WalletHub study ranks Tallahassee 30th among state capitals in U.S.

Tallahassee may be home to the Legislature, Governor’s Mansion, Florida State University and Florida A&M, but a new study says it comes up short when compared to other state capitals.

WalletHub, a personal finance firm, recently issued its list of best state capitals to live in, and Tallahassee ranked 30th.

WalletHub analysts compared 48 total factors, such as affordability, economic stability, quality of life, education and health care. They used the indicators to establish a state capital index score.

Austin, Texas, finished first with a state capital index score of 64.17. It was ranked first in both economic well-being and quality of education and health. Austin was fourth in affordability and 10th in quality of life.

Raleigh, North Carolina, came in second, followed by Atlanta at No. 3, Madison, Wisconsin, at No. 4, and Boise, Idaho, at No. 5.

“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,” said Chip Lupo, an economic analyst for WalletHub.

“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.”

Tallahassee earned a state capital index score of 49.56. Its ranking of quality of education and health were a bit better, coming in at 16th. The quality of life in the North Florida hub came in at 18th.

But Tallahassee’s economic well-being was in the lower rung of state capitals, ranked No. 37. The city also ranked just No. 34 for affordability.

Jackson, Mississippi, was ranked the worst state capital, at 50th. Augusta, Maine, was No. 49, followed by Trenton, New Jersey, at No. 48, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, at No. 47, and Little Rock, Arkansas, at No. 46.