Mansfield has been rated as one of the “most livable small cities in the nation,” according to a recent study by SmartAsset, an online technology and financial publication.
Mansfield ranks at No. 35 in the United States and No. 2 in Texas, preceded by Flower Mound, which ranked No. 4 nationally. Overall, Texas has three small cities in the Top 50. The study focused on 286 cities with less than 100,000 residents.
Mansfield Mayor Michael Evans says the prestigious distinction symbolizes the positive momentum that has marked his hometown over recent years.
“The city of Mansfield is a world-class city with kind people who seek the good of their neighbors,” he says. “Our city is noted for a first-class educational experience along with great health care facilities and entertainment venues. City leadership is focused on the well being of all residents and strives to continue to be the place known for its outstanding crime rate that is the best in the DFW community. Many of the aforementioned amenities make Mansfield a great place for new companies to call home. We are Mansfield proud, and there is much more to say, but these are only a few of the many examples.”
The study used 11 metrics to measure the “livability” of cities, including:
- Concentration of entertainment establishments. This is the number of arts, entertainment and recreation establishments as a percentage of all establishments in a county.
- Concentration of bars. This is the number of bars as a percentage of all establishments in a county.
- Concentration of restaurants. This is the number of restaurants as a percentage of all establishments in a county. • Concentration of healthcare establishments. This is the number of healthcare and social assistance establishments as a percentage of all establishments in a county.
- Gini coefficient. This is a statistical measurement of income inequality. A Gini coefficient of zero indicates total equality of wealth distribution, while a coefficient of one indicates total inequality of wealth distribution across groups.
- Home affordability. This is the median home value divided by median household income. A lower ratio indicates that homes are more affordable and vice versa.
- Housing costs as a percentage of household income. This is the median housing costs divided by median household income.
- Percentage of residents below the poverty line.
- Unemployment rate.
- Percentage of residents without health insurance.
- Average commute time. This measures a worker’s average commute time in minutes.
