This book lists and rates 219 U.S. "micropolitan" areas, defined as small cities and their surrounding territories, or combinations of neighboring small cities. The book consists of tables rating these cities, listed by state, in each of the following 10 categories: (1) climate and environment; (2) diversions; (3) economics; (4) education; (5) sophistication; (6) health care; (7) housing; (8) public safety; (9) transportation; and (10) urban proximity. Each of these categories includes more specific subjects of study, such as recreation funding, voter turnouts, property taxes, crime rates, doctor availability, and commuting ease. The chapter on education includes area ratings of high school experience, teacher compensation, high school dropouts, college influence, and education funding. Each chapter concludes with an overall description of findings. There is also a profile description of each of the "top ten" micropolitan areas and "report cards" of all the others. (TES)