Top 10 Medium Cities with the Fastest Internet Speeds

Medium cities are defined as having between 100,000 and 249,999 residents.

Welcome to our ranking of the top 10 Medium 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
Medium City
Internet Speed for Most Residents
ISP Report Card
1
West Valley City, UT (pop: 138,819)
9,490 Mbps
2
Longmont, CO (pop: 114,269)
8,799 Mbps
3
Elizabeth, NJ (pop: 136,654)
7,825 Mbps
4
Fort Collins, CO (pop: 197,319)
7,742 Mbps
5
Yonkers, NY (pop: 191,130)
7,609 Mbps
6
Stamford, CT (pop: 135,258)
7,568 Mbps
7
Sandy, UT (pop: 105,445)
7,505 Mbps
8
Paterson, NJ (pop: 158,843)
7,379 Mbps
9
Cary, NC (pop: 161,953)
7,249 Mbps
10
Huntsville, AL (pop: 201,587)
7,000 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 Medium 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 Medium City?

Medium cities, with populations between 100,000 and 249,999 residents, serve as key regional centers with dynamic economies in industries like manufacturing, healthcare, and education. They feature essential infrastructure, including local transportation systems, and offer a range of cultural amenities, recreational facilities, and entertainment options. Civic engagement is strong, supported by active local organizations. Medium cities balance urban benefits with a more intimate community atmosphere, making them attractive for businesses, residents, and visitors alike.

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 Medium Cities

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

1. West Valley City, UT

West Valley City Ut

Average Internet Speed
9,490 Mbps
Population
138,819
ISP Report Card
A
Fiber Coverage
95%
Digital Connectivity Index
78 / 100
Number of ISPs
11

West Valley City, UT, stands out with an impressive average internet speed of 9,490 Mbps, serving a population of approximately 138,819. The city features robust digital infrastructure, with 95% fiber coverage supported by 11 ISPs. West Valley City's economy is diverse, driven by sectors such as technology, manufacturing, and retail.

Major employers include the West Valley City School District and Intermountain Healthcare. With 19% of the population enrolled in school and a median household income of $85,054, West Valley City 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 West Valley City, UT page.

2. Longmont, CO

Longmont Co

Average Internet Speed
8,799 Mbps
Population
114,269
ISP Report Card
A-
Fiber Coverage
88%
Digital Connectivity Index
79 / 100
Number of ISPs
14

Longmont, CO, offers an average internet speed of 8,799 Mbps to its population of approximately 114,269. The city's digital infrastructure includes 88% fiber coverage, supported by 14 ISPs. Longmont's economy is driven by key sectors such as technology, manufacturing, and agriculture, with major employers including Seagate Technology and the St. Vrain Valley School District.

With 15% of the population enrolled in school and a median household income of $102,765, Longmont 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 Longmont, CO page.

3. Elizabeth, NJ

Elizabeth Nj Skyline

Average Internet Speed
7,825 Mbps
Population
136,654
ISP Report Card
A
Fiber Coverage
99%
Digital Connectivity Index
48 / 100
Number of ISPs
5

Elizabeth, NJ, provides an average internet speed of 7,825 Mbps to its population of approximately 136,654. The city has a strong digital infrastructure with 99% fiber coverage, supported by 5 ISPs. Elizabeth's economy is bolstered by key industries such as transportation, logistics, and retail, with major employers including Newark Liberty International Airport and Trinitas Regional Medical Center.

With 15% of the population enrolled in school and a median household income of $63,714, Elizabeth 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 Elizabeth, NJ page.

4. Fort Collins, CO

Fort Collins Co Skyline

Average Internet Speed
7,742 Mbps
Population
197,319
ISP Report Card
A-
Fiber Coverage
75%
Digital Connectivity Index
73 / 100
Number of ISPs
13

Fort Collins, CO, features an average internet speed of 7,742 Mbps, serving a population of approximately 197,319. The city boasts strong digital infrastructure with 75% fiber coverage, supported by 13 ISPs. Fort Collins' economy is driven by sectors such as education, healthcare, and technology, with major employers including Colorado State University and UCHealth.

With 27% of the population enrolled in school and a median household income of $89,221, Fort Collins 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 Fort Collins, CO page.

5. Yonkers, NY

Yonkers Ny Skyline

Average Internet Speed
7,609 Mbps
Population
191,130
ISP Report Card
A
Fiber Coverage
99%
Digital Connectivity Index
66 / 100
Number of ISPs
6

Yonkers, NY, offers an average internet speed of 7,609 Mbps to its population of approximately 191,130. The city features robust digital infrastructure with 99% fiber coverage, supported by 6 ISPs. Yonkers' economy is driven by sectors such as education, healthcare, and manufacturing, with major employers including the Yonkers Public Schools and Montefiore Medical Center.

With 16% of the population enrolled in school and a median household income of $85,330, Yonkers 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 Yonkers, NY page.

6. Stamford, CT

Stamford Ct Skyline

Average Internet Speed
7,568 Mbps
Population
135,258
ISP Report Card
A
Fiber Coverage
95%
Digital Connectivity Index
79 / 100
Number of ISPs
7

Stamford, CT, provides an average internet speed of 7,568 Mbps to its population of approximately 135,258. The city's digital infrastructure includes 95% fiber coverage, supported by 7 ISPs. Stamford's economy is diverse, with key sectors including finance, technology, and healthcare. Major employers include Deloitte and Stamford Health.

With 15% of the population enrolled in school and a median household income of $118,428, Stamford 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 Stamford, CT page.

7. Sandy, UT

Sandy Ut

Average Internet Speed
7,505 Mbps
Population
105,445
ISP Report Card
A
Fiber Coverage
92%
Digital Connectivity Index
87 / 100
Number of ISPs
11

Sandy, UT, features an average internet speed of 7,505 Mbps, serving a population of approximately 105,445. The city boasts strong digital infrastructure with 92% fiber coverage, supported by 11 ISPs. Sandy's economy is driven by sectors such as technology, healthcare, and retail, with major employers including eBay and the Jordan School District.

With 16% of the population enrolled in school and a median household income of $115,403, Sandy 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 Sandy, UT page.

8. Paterson, NJ

Paterson Nj Skyline

Average Internet Speed
7,379 Mbps
Population
158,843
ISP Report Card
A
Fiber Coverage
99%
Digital Connectivity Index
59 / 100
Number of ISPs
5

Paterson, NJ, offers an average internet speed of 7,379 Mbps to its population of approximately 158,843. The city features a strong digital infrastructure with 93% fiber coverage, supported by 11 ISPs. Paterson's economy is bolstered by key sectors such as healthcare, education, and manufacturing, with major employers including St. Joseph's University Medical Center and the Paterson Public Schools.

With 17% of the population enrolled in school and a median household income of $60,381, Paterson 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 Paterson, NJ page.

9. Cary, NC

Cary Nc

Average Internet Speed
7,249 Mbps
Population
161,953
ISP Report Card
A
Fiber Coverage
94%
Digital Connectivity Index
91 / 100
Number of ISPs
8

Cary, NC, provides an average internet speed of 7,249 Mbps to its population of approximately 161,953. The city's digital infrastructure includes 94% fiber coverage, supported by 8 ISPs. Cary's economy is driven by key sectors such as technology, healthcare, and education, with major employers including SAS Institute and Wake County Public Schools.

With 17% of the population enrolled in school and a median household income of $134,887, Cary 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 Cary, NC page.

10. Huntsville, AL

Huntsville Al Skyline

Average Internet Speed
7,000 Mbps
Population
201,587
ISP Report Card
A
Fiber Coverage
88%
Digital Connectivity Index
63 / 100
Number of ISPs
8

Huntsville, AL, offers an average internet speed of 7,000 Mbps to its population of approximately 201,587. The city features a strong digital infrastructure with 88% fiber coverage, supported by 8 ISPs. Huntsville's economy is bolstered by sectors such as aerospace, technology, and defense, with major employers including NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center and Redstone Arsenal.

With 19% of the population enrolled in school and a median household income of $76,624, Huntsville 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 Huntsville, AL page.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, our ranking of the top 10 Medium 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.