Top 10 Medium Cities with the Fastest Internet Speeds
Welcome to our ranking of the top 10 Medium 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 | Medium City | Internet Speed for Most Residents | ISP Report Card | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | West Valley City, UT (pop: 138,819) | 9,660 Mbps | A | ||
| 2 | Lafayette, LA (pop: 142,331) | 9,036 Mbps | A- | ||
| 3 | Fort Collins, CO (pop: 197,319) | 7,994 Mbps | A- | ||
| 4 | Paterson, NJ (pop: 158,843) | 7,958 Mbps | A | ||
| 5 | Elizabeth, NJ (pop: 136,654) | 7,954 Mbps | A | ||
| 6 | Yonkers, NY (pop: 191,130) | 7,828 Mbps | A | ||
| 7 | Sandy, UT (pop: 105,445) | 7,783 Mbps | A | ||
| 8 | Stamford, CT (pop: 135,258) | 7,755 Mbps | A- | ||
| 9 | Kansas City, KS (pop: 156,587) | 7,663 Mbps | A | ||
| 10 | Olathe, KS (pop: 153,408) | 7,644 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 Medium 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 Medium City?
Medium cities, with populations between 100,000 and 249,999 residents, serve as key regional centers with dynamic economies in industries like manufacturing, healthcare, and education. They feature essential infrastructure, including local transportation systems, and offer a range of cultural amenities, recreational facilities, and entertainment options. Civic engagement is strong, supported by active local organizations. Medium cities balance urban benefits with a more intimate community atmosphere, making them attractive for businesses, residents, and visitors alike.
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 Medium Cities
Below, you'll learn more about the top medium cities found in our rankings, why these cities made the list, and other metrics related to their digital connectivity.
1. West Valley City, UT
| Average Internet Speed | 9,660 Mbps | Population | 138,819 |
| ISP Report Card | A | Fiber Coverage | 97% |
| Digital Connectivity Index | 80 / 100 | Number of ISPs | 12 |
West Valley City, UT, stands out with an impressive average internet speed of 9,660 Mbps, serving a population of approximately 138,819. The city features robust digital infrastructure, with 97% fiber coverage supported by 12 ISPs. West Valley City's economy is diverse, driven by sectors such as technology, manufacturing, and retail.
Major employers include the West Valley City School District and Intermountain Healthcare. With 18% of the population enrolled in school and a median household income of $91,876, West Valley City 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 West Valley City, UT page.
2. Lafayette, LA
| Average Internet Speed | 9,036 Mbps | Population | 142,331 |
| ISP Report Card | A- | Fiber Coverage | 92% |
| Digital Connectivity Index | 66 / 100 | Number of ISPs | 8 |
Lafayette, LA, delivers an average internet speed of 9,036 Mbps to its 142,331 residents, supported by 8 ISPs and earning an ISP report card grade of A-. With fiber coverage reaching 92% of households and a digital connectivity index of 66 / 100, Lafayette combines a strong infrastructure backbone with solid adoption and affordability.
Fifteen percent of the population is enrolled in school, and an average household income of $75,909 provides substantial purchasing power for premium broadband services. Anchored by a diversified economy—spanning energy (notably oil and gas services), healthcare (with major employers like Lafayette General Health), education (the University of Louisiana at Lafayette), and advanced manufacturing—Lafayette’s high-speed network is well positioned to support ongoing economic growth and enhance community quality of life.
To see all providers, please visit our internet providers in Lafayette, LA page.
3. Fort Collins, CO
| Average Internet Speed | 7,994 Mbps | Population | 197,319 |
| ISP Report Card | A- | Fiber Coverage | 77% |
| Digital Connectivity Index | 73 / 100 | Number of ISPs | 12 |
Fort Collins, CO, features an average internet speed of 7,994 Mbps, serving a population of approximately 197,319. The city boasts strong digital infrastructure with 77% fiber coverage, supported by 12 ISPs. Fort Collins' economy is driven by sectors such as education, healthcare, and technology, with major employers including Colorado State University and UCHealth.
With 26% of the population enrolled in school and a median household income of $92,456, Fort Collins 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 Fort Collins, CO page.
4. Paterson, NJ
| Average Internet Speed | 7,958 Mbps | Population | 158,843 |
| ISP Report Card | A | Fiber Coverage | 99% |
| Digital Connectivity Index | 60 / 100 | Number of ISPs | 6 |
Paterson, NJ, offers an average internet speed of 7,958 Mbps to its population of approximately 158,843. The city features a strong digital infrastructure with 93% fiber coverage, supported by 6 ISPs. Paterson's economy is bolstered by key sectors such as healthcare, education, and manufacturing, with major employers including St. Joseph's University Medical Center and the Paterson Public Schools.
With 16% of the population enrolled in school and a median household income of $63,351, Paterson 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 Paterson, NJ page.
5. Elizabeth, NJ
| Average Internet Speed | 7,954 Mbps | Population | 136,654 |
| ISP Report Card | A | Fiber Coverage | 100% |
| Digital Connectivity Index | 49 / 100 | Number of ISPs | 6 |
Elizabeth, NJ, provides an average internet speed of 7,954 Mbps to its population of approximately 136,654. The city has a strong digital infrastructure with 100% fiber coverage, supported by 6 ISPs. Elizabeth's economy is bolstered by key industries such as transportation, logistics, and retail, with major employers including Newark Liberty International Airport and Trinitas Regional Medical Center.
With 15% of the population enrolled in school and a median household income of $71,086, Elizabeth 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 Elizabeth, NJ page.
6. Yonkers, NY
| Average Internet Speed | 7,828 Mbps | Population | 191,130 |
| ISP Report Card | A | Fiber Coverage | 100% |
| Digital Connectivity Index | 68 / 100 | Number of ISPs | 7 |
Yonkers, NY, offers an average internet speed of 7,828 Mbps to its population of approximately 191,130. The city features robust digital infrastructure with 100% fiber coverage, supported by 7 ISPs. Yonkers' economy is driven by sectors such as education, healthcare, and manufacturing, with major employers including the Yonkers Public Schools and Montefiore Medical Center.
With 16% of the population enrolled in school and a median household income of $85,809, Yonkers 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 Yonkers, NY page.
7. Sandy, UT
| Average Internet Speed | 7,783 Mbps | Population | 105,445 |
| ISP Report Card | A | Fiber Coverage | 96% |
| Digital Connectivity Index | 87 / 100 | Number of ISPs | 12 |
Sandy, UT, features an average internet speed of 7,783 Mbps, serving a population of approximately 105,445. The city boasts strong digital infrastructure with 96% fiber coverage, supported by 12 ISPs. Sandy's economy is driven by sectors such as technology, healthcare, and retail, with major employers including eBay and the Jordan School District.
With 16% of the population enrolled in school and a median household income of $121,859, Sandy 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 Sandy, UT page.
8. Stamford, CT
| Average Internet Speed | 7,755 Mbps | Population | 135,258 |
| ISP Report Card | A- | Fiber Coverage | 96% |
| Digital Connectivity Index | 78 / 100 | Number of ISPs | 6 |
Stamford, CT, provides an average internet speed of 7,755 Mbps to its population of approximately 135,258. The city's digital infrastructure includes 96% fiber coverage, supported by 6 ISPs. Stamford's economy is diverse, with key sectors including finance, technology, and healthcare. Major employers include Deloitte and Stamford Health.
With 14% of the population enrolled in school and a median household income of $118,677, Stamford 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 Stamford, CT page.
9. Kansas City, KS
| Average Internet Speed | 7,663 Mbps | Population | 156,587 |
| ISP Report Card | A | Fiber Coverage | 96% |
| Digital Connectivity Index | 61 / 100 | Number of ISPs | 12 |
Kansas City, KS, delivers an average internet speed of 7,663 Mbps to its 156,587 residents, supported by 12 ISPs and earning an ISP report card grade of A. With fiber coverage reaching 96% of households and a digital connectivity index of 61 / 100, the city combines a powerful network backbone with solid adoption and affordability. Sixteen percent of the population is enrolled in school, and an average household income of $64,065 underpins healthy demand for premium broadband services.
Anchored by a diversified economy—including logistics and distribution (leveraging its central rail and highway connections), advanced manufacturing, and healthcare (notably the University of Kansas Health System’s Kansas City campus)—as well as robust educational institutions like Kansas City Kansas Community College, Kansas City’s high-speed fiber-rich infrastructure is well positioned to fuel continued economic growth and enhance quality of life across the community.
To see all providers, please visit our internet providers in Kansas City, KS page.
10. Olathe, KS
| Average Internet Speed | 7,644 Mbps | Population | 153,408 |
| ISP Report Card | A | Fiber Coverage | 99% |
| Digital Connectivity Index | 90 / 100 | Number of ISPs | 12 |
Olathe, KS, delivers an average internet speed of 7,644 Mbps to its 153,408 residents, supported by 12 ISPs and earning an ISP report card grade of A. With near-universal fiber coverage at 99% and a stellar digital connectivity index of 90 / 100, Olathe combines world-class infrastructure with exceptional adoption and affordability. Sixteen percent of the population is enrolled in school, and an average household income of $129,261 provides strong purchasing power for high-speed services.
Anchored by a diverse economy—including life sciences and bioscience research, advanced manufacturing, and logistics (leveraging its proximity to Kansas City)—as well as healthcare with major employers like AdventHealth Olathe, and supported by higher education institutions such as MidAmerica Nazarene University and the Kansas State University Olathe Innovation Campus, Olathe’s fiber-rich network is primed to drive continued innovation, economic growth, and a high quality of life.
To see all providers, please visit our internet providers in Olathe, KS page.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, our ranking of the top 10 Medium 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.