According to WalletHub, Madison ranks No. 3 on its 2020 list of the Best State Capitals to Live In.
Leading the pack is Austin, Texas (No. 1) and Raleigh, North Carolina, while Denver, Colorado and Lincoln, Nebraska round out the top five.
With a total index of 62.14, Madison’s highest ranking was for quality of education and health, at No. 2, edged out only by Montpelier, Vermont for the highest percentage of adults with a bachelor’s degree or higher.
The city also earned points for quality of life ( No. 8), economic well-being (No. 10), and affordability (No. 17).
In comparison, Austin had a total index of 67.61 and topped the national ranking for economic well-being, ranked third for quality of education and health, fourth for quality of life, and was No. 12 in affordability.
