25 of the best city flags flying over American metros and towns

When it comes to city flags, “form follows function.” A simple, well-designed city flag creates community cohesion, fosters civic pride, and support’s the commuinity’s branding. It also costs less and more residents are apt to use it, according to a survey ranking the best city flags in the United States from the North American Vexillological Association.

The top-ranked flags include Pocatello, Idaho, Tulsa, Okla., Salem, Ore., and Salt Lake City, Utah, among others. To compile the report, the flag organization asked its members and the general public last year “to rate the designs of 312 known flags (there are likely many more). From Sept. 1 to Nov. 30, 2,852 people participated in the online survey,” the report says. Forty-six flags received an A grade, and 143 received an F. “They rated the design of each flag using a low-to-high scale of 0–10. The numerical ratings for each flag were averaged and the average rating was converted to a letter grade, with grades ranging from F (lowest) to A-plus (highest).”

Regarding flag design, the vexillological association’s 16-page publication, “‘Good’ Flag, ‘Bad’ Flag,” lays out five basic principles for flag redesign: Keep it so simple that a child could draw it from memory. Use meaningful symbolism and only two or three standard colors that contrast well. Never use writing of any kind or an organization’s seal. Avoid duplicating other flags, but use similarities to show connections.

The top 25 best designs ranked in order of the points they earned can be viewed in the gallery above. For more information and to view the complete list, visit the North American Vexillological Association’s website.