life, #1-5: Chicago, Minneapolis, Oklahoma City, Kansas City, Houston
A new study revealed the ten U.S. cities having the best digital quality of life, and Kansas City takes the first rank having the highest download speed at 4,038 Mbps, making it the top choice for residents who prioritize fast connectivity.
- New York City achieves the only perfect broadband penetration rate at 100%, ensuring universal access to the Internet for its residents.
- Tulsa offers one of the most secure digital environments, with the lowest number of cybercrime victims, providing peace of mind for online users.
A new study by TRG Datacenters analyzed the digital quality of life across U.S. cities by evaluating key metrics such as download speed, number of internet service providers, and customer rating. Additionally, data regarding searches for internet issues, internet costs, broadband penetration, and cybercrime rates were collected, which gives a more comprehensive look at each city’s digital standing. Each city’s composite Digital Quality of Life Score was calculated, and cities were then ranked based on this score, highlighting those with the most favorable digital environments.
| City | Download Speed | Prices of Internet | BB penetration by City | Cybercrime by Victim Count (State) | Composite Score |
| Chicago | 2,342 | $58.40 | 99.0% | 11.3K | 42.73 |
| Minneapolis | 2,697 | $67.18 | 98.7% | 4.8K | 42.71 |
| Oklahoma City | 3,084 | $68.85 | 99.2% | 3.6K | 41.35 |
| Kansas City | 4,038 | $65.50 | 98.6% | 5.8K | 41.09 |
| Houston | 3,667 | $66.71 | 98.9% | 30.6K | 40.43 |
| Dallas | 3,628 | $66.61 | 97.6% | 30.6K | 39.54 |
| Portland | 2,803 | $65.10 | 98.9% | 4.9K | 39.44 |
| Denver | 1,985 | $66.59 | 99.1% | 8.5K | 38.85 |
| New York City | 4,094 | $68.20 | 100.0% | 18.3K | 38.66 |
| Tulsa | 2,517 | $67.40 | 98.5% | 3.6K | 37.98 |
| Indianapolis | 3,909 | $66.35 | 98.9% | 9.2K | 37.77 |
Chicago leads the way with a composite score of 42.73. The city combines affordability and access, with internet prices among the lowest at $58.40 and a high broadband penetration rate of 99%. Chicago’s digital environment is balanced and provides residents with reliable service and makes it one of the top cities for digital quality of life.
Minneapolis follows closely in second place with a composite score of 42.71. With a fast download speed of 2,697 Mbps, Minneapolis offers a dependable digital experience. Its cybercrime rate is relatively low, with only 4,833 incidents, making it a secure city for internet users.
Oklahoma City ranks third, scoring 41.35, supported by excellent broadband penetration at 99.2%, the highest after New York. With a download speed of 3,084 Mbps, Oklahoma City ensures fast and reliable internet access.
With a score of 41.09, Kansas City ranks fourth and has the highest download speed among all cities at 4,038 Mbps, making it ideal for residents who prioritize connectivity. With competitive pricing, Kansas City ranks as a top choice for those seeking both speed and affordability in their digital experience.
Houston scores 40.43 and ranks fifth. The ranking is supported by fast download speeds of 3,667 Mbps. With these metrics, Houston’s infrastructure supports a highly connected community.
Dallas follows with a score of 39.54, offering fast download speeds of 3,628 Mbps. While broadband penetration is slightly lower at 97.6%, Dallas remains a strong city for digital quality of life.
Portland ranks seventh with a score of 39.44. It is one of the most affordable states with internet pricing ($65.10) and has high download speeds (2,803 Mbps). Its relatively low cybercrime count makes it a reliable and balanced choice for residents.
Denver has a composite score of 38.85 and ranks eighth, with a nearly universal broadband penetration rate of 99.1%. Though download speeds are more moderate at 1,985 Mbps, Denver’s reasonable internet prices create a stable digital environment for residents.
With a score of 38.66, New York City achieves a unique milestone with the only perfect broadband penetration rate at 100%. Residents enjoy fast download speeds of 4,094 Mbps, though cybercrime remains a concern, with 18,345 victims.
Tulsa completes the list with a score of 37.98. It has one of the lowest cybercrime rates and a high broadband penetration at 98.5%. A download speed of 2,517 Mbps makes it a well-rounded choice for digital quality.
A spokesperson from TRG Datacenters commented on the study: “Digital infrastructure is increasingly vital to daily life in U.S. cities. From super-fast internet speeds to reliable access and safer online environments, cities across the country are raising the bar for digital quality of life. It’s exciting to see connectivity, affordability, and security becoming essential factors that make a city attractive for residents and businesses alike.”
To access the entire research, please follow this link.
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Author: David Keech
David Keech is a retired teacher and works as a sportswriter, sports official and as an educational consultant. He has reported on amateur sports since 2011, known as 'KeechDaVoice.' David can be reached at [email protected]
