Top 10 Large Cities with the Fastest Internet Speeds
Welcome to our ranking of the top 10 Large Cities with the fastest internet speeds. Unlike other lists, our rankings are based on a unique and rigorous methodology that provides a fair and accurate comparison of internet speeds across different city sizes. For a detailed explanation of our methodology and why it stands out from other rankings, click here.
| Ranking | Large City | Internet Speed for Most Residents | ISP Report Card | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oakland, CA (pop: 412,638) | 7,884 Mbps | A | ||
| 2 | Newark, NJ (pop: 310,751) | 7,628 Mbps | A- | ||
| 3 | Chula Vista, CA (pop: 272,279) | 6,292 Mbps | A- | ||
| 4 | Plano, TX (pop: 281,990) | 6,202 Mbps | B+ | ||
| 5 | Long Beach, CA (pop: 465,568) | 5,932 Mbps | B+ | ||
| 6 | Durham, NC (pop: 312,468) | 5,671 Mbps | B+ | ||
| 7 | Garland, TX (pop: 254,104) | 5,633 Mbps | B+ | ||
| 8 | Fort Wayne, IN (pop: 319,352) | 5,416 Mbps | B+ | ||
| 9 | Irving, TX (pop: 256,211) | 5,325 Mbps | B+ | ||
| 10 | Lexington, KY (pop: 324,076) | 4,821 Mbps | A- |
Why Internet Speed Matters
High-speed internet is crucial for a city's growth and residents' quality of life. Our ranking of the top 10 Large Cities with the fastest internet speeds offers valuable insights for businesses, residents, and policymakers, highlighting cities where investments in connectivity are paying off.
Understanding these rankings can help you make informed decisions about where to live, work, and invest, ensuring reliable and fast internet access.
What is a Large City?
Large cities, with populations between 250,000 and 499,999 residents, serve as important regional centers with diverse economies in industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, and education. They feature substantial infrastructure, including well-developed transportation systems and essential healthcare and educational institutions. These cities offer a variety of cultural amenities, recreational facilities, and entertainment options, contributing to vibrant urban life. Civic engagement is robust, supported by active community organizations.
Interested in the rankings for other city sizes? You can find them here:
Rankings Methodology
Our rankings are based on a robust and detailed methodology that ensures accurate and fair comparisons of internet speeds across various city sizes.
Methodology Overview: Click to Expand
- Granular Data Analysis: Using block-level data to capture detailed variations in internet speeds.
- Weighted Max Download Speed (WMD): Calculated by weighting maximum speeds by the population of each block, giving a realistic measure of what most residents can expect.
- Precise Comparative Framework:
- City Size Tiers: Categorizing cities into six tiers based on population for fair comparisons:
- Metropolitan City: 1,000,000+ residents
- Major City: 500,000 – 999,999 residents
- Large City: 250,000 – 499,999 residents
- Medium City: 100,000 – 249,999 residents
- Small City: 50,000 – 99,999 residents
- Suburban / Regional City: 25,000 – 49,999 residents
- Sophisticated Boundary Definitions: Using precise urban boundaries and multiple levels of city definitions to avoid broad classifications like MSAs, providing accurate and meaningful comparisons.
- Data Sources and Reliability: Utilizing FCC data reported by ISPs with statistical methods to address potential biases. Current ranking uses the May 27, 2025 FCC update, which is based on the Broadband Data Collection as of December 31, 2024.
For a detailed explanation of our methodology and why it stands out from other rankings, click here.
Detailed Rankings of the Top 10 Large Cities
Below, you'll learn more about the top large cities found in our rankings, why these cities made the list, and other metrics related to their digital connectivity.
1. Oakland, CA
| Average Internet Speed | 7,884 Mbps | Population | 412,638 |
| ISP Report Card | A | Fiber Coverage | 91% |
| Digital Connectivity Index | 72 / 100 | Number of ISPs | 10 |
Oakland, CA, stands out with an impressive average internet speed of 7,884 Mbps, serving a population of approximately 412,638. The city features robust digital infrastructure, with 91% fiber coverage supported by 10 ISPs. Oakland's economy is diverse, with significant contributions from sectors such as technology, healthcare, and logistics.
Major employers include Kaiser Permanente and the Port of Oakland. With 14% of the population enrolled in school and a median household income of $106,214, Oakland continues to invest heavily in high-speed internet infrastructure, ensuring reliable and fast connectivity for its residents and businesses.
To see all providers, please visit our internet providers in Oakland, CA page.
2. Newark, NJ
| Average Internet Speed | 7,628 Mbps | Population | 310,751 |
| ISP Report Card | A- | Fiber Coverage | 93% |
| Digital Connectivity Index | 49 / 100 | Number of ISPs | 8 |
Newark, NJ, offers a high average internet speed of 7,288 Mbps to its population of approximately 310,751. The city's digital infrastructure includes 93% fiber coverage, supported by 8 ISPs. Newark's economy is driven by sectors such as transportation, healthcare, and education, with major employers including Prudential Financial and Newark Liberty International Airport.
With 18% of the population enrolled in school and a median household income of $54,505, Newark is dedicated to improving its internet infrastructure to support its diverse economy and enhance the quality of life for its residents.
To see all providers, please visit our internet providers in Newark, NJ page.
3. Chula Vista, CA
| Average Internet Speed | 6,292 Mbps | Population | 272,279 |
| ISP Report Card | A- | Fiber Coverage | 88% |
| Digital Connectivity Index | 84 / 100 | Number of ISPs | 7 |
Chula Vista, CA, delivers an average internet speed of 9,292 Mbps to its 272,279 residents, supported by 7 ISPs and earning an ISP report card grade of A-. With fiber coverage reaching 88% of households and a digital connectivity index of 84 / 100, Chula Vista pairs a strong network backbone with high adoption and affordability. Twenty percent of the population is enrolled in school, and an average household income of $114,921 underpins robust demand for premium broadband services.
Anchored by a diversified economy—including healthcare (notably Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center), education (with major employers like Sweetwater Union High School District and Southwestern College’s Chula Vista campus), retail and hospitality (centered around Otay Ranch Town Center), advanced manufacturing, and cross-border logistics—the city’s high-speed infrastructure is well positioned to fuel continued innovation, economic growth, and an enhanced quality of life.
To see all providers, please visit our internet providers in Chula Vista, CA page.
4. Plano, TX
| Average Internet Speed | 6,202 Mbps | Population | 281,990 |
| ISP Report Card | B+ | Fiber Coverage | 90% |
| Digital Connectivity Index | 89 / 100 | Number of ISPs | 9 |
Plano, TX, offers an average internet speed of 6,202 Mbps to its population of approximately 281,990. The city features robust digital infrastructure with 89% fiber coverage, supported by 9 ISPs. Plano's economy is bolstered by key sectors such as technology, finance, and education, with major employers including Toyota Motor North America and Capital One.
With 15% of the population enrolled in school and a median household income of $124,329, Plano continues to make significant investments in high-speed internet infrastructure to support its economic growth and enhance the quality of life for its residents.
To see all providers, please visit our internet providers in Plano, TX page.
5. Long Beach, CA
| Average Internet Speed | 5,932 Mbps | Population | 465,568 |
| ISP Report Card | B+ | Fiber Coverage | 91% |
| Digital Connectivity Index | 77 / 100 | Number of ISPs | 7 |
Long Beach, CA, offers an average internet speed of 5,932 Mbps to its population of approximately 465,568. The city features robust digital infrastructure with 92% fiber coverage, supported by 7 ISPs. Long Beach's economy is driven by sectors such as trade, healthcare, and education, with major employers including the Long Beach Unified School District and the Port of Long Beach.
With 18% of the population enrolled in school and a median household income of $89,967, Long Beach continues to invest in its internet infrastructure to support its economic growth and enhance the quality of life for its residents.
To see all providers, please visit our internet providers in Long Beach, CA page.
6. Durham, NC
| Average Internet Speed | 5,671 Mbps | Population | 312,468 |
| ISP Report Card | B+ | Fiber Coverage | 83% |
| Digital Connectivity Index | 75 / 100 | Number of ISPs | 8 |
Durham, NC, provides an average internet speed of 5,671 Mbps to its population of approximately 312,468. The city has a strong digital infrastructure with 83% fiber coverage, supported by 8 ISPs. Durham's economy is bolstered by key industries such as education, healthcare, and technology, with major employers including Duke University and Duke Health.
With 18% of the population enrolled in school and a median household income of $91,207, Durham continues to invest in its internet infrastructure to support its economic growth and improve the quality of life for its residents.
To see all providers, please visit our internet providers in Durham, NC page.
7. Garland, TX
| Average Internet Speed | 5,633 Mbps | Population | 254,104 |
| ISP Report Card | B+ | Fiber Coverage | 92% |
| Digital Connectivity Index | 79 / 100 | Number of ISPs | 7 |
Garland, TX, provides an average internet speed of 5,633 Mbps to its population of approximately 254,104. The city's digital infrastructure includes 91% fiber coverage, supported by 7 ISPs. Garland's economy is diverse, with key sectors including manufacturing, technology, and retail. Major employers include Kraft Heinz and the Garland Independent School District.
With 17% of the population enrolled in school and a median household income of $81,445, Garland continues to make significant investments in high-speed internet infrastructure to support its economic growth and vibrant community.
To see all providers, please visit our internet providers in Garland, TX page.
8. Fort Wayne, IN
| Average Internet Speed | 5,416 Mbps | Population | 319,352 |
| ISP Report Card | B+ | Fiber Coverage | 89% |
| Digital Connectivity Index | 65 / 100 | Number of ISPs | 10 |
Fort Wayne, IN, features an average internet speed of 5,416 Mbps, serving a population of approximately 319,352. The city boasts strong digital infrastructure with 89% fiber coverage, supported by 10 ISPs. Fort Wayne's economy is driven by sectors such as healthcare, manufacturing, and education, with major employers including Parkview Health and Steel Dynamics.
With 16% of the population enrolled in school and a median household income of $76,455, Fort Wayne continues to invest in high-speed internet infrastructure to support its diverse economy and enhance the quality of life for its residents.
To see all providers, please visit our internet providers in Fort Wayne, IN page.
9. Irving, TX
| Average Internet Speed | 5,325 Mbps | Population | 256,211 |
| ISP Report Card | B+ | Fiber Coverage | 88% |
| Digital Connectivity Index | 72 / 100 | Number of ISPs | 6 |
Irving, TX, delivers an average internet speed of 5,325 Mbps to its 256,211 residents, supported by 6 ISPs and earning an ISP report card grade of B+. With fiber coverage reaching 88% of households and a digital connectivity index of 72 / 100, Irving pairs a solid network backbone with strong adoption and affordability. Fifteen percent of the population is enrolled in school, and an average household income of $91,191 underpins healthy demand for premium broadband services.
Anchored by its Las Colinas business district—home to corporate headquarters for ExxonMobil, Fluor, and Toyota—alongside healthcare (notably Medical City Las Colinas), higher education (the University of Dallas), and proximity to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, Irving’s robust infrastructure is well positioned to support ongoing economic development and enhance community quality of life.
To see all providers, please visit our internet providers in Irving, TX page.
10. Lexington, KY
| Average Internet Speed | 4,821 Mbps | Population | 324,076 |
| ISP Report Card | A- | Fiber Coverage | 92% |
| Digital Connectivity Index | 65 / 100 | Number of ISPs | 7 |
Lexington, KY, features an average internet speed of 4,821 Mbps, serving a population of approximately 324,076. The city boasts strong digital infrastructure with 92% fiber coverage, supported by 7 ISPs. Lexington's economy is diverse, with significant contributions from sectors such as education, healthcare, and manufacturing.
Major employers include the University of Kentucky and Lexmark International. With 22% of the population enrolled in school and a median household income of $78,752, Lexington continues to make significant investments in high-speed internet infrastructure to support its vibrant community and economy.
To see all providers, please visit our internet providers in Lexington, KY page.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, our ranking of the top 10 Large Cities with the fastest internet speeds highlights the cities leading the way in internet infrastructure. These cities not only offer superior internet speeds but also demonstrate significant investments in connectivity that benefit businesses and residents.
Understanding these rankings can help inform decisions about where to live, work, and invest, ensuring that you stay connected in the most efficient and effective way possible. The robust methodology behind these rankings sets them apart from other lists, offering a unique and accurate perspective on internet speeds across different city sizes.
We encourage you to explore the detailed data further, leave reviews, and visit related articles on other city tiers to gain a comprehensive understanding of internet connectivity across the nation. Your feedback and experiences are valuable in continuing to improve and refine these rankings.