Top 10 Large Cities with the Fastest Internet Speeds

Large cities are defined as having between 250,000 and 499,999 residents.

Welcome to our ranking of the top 10 Large 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
Large City
Internet Speed for Most Residents
ISP Report Card
1
Oakland, CA (pop: 412,638)
7,790 Mbps
2
Newark, NJ (pop: 310,751)
7,288 Mbps
3
Durham, NC (pop: 312,468)
5,011 Mbps
4
Lexington, KY (pop: 324,076)
4,794 Mbps
5
Long Beach, CA (pop: 465,568)
4,677 Mbps
6
Garland, TX (pop: 254,104)
4,581 Mbps
7
Fort Wayne, IN (pop: 319,352)
4,547 Mbps
8
Plano, TX (pop: 281,990)
4,458 Mbps
9
Naples, FL (pop: 297,005)
4,424 Mbps
10
Spring, TX (pop: 302,256)
4,236 Mbps

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 Large 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 Large City?

Large cities, with populations between 250,000 and 499,999 residents, serve as important regional centers with diverse economies in industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, and education. They feature substantial infrastructure, including well-developed transportation systems and essential healthcare and educational institutions. These cities offer a variety of cultural amenities, recreational facilities, and entertainment options, contributing to vibrant urban life. Civic engagement is robust, supported by active community organizations.

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
  1. Granular Data Analysis: Using block-level data to capture detailed variations in internet speeds.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Data Sources and Reliability: Utilizing FCC data reported by ISPs with statistical methods to address potential biases. Current ranking uses the May 28, 2024 FCC update, which is based on the Broadband Data Collection as of December 31, 2023.

For a detailed explanation of our methodology and why it stands out from other rankings, click here.

Detailed Rankings of the Top 10 Large Cities

Below, you'll learn more about the top large cities found in our rankings, why these cities made the list, and other metrics related to their digital connectivity.

1. Oakland, CA

Oakland Ca Skyline

Average Internet Speed
7,790 Mbps
Population
412,638
ISP Report Card
A
Fiber Coverage
91%
Digital Connectivity Index
73 / 100
Number of ISPs
10

Oakland, CA, stands out with an impressive average internet speed of 7,790 Mbps, serving a population of approximately 412,638. The city features robust digital infrastructure, with 91% fiber coverage supported by 10 ISPs. Oakland's economy is diverse, with significant contributions from sectors such as technology, healthcare, and logistics.

Major employers include Kaiser Permanente and the Port of Oakland. With 15% of the population enrolled in school and a median household income of $103,197, Oakland continues to invest heavily in high-speed internet infrastructure, ensuring reliable and fast connectivity for its residents and businesses.

To see all providers, please visit our internet providers in Oakland, CA page.

2. Newark, NJ

Newark Nj Skyline

Average Internet Speed
7,288 Mbps
Population
310,751
ISP Report Card
A-
Fiber Coverage
92%
Digital Connectivity Index
47 / 100
Number of ISPs
7

Newark, NJ, offers a high average internet speed of 7,288 Mbps to its population of approximately 310,751. The city's digital infrastructure includes 92% fiber coverage, supported by 7 ISPs. Newark's economy is driven by sectors such as transportation, healthcare, and education, with major employers including Prudential Financial and Newark Liberty International Airport.

With 18% of the population enrolled in school and a median household income of $51,317, Newark is dedicated to improving its 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 Newark, NJ page.

3. Durham, NC

Durham Nc Skyline

Average Internet Speed
5,011 Mbps
Population
312,468
ISP Report Card
A-
Fiber Coverage
77%
Digital Connectivity Index
73 / 100
Number of ISPs
9

Durham, NC, provides an average internet speed of 5,011 Mbps to its population of approximately 312,468. The city has a strong digital infrastructure with 77% fiber coverage, supported by 9 ISPs. Durham's economy is bolstered by key industries such as education, healthcare, and technology, with major employers including Duke University and Duke Health.

With 18% of the population enrolled in school and a median household income of $85,263, Durham continues to invest in its internet infrastructure to support its economic growth and improve the quality of life for its residents.

To see all providers, please visit our internet providers in Durham, NC page.

4. Lexington, KY

Lexington Ky Skyline

Average Internet Speed
4,794 Mbps
Population
324,076
ISP Report Card
B+
Fiber Coverage
92%
Digital Connectivity Index
68 / 100
Number of ISPs
6

Lexington, KY, features an average internet speed of 4,794 Mbps, serving a population of approximately 324,076. The city boasts strong digital infrastructure with 91% fiber coverage, supported by 6 ISPs. Lexington's economy is diverse, with significant contributions from sectors such as education, healthcare, and manufacturing.

Major employers include the University of Kentucky and Lexmark International. With 21% of the population enrolled in school and a median household income of $76,553, Lexington continues to make significant investments in high-speed internet infrastructure to support its vibrant community and economy.

To see all providers, please visit our internet providers in Lexington, KY page.

5. Long Beach, CA

Long Beach Ca Skyline

Average Internet Speed
4,677 Mbps
Population
465,568
ISP Report Card
A
Fiber Coverage
92%
Digital Connectivity Index
77 / 100
Number of ISPs
7

Long Beach, CA, offers an average internet speed of 4,677 Mbps to its population of approximately 465,568. The city features robust digital infrastructure with 92% fiber coverage, supported by 7 ISPs. Long Beach's economy is driven by sectors such as trade, healthcare, and education, with major employers including the Long Beach Unified School District and the Port of Long Beach.

With 18% of the population enrolled in school and a median household income of $84,564, Long Beach 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 Long Beach, CA page.

6. Garland, TX

Garland Tx

Average Internet Speed
4,581 Mbps
Population
254,104
ISP Report Card
B+
Fiber Coverage
91%
Digital Connectivity Index
79 / 100
Number of ISPs
8

Garland, TX, provides an average internet speed of 4,581 Mbps to its population of approximately 254,104. The city's digital infrastructure includes 91% fiber coverage, supported by 8 ISPs. Garland's economy is diverse, with key sectors including manufacturing, technology, and retail. Major employers include Kraft Heinz and the Garland Independent School District.

With 17% of the population enrolled in school and a median household income of $76,968, Garland continues to make significant investments in high-speed internet infrastructure to support its economic growth and vibrant community.

To see all providers, please visit our internet providers in Garland, TX page.

7. Fort Wayne, IN

Fort Wayne In Skyline

Average Internet Speed
4,547 Mbps
Population
319,352
ISP Report Card
A-
Fiber Coverage
90%
Digital Connectivity Index
65 / 100
Number of ISPs
11

Fort Wayne, IN, features an average internet speed of 4,547 Mbps, serving a population of approximately 319,352. The city boasts strong digital infrastructure with 90% fiber coverage, supported by 11 ISPs. Fort Wayne's economy is driven by sectors such as healthcare, manufacturing, and education, with major employers including Parkview Health and Steel Dynamics.

With 16% of the population enrolled in school and a median household income of $73,469, Fort Wayne 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 Fort Wayne, IN page.

8. Plano, TX

Plano Tx Skyline

Average Internet Speed
4,458 Mbps
Population
281,990
ISP Report Card
B+
Fiber Coverage
89%
Digital Connectivity Index
90 / 100
Number of ISPs
9

Plano, TX, offers an average internet speed of 4,458 Mbps to its population of approximately 281,990. The city features robust digital infrastructure with 89% fiber coverage, supported by 9 ISPs. Plano's economy is bolstered by key sectors such as technology, finance, and education, with major employers including Toyota Motor North America and Capital One.

With 16% of the population enrolled in school and a median household income of $121,077, Plano continues to make significant investments in high-speed 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 Plano, TX page.

9. Naples, FL

Naples Fl Skyline

Average Internet Speed
4,424 Mbps
Population
297,005
ISP Report Card
B
Fiber Coverage
55%
Digital Connectivity Index
76 / 100
Number of ISPs
8

Naples, FL, provides an average internet speed of 4,424 Mbps to its population of approximately 297,005. The city's digital infrastructure includes 55% fiber coverage, supported by 8 ISPs. Naples' economy is driven by sectors such as healthcare, tourism, and real estate, with major employers including NCH Healthcare System and Arthrex.

With 10% of the population enrolled in school and a median household income of $96,734, Naples 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 Naples, FL page.

10. Spring, TX

Spring Tx

Average Internet Speed
4,236 Mbps
Population
302,256
ISP Report Card
A
Fiber Coverage
88%
Digital Connectivity Index
88 / 100
Number of ISPs
8

Spring, TX, offers an average internet speed of 4,236 Mbps to its population of approximately 302,256. The city features a strong digital infrastructure with 88% fiber coverage, supported by 8 ISPs. Spring's economy is bolstered by sectors such as energy, healthcare, and education, with major employers including ExxonMobil and the Spring Independent School District.

With 17% of the population enrolled in school and a median household income of $112,962, Spring continues to make significant investments in high-speed 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 Spring, TX page.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, our ranking of the top 10 Large 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.