Top 10 Major Cities with the Fastest Internet Speeds
Welcome to our ranking of the top 10 Major 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 |
Major City |
Internet Speed for Most Residents |
ISP Report Card |
||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 |
Chattanooga, TN (pop: 562,647) |
17,060 Mbps |
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2 |
Bridgeport, CT (pop: 957,419) |
6,799 Mbps |
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3 |
Provo, UT (pop: 671,185) |
5,168 Mbps |
|||
4 |
New Haven, CT (pop: 864,835) |
4,094 Mbps |
|||
5 |
Ogden, UT (pop: 637,197) |
4,058 Mbps |
|||
6 |
Sarasota, FL (pop: 833,716) |
4,037 Mbps |
|||
7 |
Toledo, OH (pop: 606,240) |
3,998 Mbps |
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8 |
Chapel Hill, NC (pop: 588,911) |
3,900 Mbps |
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9 |
Knoxville, TN (pop: 903,300) |
3,705 Mbps |
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10 |
Lakeland, FL (pop: 725,046) |
3,667 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 Major 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 Major City?
Major cities have populations between 500,000 and 999,999 residents and often serve as regional hubs with strong economies and diverse industries. They feature well-developed transportation networks, high-quality healthcare and educational institutions, and a rich array of cultural and recreational amenities. Major cities balance urban benefits with a more manageable scale, making them attractive for businesses, residents, and visitors alike.
Interested in the rankings for other city sizes? You can find them here:
- Top 10 Metropolitan Cities with the Fastest Internet
- Top 10 Large Cities with the Fastest Internet
- Top 10 Medium Cities with the Fastest Internet
- Top 10 Small Cities with the Fastest Internet (coming soon)
- Top 10 Suburban / Regional Cities with the Fastest Internet (coming soon)
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
- Granular Data Analysis: Using block-level data to capture detailed variations in internet speeds.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 Metropolitan Cities
Below, you'll learn more about the top metropolitan cities found in our rankings, why these cities made the list, and other metrics related to their digital connectivity.
1. Chattanooga, TN
Average Internet Speed |
17,060 Mbps |
Population |
562,647 |
ISP Report Card |
A- |
Fiber Coverage |
91% |
Digital Connectivity Index |
63 / 100 |
Number of ISPs |
14 |
Chattanooga, TN, tops our list of major cities with an average internet speed of 17,060 Mbps. With a population of approximately 562,647, the city is renowned for its robust digital infrastructure and extensive fiber coverage at 91%. Chattanooga's economy is diverse, driven by significant organizations such as Volkswagen's North American manufacturing hub, the Tennessee Valley Authority, and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.
The city's strong educational sector, with 14% of the population enrolled in school, and a median household income of $72,863, further support its substantial investments in high-speed internet infrastructure. Chattanooga stands out as a leader in connectivity, providing residents and businesses with reliable and fast internet access.
To see all providers, please visit our internet providers in Chattanooga, TN page.
2. Bridgeport, CT
Average Internet Speed |
6,799 Mbps |
Population |
957,419 |
ISP Report Card |
A |
Fiber Coverage |
94% |
Digital Connectivity Index |
81 / 100 |
Number of ISPs |
9 |
Bridgeport, CT, ranks highly among major cities with an average internet speed of 6,799 Mbps. Home to approximately 957,419 residents, Bridgeport benefits from strong digital infrastructure with 94% fiber coverage. The city's economy is diverse, featuring key industries such as healthcare, education, and manufacturing.
Major institutions like St. Vincent's Medical Center and the University of Bridgeport contribute to the city's high demand for reliable internet services. With a median household income of $130,239 and 17% of the population enrolled in school, Bridgeport ensures significant investments in high-speed internet, supported by 9 ISPs offering competitive options. The city's commitment to connectivity supports both residents and businesses, making it a prominent leader in digital infrastructure.
To see all providers, please visit our internet providers in Bridgeport, CT page.
3. Provo, UT
Average Internet Speed |
5,168 Mbps |
Population |
671,185 |
ISP Report Card |
A- |
Fiber Coverage |
94% |
Digital Connectivity Index |
89 / 100 |
Number of ISPs |
20 |
Provo, UT, excels with an average internet speed of 5,168 Mbps. Serving a population of approximately 671,185, Provo is known for its advanced digital infrastructure, with 72% fiber coverage. The city's vibrant economy is bolstered by prominent institutions such as Brigham Young University and tech companies like Qualtrics and Vivint.
With a high Digital Connectivity Index of 89, Provo supports 20 ISPs, offering residents a wide range of high-speed internet options. The city's strong educational sector, with 26% of the population enrolled in school, and a median household income of $100,842, drive significant investments in internet infrastructure.
To see all providers, please visit our internet providers in Provo, UT page.
4. New Haven, CT
Average Internet Speed |
4,797 Mbps |
Population |
864,835 |
ISP Report Card |
A- |
Fiber Coverage |
87% |
Digital Connectivity Index |
67 / 100 |
Number of ISPs |
10 |
New Haven, CT, boasts an average internet speed of 4,797 Mbps, serving a population of approximately 864,835. The city features strong digital infrastructure with 87% fiber coverage. New Haven's economy is anchored by prestigious institutions such as Yale University and major companies like ASSA ABLOY, driving significant demand for high-speed internet.
With 17% of the population enrolled in school and a median household income of $92,394, New Haven invests heavily in its internet infrastructure. Supported by 10 ISPs, the city offers competitive internet services, ensuring that residents and businesses have access to reliable and fast connectivity.
To see all providers, please visit our internet providers in New Haven, CT page.
5. Ogden, UT
Average Internet Speed |
4,757 Mbps |
Population |
637,197 |
ISP Report Card |
A- |
Fiber Coverage |
56% |
Digital Connectivity Index |
87 / 100 |
Number of ISPs |
15 |
Ogden, UT, features an average internet speed of 4,757 Mbps, serving a population of approximately 637,197. The city's digital infrastructure includes 56% fiber coverage, supported by 15 ISPs providing competitive options for residents and businesses.
Ogden's economy is driven by key sectors such as aerospace and defense, with significant employers including Hill Air Force Base and Autoliv. With 19% of the population enrolled in school and a median household income of $100,407, Ogden ensures substantial investments in internet infrastructure.
To see all providers, please visit our internet providers in Ogden, UT page.
6. Sarasota, FL
Average Internet Speed |
4,406 Mbps |
Population |
833,716 |
ISP Report Card |
A- |
Fiber Coverage |
85% |
Digital Connectivity Index |
71 / 100 |
Number of ISPs |
11 |
Sarasota, FL, boasts an average internet speed of 4,406 Mbps, serving a population of approximately 833,716. The city enjoys extensive digital infrastructure with 85% fiber coverage. Sarasota's economy is bolstered by key industries such as healthcare and tourism, with major employers including Sarasota Memorial Health Care System and The Ritz-Carlton.
With 11% of the population enrolled in school and a median household income of $83,545, Sarasota ensures ongoing investments in high-speed internet infrastructure. Supported by 11 ISPs, the city offers competitive internet services, making it a leader in digital connectivity for both residents and businesses.
To see all providers, please visit our internet providers in Sarasota, FL page.
7. Toledo, OH
Average Internet Speed |
4,280 Mbps |
Population |
606,240 |
ISP Report Card |
B+ |
Fiber Coverage |
51% |
Digital Connectivity Index |
59 / 100 |
Number of ISPs |
17 |
Toledo, OH, features an average internet speed of 4,280 Mbps, serving a population of approximately 606,240. The city's digital infrastructure includes 51% fiber coverage, supported by 17 ISPs providing a range of competitive options.
Toledo's economy is driven by significant industries such as automotive and glass manufacturing, with major employers including Jeep and Owens Corning. With 17% of the population enrolled in school and a median household income of $72,817, Toledo continues to invest in its internet infrastructure to support its diverse economic base and enhance the quality of life for its residents.
To see all providers, please visit our internet providers in Toledo, OH page.
8. Chapel Hill, NC
Average Internet Speed |
4,154 Mbps |
Population |
588,911 |
ISP Report Card |
B+ |
Fiber Coverage |
66% |
Digital Connectivity Index |
71 / 100 |
Number of ISPs |
13 |
Chapel Hill, NC, offers an average internet speed of 4,154 Mbps, serving a population of approximately 588,911. The city features a strong digital infrastructure with 66% fiber coverage, supported by 13 ISPs. Chapel Hill's economy is heavily influenced by education and healthcare, with major institutions such as the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and UNC Health Care.
With 19% of the population enrolled in school and a median household income of $88,135, Chapel Hill ensures significant investments in high-speed internet infrastructure. The city's robust digital connectivity supports both its academic and healthcare sectors, providing residents with reliable and fast internet services.
To see all providers, please visit our internet providers in Chapel Hill, NC page.
9. Knoxville, TN
Average Internet Speed |
3,937 Mbps |
Population |
903,300 |
ISP Report Card |
A- |
Fiber Coverage |
65% |
Digital Connectivity Index |
58 / 100 |
Number of ISPs |
14 |
Knoxville, TN, offers an average internet speed of 3,937 Mbps, serving a population of approximately 903,300. The city's digital infrastructure includes 65% fiber coverage, supported by 14 ISPs. Knoxville's economy is diverse, with significant contributions from sectors such as education, energy, and manufacturing.
Major employers include the University of Tennessee and the Tennessee Valley Authority. With 15% of the population enrolled in school and a median household income of $73,323, Knoxville 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 Knoxville, TN page.
10. Lakeland, FL
Average Internet Speed |
3,550 Mbps |
Population |
725,046 |
ISP Report Card |
B |
Fiber Coverage |
65% |
Digital Connectivity Index |
66 / 100 |
Number of ISPs |
10 |
Lakeland, FL, provides an average internet speed of 3,550 Mbps, serving a population of approximately 725,046. The city has a solid digital infrastructure with 65% fiber coverage, supported by 10 ISPs offering competitive options. Lakeland's economy is driven by sectors such as logistics, agriculture, and healthcare, with major employers including Publix Super Markets and Lakeland Regional Health.
With 15% of the population enrolled in school and a median household income of $64,534, Lakeland continues to make significant investments in high-speed internet infrastructure. The city's commitment to enhancing digital connectivity supports its diverse economic base and improves the quality of life for its residents.
To see all providers, please visit our internet providers in Lakeland, FL page.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, our ranking of the top 10 Major 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.