Indicator Series Methodology: The Milken Institute Best Performing Cities index ranks U.S. metropolitan areas based upon their economic performance and their ability to create, as well as keep, the greatest number of jobs in the nation. The index is outcome-based. Its components measure job, wage and salary and technology growth. An overall index value is based on a best-achieved score of 100. Thus, values closest to 100 are considered more favorable.

Note that until June 2003, the index was referred to as the Forbes/Milken Institute Best Places Index. While the index’s concept has remained similar during its history, the criteria and methodology have changed from year to year.