BCS Ranked Among the Nation's Best-Performing Metros

Bryan-College Station has been ranked No. 28 nationally and No. 3 in Texas on the Milken Institute’s annual Best-Performing Cities list for large metropolitan areas. The region’s ranking reflects continued economic momentum, improving from No. 45 in 2024 and No. 37 in 2025.

“We’re not surprised to see the Bryan-College Station region recognized for its strong economic performance and quality of life,” said Bryan Mayor Bobby Gutierrez. “This is a community that believes in long-term investment, collaboration and creating opportunity. Those of us who live and work in Bryan, College Station and across Aggieland are committed to growing an economy that is welcoming, resilient and built for the future.”

Published annually since 1999, the Best-Performing Cities index evaluates how effectively metropolitan areas leverage their resources to support economic growth and provide access to essential services and infrastructure. The index serves as an impartial benchmark for comparing economic performance across U.S. regions.

Rankings are based on a combination of one- and five-year data measuring job creation, wage growth and high-tech industry output. The index also considers access to economic opportunity, including housing affordability, inclusivity and community resilience.

The Milken Institute uses data from the U.S. Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistics and Bureau of Economic Analysis to evaluate 206 large cities with populations of more than 275,000, along with 205 small cities nationwide. Cities are ranked using three primary performance categories: labor market conditions, high-tech impact and access to economic opportunities.

Resource: 

• Milken Institute Report