How recommendations are ranked

Eligible businesses are compared within the same city and category. Google rating and total rating count are the primary signals. No formal certification, site inspection or independent verification is required.

Score = (review count ÷ (review count + 50)) × rating + (50 ÷ (review count + 50)) × 4.0

The formula is a proposed weighted rating method that reduces the advantage of a perfect score based on only a few reviews. A minimum of 20 Google ratings and an average of 4.0 stars is recommended; categories with few businesses may use a lower threshold and disclose it.

A Google rating is a customer-opinion signal, not proof of quality, safety, professional credentials, or local ownership. The Foundation's ranking is independent and is not endorsed by Google. Ratings change and should display a collection date.

National coverage

Use the Census Vintage 2025 population estimates and include incorporated places above 10,000 residents. For every eligible city, create a record for each applicable category and subcategory. Where no qualifying business exists, mark the category "No listing available" rather than inventing a winner.

Data collection

Use Google Maps/Places data through an authorized method, record the place ID, rating, review count, Maps URL and collection date, and follow Google's applicable data-use and attribution requirements. Review-based rankings may be refreshed periodically.

Google Places API documentation Census population source