This Texas City Was Just Named the Most Entrepreneurial of 2026—and It’s Not Austin
San Antonio is the new top spot for entrepreneurs in the United States. According to the latest data from the GoDaddy Small Business Research Lab, the Texas city earned the number one ranking for 2026. This assessment tracks the growth of microbusinesses that maintain their own domains and websites.
The findings show an 11 percent increase in new business formation within the city between August 2019 and March 2026. Last year alone, more than 9,000 new businesses launched in the area. This data reflects a shift where startup founders prioritize housing affordability and local market stability when selecting a base of operations.
GoDaddy collaborated with Zillow to factor in residential real estate trends as part of their broader analysis. While housing metrics did not influence the final rankings, the correlation remains clear. Affordable cities provide a stable environment for founders to commit their capital and build long-term ventures.
Experts suggest that San Antonio offers a specific advantage for those who want to start a business without sacrificing access to digital infrastructure or local community support. For anyone looking to launch a company, the city provides a clean slate where initial funding stretches further than in more expensive hubs.