Best-Performing Cities Index measures 2011 economic performance.

• Position: Brief article

Only a handful of communities have seen employment rebound to prerecession peaks, and these regions are poised to capture a bigger share of the expansion that is on the horizon, according to The Milken Institute's 2011 Best-Performing Cities index report. The purpose of the index is to provide an objective, comprehensive measure of economic performance across U.S. metropolitan areas. Determining which communities are recovering at the fastest pace and which weathered the Great Recession best helps provide a framework for understanding the opportunities and related risks cities face.

The 2011 index is, like the 2010 index, dominated by Texas metro areas. The leaders in this year's index, which ranks U.S. metros based on their ability to create and sustain jobs, are cities that most benefited from renewed investment in business equipment, have diversified technology bases (which also drive growth in business and professional services), are exposed to America's booming energy sector, and are home to a large military presence.

The index ranked the top 10 performers of the 200 largest metro areas in 2011 as follows:

1. San Antonio, Texas

2. El Paso, Texas

3. Fort Collins- Loveland, Colorado

4. Austin-Round Rock, Texas

5. Killeen-Temple-Fort Hood, Texas

6. Salt Lake City, Utah

7. Anchorage, Alaska

8. ...