The Milken Institute released its Best-Performing Cities 2024: Focus on Sustainable Growth and Resilience report earlier this year and the Fond du Lac Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA), which covers all of Fond du Lac County, rose 31 places from 56th in 2023 to 25th out of 203 small cities. 

Published annually since 1999, the index strives to demonstrate how effective cities are at both promoting economic growth and remaining attractive to residents and businesses. It is meant to offer simple yet comprehensive insights for businesses, policymakers, and government officials to track the economic vitality of their community. 

A total of thirteen metrics used to determine the rankings are divided into three categories: labor market performance, high-tech impact, and access to economic opportunities. Most of the data used in the report is from 2022.

Elsewhere in Wisconsin for the Small Cities category, Appleton ranks at No. 20, with Eau Claire at No. 41; Janesville-Beloit at No. 52; Racine at 72; La Crosse at 113; Sheboygan at No. 114; Oshkosh-Neenah at 133; and Wausau at 150.