Top 10 Small Cities with the Fastest Internet Speeds
Welcome to our ranking of the top 10 Small 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 | Small City | Internet Speed for Most Residents | ISP Report Card | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Layton, UT (pop: 77,453) | 9,808 Mbps | A | ||
| 2 | Orem, UT (pop: 96,264) | 9,707 Mbps | A | ||
| 3 | Murray, UT (pop: 57,863) | 9,497 Mbps | A | ||
| 4 | Enid, OK (pop: 53,175) | 9,326 Mbps | A | ||
| 5 | St. Louis Park, MN (pop: 50,288) | 9,039 Mbps | A- | ||
| 6 | Loveland, CO (pop: 91,780) | 8,856 Mbps | A- | ||
| 7 | Richmond, CA (pop: 87,294) | 8,687 Mbps | A | ||
| 8 | Bayonne, NJ (pop: 71,737) | 7,996 Mbps | A | ||
| 9 | Valley Stream, NY (pop: 52,316) | 7,994 Mbps | A | ||
| 10 | Passaic, NJ (pop: 70,537) | 7,979 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 Small 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 Small City?
Small cities, with populations between 50,000 and 99,999 residents, offer a blend of urban conveniences and community-focused living. These cities often act as hubs for surrounding rural areas, providing essential services, local transportation options, and a range of educational and healthcare facilities. The economies in small cities are diverse, often driven by local businesses, manufacturing, and agriculture. Residents enjoy a tight-knit community atmosphere with numerous cultural and recreational opportunities. Civic engagement is high, with active participation in local governance and community events. Small cities strike a balance between the amenities of larger urban areas and the charm of a close-knit community, making them desirable places to live, work, and visit.
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 Small Cities
Below, you'll learn more about the top small cities found in our rankings, why these cities made the list, and other metrics related to their digital connectivity.
1. Layton, UT
| Average Internet Speed | 9,808 Mbps | Population | 77,453 |
| ISP Report Card | A | Fiber Coverage | 98% |
| Digital Connectivity Index | 86 / 100 | Number of ISPs | 12 |
Layton, UT, boasts an impressive average internet speed of 9,808 Mbps, serving a population of approximately 77,453. With a robust fiber coverage of 98% supported by 12 ISPs, Layton's digital infrastructure is well-developed. The city's economy is driven by sectors such as retail, healthcare, and education, with major employers including Davis Hospital and Medical Center and Layton Hills Mall.
Layton has 19% of its population enrolled in school and a median household income of $103,808, reflecting significant investment 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 Layton, UT page.
2. Orem, UT
| Average Internet Speed | 9,707 Mbps | Population | 96,264 |
| ISP Report Card | A+ | Fiber Coverage | 97% |
| Digital Connectivity Index | 86 / 100 | Number of ISPs | 14 |
Orem, UT, offers an average internet speed of 9,707 Mbps to its population of approximately 96,264. The city's digital infrastructure includes 97% fiber coverage supported by 14 ISPs. Orem's economy is driven by key sectors such as education, technology, and retail, with major employers including Utah Valley University and Blendtec.
With 28% of the population enrolled in school and a median household income of $88,363, Orem continues to make significant investments in high-speed internet infrastructure to support its vibrant community and economic growth.
To see all providers, please visit our internet providers in Orem, UT page.
3. Murray, UT
| Average Internet Speed | 9,497 Mbps | Population | 57,863 |
| ISP Report Card | A | Fiber Coverage | 96% |
| Digital Connectivity Index | 74 / 100 | Number of ISPs | 13 |
Murray, UT, features an average internet speed of 9,497 Mbps, serving a population of approximately 57,863. The city boasts a strong digital infrastructure with 96% fiber coverage, supported by 13 ISPs. Murray's economy is driven by sectors such as healthcare, retail, and education, with major employers including Intermountain Medical Center and the Murray School District.
With 17% of the population enrolled in school and a median household income of $89,599, Murray 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 Murray, UT page.
4. Enid, OK
| Average Internet Speed | 9,326 Mbps | Population | 53,175 |
| ISP Report Card | A | Fiber Coverage | 92% |
| Digital Connectivity Index | 49 / 100 | Number of ISPs | 10 |
Enid, OK, offers an average internet speed of 9,326 Mbps to its 53,175 residents, supported by 10 ISPs and earning an ISP report card grade of A. With fiber coverage reaching 92% of households and a digital connectivity index of 49 / 100, Enid combines a strong infrastructure backbone with room to grow in adoption and affordability.
Some 15% of the population is enrolled in school, and an average household income of $69,515 provides solid purchasing power for advanced services. Anchored by a diversified economy—spanning agriculture, oil and gas production, light manufacturing, and healthcare (notably Enid Regional Medical Center)—as well as a robust public school system and vocational training providers, Enid’s high-speed network is well poised to support continued community vitality and economic development.
To see all providers, please visit our internet providers in Enid, OK page.
5. St. Louis Park, MN
| Average Internet Speed | 9,039 Mbps | Population | 50,288 |
| ISP Report Card | A- | Fiber Coverage | 88% |
| Digital Connectivity Index | 74 / 100 | Number of ISPs | 9 |
St. Louis Park, MN, offers an average internet speed of 9,039 Mbps to its population of approximately 50,288. The city's digital infrastructure includes 88% fiber coverage supported by 9 ISPs. St. Louis Park's economy is driven by key sectors such as healthcare, retail, and education, with major employers including Park Nicollet Health Services and St. Louis Park Public Schools.
With 12% of the population enrolled in school and a median household income of $110,223, St. Louis Park continues to make significant investments in high-speed internet infrastructure to support its vibrant community and economic growth.
To see all providers, please visit our internet providers in St. Louis Park, MN page.
6. Loveland, CO
| Average Internet Speed | 8,856 Mbps | Population | 91,780 |
| ISP Report Card | A- | Fiber Coverage | 87% |
| Digital Connectivity Index | 70 / 100 | Number of ISPs | 11 |
Loveland, CO, features an average internet speed of 8,856 Mbps, serving a population of approximately 91,780. The city boasts strong digital infrastructure with 87% fiber coverage, supported by 11 ISPs. Loveland's economy is driven by sectors such as technology, healthcare, and manufacturing, with major employers including Hewlett-Packard and Banner Health.
With 13% of the population enrolled in school and a median household income of $90,389, Loveland 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 Loveland, CO page.
7. Richmond, CA
| Average Internet Speed | 8,687 Mbps | Population | 87,294 |
| ISP Report Card | A | Fiber Coverage | 95% |
| Digital Connectivity Index | 73 / 100 | Number of ISPs | 9 |
Richmond, CA, features an average internet speed of 8,687 Mbps, serving a population of approximately 87,294. The city boasts strong digital infrastructure with 95% fiber coverage, supported by 9 ISPs. Richmond's economy is driven by sectors such as healthcare, education, and manufacturing, with major employers including Chevron Richmond Refinery and Kaiser Permanente.
With 17% of the population enrolled in school and a median household income of $87,740, Richmond 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 Richmond, CA page.
8. Bayonne, NJ
| Average Internet Speed | 7,996 Mbps | Population | 71,737 |
| ISP Report Card | A | Fiber Coverage | 100% |
| Digital Connectivity Index | 66 / 100 | Number of ISPs | 6 |
Bayonne, NJ, delivers an average internet speed of 7,996 Mbps to its 71,737 residents, supported by 6 ISPs and earning an ISP report card grade of A. Boasting 100% fiber coverage and a digital connectivity index of 66 / 100, Bayonne combines best-in-class infrastructure with strong adoption and affordability.
Fourteen percent of the population is enrolled in school, and an average household income of $86,348 underpins healthy demand for premium services. Anchored by its strategic Port of New York and New Jersey operations, healthcare (notably Bayonne Medical Center), manufacturing, and retail sectors—and with significant public education employment through the Bayonne Board of Education—Bayonne’s fully fiber-powered network is primed to support continued economic growth and community well-being.
To see all providers, please visit our internet providers in Bayonne, NJ page.
9. Valley Stream, NY
| Average Internet Speed | 7,994 Mbps | Population | 52,316 |
| ISP Report Card | A | Fiber Coverage | 100% |
| Digital Connectivity Index | 88 / 100 | Number of ISPs | 6 |
Valley Stream, NY, offers an average internet speed of 7,994 Mbps to its population of approximately 52,316. The city features robust digital infrastructure with 100% fiber coverage, supported by 6 ISPs. Valley Stream's economy is bolstered by key sectors such as retail, healthcare, and education, with major employers including Northwell Health and Valley Stream Central High School District.
With 19% of the population enrolled in school and a median household income of $141,654, Valley Stream 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 Valley Stream, NY page.
10. Passaic, NJ
| Average Internet Speed | 7,979 Mbps | Population | 70,537 |
| ISP Report Card | A | Fiber Coverage | 100% |
| Digital Connectivity Index | 67 / 100 | Number of ISPs | 6 |
Passaic, NJ, delivers an average internet speed of 7,979 Mbps to its 70,537 residents, backed by 6 ISPs and earning an ISP report card grade of A. With full fiber coverage at 100% and a digital connectivity index of 67 / 100, the city combines top-tier infrastructure with strong adoption and affordability.
Twenty-one percent of the population is enrolled in school, and an average household income of $66,728 supports healthy demand for advanced services. Anchored by a diverse economy—including manufacturing, retail (particularly along Passaic’s commercial corridors), and healthcare (notably St. Mary’s General Hospital)—as well as robust public education employment through the Passaic Public Schools system, Passaic’s fully fiber-powered network is primed to fuel continued economic growth and community well-being.
To see all providers, please visit our internet providers in Passaic, NJ page.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, our ranking of the top 10 Small 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.