Move over, coastal hubs: many of the best cities for Gen Z workers are located in the Midwest, according to a new report from Checkr, an HR technology company.
Using data from the US Census Bureau and the Bureau of Economic Analysis, Checkr ranked the top cities for Gen Z workers based on their scores in three key areas: employment, affordability and social life.
Checkr calculated the employment score for each city based on its unemployment rate and labor force participation. To determine the affordability score, Checkr analyzed income to rent ratio, real personal income and the percentage of renters paying over 30% of their income.
Each city’s social life score is based on the Gen Z portion of the population in each city and the number of Gen Z members per entertainment establishment. Employment and affordability were weighted 40% each, while social life was weighted 20%.
For Gen Z workers making entry-level salaries, “it’s going to be really difficult to survive and save money” in major cities like Los Angeles and New York, according to Sam Radbil, research and content strategist at Checkr.
Cities like Des Moines and Milwaukee may not have the same hustle and bustle, but they can offer lower costs of living and slower-paced lifestyles, Radbil says.
The cities on this list provide both “career momentum and lifestyle alignment in a single package,” he says.
Based on Checkr’s data, these are the top 10 U.S. cities for Gen Z workers.
1. Madison, Wisconsin
Madison secured the top spot because of its proximity to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Radbil says.
Students from all over the country are drawn to the school due to its academics, sports and social scene, Radbil says, and the city is a “great starting point” for grads to begin their careers.
Beyond the university, Madison’s proximity to Chicago and Milwaukee means that young people have access to “very strong job opportunities” in the area, according to Radbil.
2. Minneapolis, Minnesota
One of the larger cities in the Midwest, Minneapolis offers city comforts paired with a low cost of living.
Minneapolis is also attractive to Gen Z workers because of its progressive values and welcoming social scene, Radbil says.
3. Des Moines, Iowa
Des Moines has a thriving insurance industry, which provides ample job opportunities for Gen Z workers interested in that sector, Radbil says.
Beyond that, the city offers affordability and a low cost of living, which provide “a growing appeal to younger workers who want a meaningful start without that big city burnout.”
4. Omaha, Nebraska
Omaha “blends that Midwestern charm with pretty real economic momentum,” according to Radbil.
Gen Z workers can find ample jobs in the insurance, finance and education sectors, and a “small startup ecosystem” is also developing, Radbil says.
Notably, legendary investor Warren Buffett calls Omaha home, he says.
5. Nashville, Tennessee
Nashville is best known for its music roots, but the city also boasts a growing tech presence and a “very cool entrepreneurial scene,” Radbil says.
Radbil compares Nashville to Austin “without the insane rent prices yet,” although the city’s popularity is likely to drive up the cost of living, he says.
Still, Gen Z workers are attracted to Nashville because “the lifestyle there is so appealing,” he says.
6. St. Louis, Missouri
Affordability is the main draw for St. Louis, Radbil says.
Its low cost of living is attractive to young workers looking to settle down and purchase a home, according to Radbil.
“St. Louis gives you that opportunity to maybe get a start for a lower price, and really feel like you have some roots and you own something, which is important to people,” he says.
7. Austin, Texas
Austin is a “Gen Z magnet,” according to Radbil.
The city’s atmosphere is “very young and culturally rich, and there’s so much to do outside,” he says.
Economically, Austin is also flourishing: its business-friendly environment has attracted large companies like Tesla and Apple, and the startup scene is booming, according to Radbil.
As a result, “the job market is incredible,” Radbil says.
8. Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Milwaukee is an attractive option for Gen Z workers due to its strong job market and reasonable cost of living, according to Radbil.
While young professionals may only be able to afford tiny studios in major cities, in Milwaukee, “you could get an apartment overlooking Lake Michigan,” Radbil says.
The city also offers a robust social scene and “amazing” summer weather, he says.
9. Salt Lake City, Utah
Salt Lake City is “one of the most balanced cities for Gen Z workers” due to its growing economy, access to nature and relative affordability, Radbil says.
It’s also an “awesome location” for young professionals who work remotely, he says: “All those mountain towns and cities out west have really grown in popularity.”
10. Boston, Massachusetts
Boston is home to “world-class” universities like Harvard University and MIT, which attract thousands of young professionals across industries.
“The universities are so important to creating jobs for people,” he says. “Whether it’s science or biotech or just working at the university, I think that the job opportunities there are awesome.”
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