Map Shows 25 Fastest-Growing US Cities for Jobs, New Talent

A new LinkedIn report highlights 25 metro areas in the United States where job growth, economic momentum, and quality of life are drawing waves of new talent—from tech hubs and manufacturing strongholds to coastal communities reimagining their future.

Why It Matters

The report illustrates how the geography of opportunity in the U.S. is shifting. No longer limited to the traditional powerhouses on the coasts, economic growth is now surging in smaller metros—many of them with vibrant downtowns, growing universities, or targeted infrastructure investments. This trend also has major implications for housing markets, urban planning, and the future of remote and hybrid work.

What To Know

In Grand Rapids, Michigan, a growing tech scene and a booming insurance industry are redefining the city’s industrial identity, according to the report. With top employers like Corewell Health and Meijer fueling a hiring surge, the city is drawing in a wave of young professionals.

The average income in Grand Rapids is $65,235, while the average home listing price is $524,195—making it an attractive option for workers looking to settle in a city that offers economic potential and lifestyle perks, including easy access to Lake Michigan and a bustling downtown.

Further west in Boise, Idaho, Micron’s expansion into semiconductor manufacturing is driving job growth and sparking development. Residents are increasingly drawn to the area’s rivers, mountain trails, and outdoor recreation—all while benefiting from an average income of $63,685 and home listings that average $819,700.

In Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, a lower cost-of-living and strategic investments in health care and small business are making it a draw for retirees and working families. The average income is $64,065, and homes list for around $430,775—a more affordable option compared to many fast-growing cities.

Albany, New York, is gaining momentum as a hub for high-tech jobs and semiconductor research, driven in part by the University at Albany’s $1 billion impact on the local economy. With an average income of $71,970 and homes listing at $604,345, it’s attracting professionals looking for innovation in a university town setting.

In Milwaukee, billions in tourism dollars and a booming local housing market are helping drive economic expansion. With key employers like Northwestern Mutual and the Medical College of Wisconsin, residents earn an average of $72,315, while homes are listed at around $502,220.

In Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, the combination of a rising retiree population and expanding local health care services is boosting the housing market and helping to build a more resilient, year-round economy. The average income is $54,210, with homes listed at $413,670—placing it among the more affordable rising metros.

By contrast, Portland, Maine, is seeing an influx of job seekers attracted to its startup scene and growing tourism sector, but that comes at a premium: while the average income is $78,085, home listings now average $901,845.

Other notable cities include Nashville, Tennessee, where Oracle’s relocation is bringing thousands of new jobs and boosting the city’s average income to $79,450. Home prices are climbing accordingly, with the average listing at $857,570. In Omaha, Nebraska, rapid growth in finance and insurance is pushing incomes up to $75,030, while homes list at a more modest $487,045.

Meanwhile, Kansas City is leveraging its sports-driven economy and rising tech workforce to attract newcomers. The average income there is $69,865, and homes list at $512,045. Wilmington, North Carolina, where GE and other companies are expanding operations, has seen incomes rise to $62,280, with average home prices at $704,465.

In Richmond, Virginia, a growing healthtech sector and major employers like Capital One are drawing job seekers from around the world. Residents earn an average of $71,795, while homes list at $541,565. Indianapolis is undergoing a downtown transformation, thanks to billions in construction and pharmaceutical investment, with average incomes at $72,500 and home listings at $425,915.

Colorado Springs is rapidly becoming an aerospace and defense hub. With incomes averaging $65,775 and homes listed at $648,135, the city is balancing job creation with rising living costs. Sacramento is riding a wave of infrastructure investment and health sector growth, with average income at $70,420 and homes listing at $858,800.

Greenville-Spartanburg-Anderson in South Carolina is emerging as one of the Southeast’s most dynamic industrial regions. Residents earn $55,745 on average, and homes list at $550,985—still competitive despite the area’s rapid growth. Austin remains a tech and infrastructure powerhouse, with the highest average income on the list at $80,470 and homes listed at $805,670.

In North Carolina’s Research Triangle, Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill offers biotech jobs and academic prestige, with average incomes of $75,130 and home listing prices ranging from $621,425 in Raleigh to $700,380 in Durham-Chapel Hill. Portland, Oregon, is riding a wave of entrepreneurial energy, with incomes at $74,990 and homes listing at $787,530.

Fayetteville, Arkansas, home to Walmart‘s headquarters and a booming tech scene, boasts an impressive average income of $89,095 and home listings at $613,040. Reno, Nevada, has surged thanks to investments from tech giants like Apple and Google—and with no state income tax, residents enjoy incomes averaging $81,360, though home prices have soared to $1,087,305.

San Antonio is reinventing itself as a rising tech and manufacturing center, drawing Gen Z workers with an average income of $59,480 and home prices averaging $470,160. Fort Wayne, Indiana, offers a more affordable option, with incomes at $60,360 and homes listed at just $385,955. And in Pensacola, Florida, a revitalized housing market and high-tech manufacturing sector are helping residents earn $56,940, while homes list for $517,180.

What Happens Next

As more companies expand outside of legacy markets, these 25 cities are likely to see continued population growth, housing demand, and competition for talent.