Why Green Bay Was Ranked the #1 Best Place to Live by U.S. News
Green Bay was ranked the #1 Best Place to Live by U.S. News in 2023.
That’s a big statement.
And if you’re skeptical — or just curious — you might be wondering:
How exactly does a city earn that kind of ranking?
Let’s take a closer look at how U.S. News evaluated Green Bay, what categories mattered most, and why this community scored so highly. Or you can just click the video and watch it if you prefer.
How U.S. News Determines the “Best Places to Live”
U.S. News doesn’t just pick a city and assign a title. Their rankings are built on weighted indexes — categories that measure different aspects of daily life.
Each category is assigned a percentage weight based on a national survey conducted in March 2023. That survey asked people what matters most when choosing where to live.
From there, U.S. News evaluates metro areas using data across several key indexes.
Here’s how the weighting breaks down.
1. Quality of Life Index (36%)
This is the most heavily weighted category — accounting for 36% of the total score.
And honestly, that makes sense. Who doesn’t want a high quality of life?
This index evaluates factors such as:
Health care access
Education quality
Crime rates
Overall livability metrics
Green Bay scored particularly well here.
As someone who works with families and individuals relocating to this area, I’m not surprised. Many people move here specifically for:
Community feel
Slower pace of life
Accessible amenities
Scenic surroundings
It checks a lot of boxes for daily living.
2. Value Index (23%)
This category accounts for 23% of the total ranking.
This is where cost of living and housing affordability come into play — topics we’ve talked about often.
U.S. News compares:
Median home prices
Housing affordability
Cost-of-living data
Local metrics against national averages
Green Bay consistently stands out in this area.
Compared to many metro markets across the country, housing remains attainable. That accessibility plays a major role in overall livability.
3. Desirability Index
This category explores something more subjective: how appealing a location is.
To measure this, U.S. News uses data such as:
Net migration trends (are people moving in?)
Weather patterns
Establishments-to-population ratios
Broader lifestyle indicators
It’s interesting how they quantify something that feels personal.
But the fact that Green Bay scored well here suggests people are choosing this area intentionally — not accidentally.
4. Job Market Index (19%)
The Job Market Index makes up 19% of the total score.
This looks at:
Unemployment rates
Average salary data
Overall job stability within the metro area
Green Bay’s diverse economy — including healthcare, manufacturing, education, and logistics — contributes to stability.
It’s not overly dependent on a single employer, which adds resilience.
How Green Bay Scored Overall
After combining all of these weighted categories, U.S. News uses statistical tools like T-scores and Z-scores to calculate final rankings.
Green Bay received a total score of 6.9, ranking especially high in:
Quality of Life
Value
For many residents, that aligns with lived experience.
Why This Ranking Isn’t Surprising
As a local real estate agent here in Green Bay, I regularly hear from people relocating from larger metro areas who say similar things:
“It feels manageable.”
“It’s affordable.”
“There’s a strong sense of community.”
“The pace of life is healthier.”
Add in the scenery, the water access, the 67 parks, and yes — an NFL franchise owned by its fans — and you start to see why this city stands out.
You don’t find that combination everywhere.
Is Green Bay the Right Fit for Everyone?
Probably not.
If someone is looking for dense urban living, constant nightlife, or a massive skyline, Green Bay may feel quieter than they expect.
But for people prioritizing:
Stability
Affordability
Community
Access to amenities without congestion
This ranking makes a lot of sense.
Thinking About Moving to Green Bay?
If you’re considering relocating and this ranking caught your attention, I’d be glad to help you explore what living in Green Bay actually looks like beyond the headlines.
Whether you're early in the research phase or actively planning a move, I’m here to help you understand neighborhoods, pricing, timing, and what fits your lifestyle best.
Reach out anytime — I’d love to be a resource for you.