Livability, a national quality‑of‑life website, released its annual list of the 50 best small cities in the United States. Two Wisconsin suburbs made the cut: Mequon earned the highest state ranking at 12th place, while Brookfield placed 23rd.
Why Mequon Stands Out
Mequon received a LivScore of 789 out of 1,000, scoring especially high in health (92), education (90) and safety (92). The suburb’s amenities score was modest at 57, but its economy (68), transportation (87) and housing affordability (72) helped push the overall rating upward.
Key factors cited by Livability include the city’s 500 acres of protected wetlands and forests, a vibrant town center with diverse dining options, and a top‑ranked Mequon‑Theinsville School District that consistently ranks among the state’s best. The local job market is bolstered by healthcare facilities and research centers, and commuters enjoy a roughly 20‑minute drive to downtown Milwaukee via the nearby highway.
Quick facts for Mequon:
- Median home value: $477,449
- Median property tax: $5,493
- Population: 25,664
- Median household income: $157,291
- Average commute: 20 minutes
- Median monthly rent: $1,650
Brookfield’s Strengths
Brookfield earned a LivScore of 773, ranking 23rd nationally. Like Mequon, it scored highest in health (92), education (91) and safety (87). Its amenities (66) and transportation (82) scores were stronger than Mequon’s, while its economy (64) and housing cost score (68) were slightly lower.
Livability highlighted Brookfield’s thriving retail and dining scene, anchored by The Corners of Brookfield shopping center and a local mall. The Elmbrook School District is praised for consistently ranking in the top 100 statewide, making the city attractive to growing families. Business opportunities abound, with corporate campuses in finance, technology and healthcare. Outdoor lovers benefit from over 1,800 acres of parkland, open space and lake beaches, and commuters can reach downtown Milwaukee or the airport in about 15 minutes.
Quick facts for Brookfield:
- Median home value: $404,976
- Median property tax: $4,523
- Population: 42,501
- Median household income: $131,393
- Average commute: 19 minutes
- Median monthly rent: $1,402
Methodology and Context
Livability’s methodology differs from other ranking sites by capping median home values at $550,000 to ensure affordability, and limiting city populations to between 15,000 and 75,000 residents. The organization evaluated more than 2,000 places on criteria such as health, economy, safety, environment, transportation, education, housing and amenities.
The inclusion of Mequon and Brookfield underscores the strength of Wisconsin’s suburban communities, where strong public schools, low crime rates and convenient access to Milwaukee combine to create attractive environments for families and professionals alike.
Original reporting: FOX6 WITI – local news — read the source article.
