Tallahassee Ranks 30th Among Best State Capitals to Live

WalletHub study finds Florida's capital lags in key metrics compared to top-ranked cities

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

According to a recent WalletHub study, Tallahassee, the capital of Florida, ranks 30th among the best state capitals to live in the United States. The study evaluated 48 key indicators across four main categories - affordability, economic well-being, education and health, and quality of life. While Tallahassee performed well in certain areas like average weekly work hours, it lagged behind other state capitals in metrics such as crime rate, economic stability, and quality of public school systems.

Why it matters

As the seat of Florida's state government, Tallahassee's ranking as a desirable place to live has implications for attracting and retaining talent, businesses, and residents. The study highlights areas where Tallahassee can improve to become a more attractive and livable capital city, which could boost the city's economic and social development.

The details

The WalletHub study ranked Austin, Texas as the best state capital to live in, citing its high median household income, strong business environment, excellent education system, and high quality of life. In contrast, Tallahassee ranked 30th overall, performing well in areas like average weekly work hours (2nd) but scoring poorly in crime rate (41st), economic stability (39th), and quality of public school systems (36th).

  • WalletHub released its ranking of the best state capitals to live in 2026.

The players

WalletHub

A personal finance website that provides data-driven content, tools, and calculators to help consumers make informed financial decisions.

Tallahassee

The capital city of the U.S. state of Florida, located in the Florida Panhandle region.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“A state's capital city is more than just the seat of its government — it's also often the center of its economic activity. Some state capitals boast incredible job markets, high average salaries, world-class universities, and an abundance of attractions. Unfortunately, others have populations that are struggling financially, failing public education systems and poor public health systems. States should aim to make their capital city a shining example of the best they have to offer.”

— Chip Lupo, WalletHub Analyst (palmbeachpost.com)

What’s next

The study's findings could prompt Tallahassee city and state officials to reevaluate policies and investments to address the areas where the capital city lags, such as public safety, economic development, and education.

The takeaway

While Tallahassee has strengths like a strong work ethic, the WalletHub study suggests the city has room for improvement to become a more desirable and livable state capital, which could have broader implications for Florida's economic and social progress.