In a new report from CoworkingCafe, McAllen ranks nine in the top 20 best places for small businesses nationwide.

CoworkingCafe analyzed 136 cities across 11 key metrics such as GDP growth, number of business applications, labor costs and more. 

“This recognition as one of the best cities in the U.S. for small business speaks to the strength of our local economy and the hard work of our entrepreneurs,” said McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos. “McAllen has created a supportive environment where businesses of all sizes can flourish and we are committed to continuing that progress.” 

McAllen stands out for its affordability, boasting the lowest cost of living index among the top cities. The city was also recognized for its high self-employment rate of 14.7 percent, ranking fifth nationwide. The city also boasts a business growth rate of over 13 percent and a 28 percent GDP increase.

Other metrics for determining the rankings include percentage of self-employed business owners, cost of living index, unemployment rate, and percentage of population with a bachelor’s degree or higher. Rounding out determining factors are average coworking space prices, coworking spaces density and labor force participation.