Notable Rankings

Schools Rank 3rd

Lawrence, Kansas MSA public schools rank 3rd among the nation’s 362 metropolitan areas by Expansion Management Magazine, a national publication for site location advisors. The April 2006 ranking was based off of academic performance measures and a community’s financial commitment to education.

A 5-Star Quality of Life Metro

Lawrence, Kansas ranked as one of 362 5-Star Quality of Life Metros by Expansion Management Magazine. The June 2006 ranking was based off of low crime rate, affordable housing, quality public schools, reasonable standard of living, spouse employment opportunities, adult education levels, traffic and commuting, continuing education opportunities and commercial air access.

Named 100 Best Communities for Young People

The Alliance for Youth named Lawrence-Douglas County on of the 100 Best Communities for Young People. The winning communities – ranging from small towns to urban neighborhoods across America – are being celebrated for their commitment to provide healthy, safe and caring environments for young people. Members of America’s Promise Alliance – including United Way of America, the U.S. Conference of Mayors, Junior Achievement and the YMCA and many others – took leading roles in the 100 Best competition. 100 Best Communities for Young People was launched in partnership with Capital One Financial Corporation.

Named an America’s Top Business Opportunity Metro

Lawrence, Kansas was designated by Expansion Management Magazine as one of “America’s Top Business Opportunity Metros for 2005”. The ranking is based upon the results of the 2005 Mayor’s Challenge rankings of overall business climate and attractiveness to growing companies from throughout the world.

6th Best Smaller Metro Area to Launch a Business or a Career

Forbes Magazine ranked Lawrence, Kansas as the 6th best smaller metro area to launch a business or a career 2004. Lawrence climbed up a spot from its 2003 ranking of #7. In the five years Forbes has been ranking “smaller metros”, Lawrence has consistently ranked in the top 20: 2000- #10; 2001- #19; 2002- #9; 2003- #7; 2004-#6. Lawrence ranked in top 100 Places to Live in 2004 according to Relocate-America.com.

Ranks 14th for Strong Economy Cities in Smaller Metros

Lawrence ranked 14th on the Milkin Institute’s list for strong economy cities in smaller metros by wage and salary growth, job growth and high-tech output growth. (2003)