The 2025 Arts Vibrancy Index from SMU DataArts Compiles List of 100 Most Vibrant Arts Communities Across the U.S., Based on Measures of Per Capita Supply, Demand and Government Support for the Arts.
Missoula, 1.13.2026 – SMU DataArts, the National Center for Arts Research, released its 10th annual ranking of the most arts-vibrant communities in the United States, which identifies Missoula as number 29 in the list of 100 core based statistical areas for 2025. Missoula is also recognized as a community frequently mentioned in the rankings in the last five years, demonstrating sustained arts vibrancy in the post-covid era. The rankings are based on SMU DataArts’ Arts Vibrancy Index (AVI), which is developed through a data-driven approach that analyzes the level of supply, demand, and government support for the arts using data available in more than 900 communities across the country.
The Index reflects fluctuations in arts activity, participation, funding, access and employment that occurs in each community and consistently shows that highly arts-vibrant communities are dispersed broadly throughout the U.S., with every region of the country represented in the top rankings. This finding arises naturally out of objective analysis of the data, not from any selection of communities to achieve geographic representation. From Ohio to Colorado, New York to Alaska, arts vibrant communities recognize regional artistic diversity and community success.
To mark the 10th anniversary of AVI, SMU DataArts has expanded the list to 100 communities—up from 40 in previous years. In addition to identifying the top arts-vibrant communities, the research center has analyzed and ranked all 50 states. Findings from the state-level analysis shows New York as the reigning #1 titleholder for the third consecutive year. To delve into the details and visualize community and state index data in depth, visit the data explorer.
“The Arts Vibrancy Index has shone a light on the people, organizations, and investments that make local culture vibrant for the last 10 years,” stated Dr. Jennifer Benoit-Bryan, Executive Director of SMU DataArts. “By expanding our list to one hundred geographically diverse communities, we celebrate the top 10 percent of arts-vibrant communities nationwide. Through all the ups and downs of the last decade, communities have continued to celebrate and invest in their local arts, and the index has provided data-backed insights to inform planning, advocacy, and well-deserved recognition. We look forward to building on this history as this resource evolves with the sector going forward.”
Frequent Mentions: These 22 communities have appeared at least three times in the Arts Vibrancy Index rankings since 2020, evidence of sustained arts vibrancy in the post-COVD era. They are listed in the order of their 2025 rankings.
- Ithaca, NY
- Juneau, AK
- Boulder, CO
- Missoula, MT
- Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX
- Rifle, CO*
- Kalamazoo-Portage, MI
- Brevard, NC
- Steamboat Springs, CO
- Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
- Newark, NJ
- Bozeman, MT
- Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN
- Cleveland, OH
- Hudson, NY
- Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI
- Wilmington, DE-MD-NJ
- Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
- Vineyard Haven, MA
- Ann Arbor, MI
- Bennington, VT
- Hailey, ID
*Rifle, CO was previously listed in the index as Glenwood Springs, CO. We have changed the name to reflect a change to the naming of the CBSA by the Census, but both towns remain a part of the geographical area under analysis.
The Arts Vibrancy Index is composed of 13 unique measures which cover aspects of supply, demand, and public support for arts and culture, and are adjusted for cost of living and population differences among communities. Communities are measured using Core Based Statistical Areas (CBSAs), which are metropolitan and micropolitan regions defined by the U.S. Census Bureau that capture the economic and cultural reach of a county or group of counties and their socially-integrated surrounding areas. For more information on how the Arts Vibrancy Index is calculated, metrics, data sources, more detail on specific communities and the data explorer, please visit https://culturaldata.org/arts-vibrancy-202
Arts Missoula serves as a resource for the coordination, development, and support of art and culture for the benefit of the Missoula Community.
1637 S Higgins Avenue, Missoula Montana 59801 | 406.541.0860
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