America’s Best Cities for Gen Z Workers in 2025

The American workforce is evolving—and it’s getting younger. As Gen Z (ages 18–28) continues to grow its presence in the labor market, this new generation is reshaping the expectations, culture, and technologies that define the modern workplace. While critics have questioned Gen Z’s approach to work, raising concerns about reliability, work ethic, and screen time, others argue that these perceptions miss the mark entirely.

In truth, Gen Z workers bring a fresh perspective, unmatched digital fluency, and a deep desire for meaningful, flexible work. As the first generation to grow up entirely online, Gen Z approaches the workplace with a unique mix of tech-savviness, social awareness, and entrepreneurial spirit. For businesses aiming to stay competitive in 2025 and beyond, understanding how to engage and retain this generation is no longer optional—it’s essential.

That’s why Checkr analyzed data from the US Census Bureau and the Bureau of Economic Analysis to identify the best cities in America for Gen Z workers. We evaluated more than 100 cities across three core categories: employment, affordability, and social life—all key to Gen Z’s decision-making when it comes to where (and how) they want to work.

Whether you’re an employer looking to tap into emerging talent or a Gen Z professional searching for a new city to call home, this report offers a data-backed look at where Gen Z workers are most likely to succeed.

To determine the rankings, Checkr analyzed seven critical metrics for people ages 18–28. Each was grouped into one of the three categories above, then weighted to reveal the top US cities for Gen Z workers in 2025:

Key Metrics (for people ages 18-28):

Now, let’s check out some of the key findings.

Let’s start by looking at the best cities, of all sizes, for Gen Z workers.

*Data analyzed by Checkr from US Census Bureau & Bureau of Economic Analysis

Topping the list of America’s best cities for Gen Z workers in 2025 is Madison, Wisconsin. As a capital city and vibrant college town, Madison blends strong employment opportunities with a dynamic social scene and a relatively affordable cost of living—making it an ideal hub for Gen Z professionals just starting or advancing their careers. Madison ranks highly across all three of our key categories: employment, affordability, and social life.

Rounding out the top five are Minneapolis, MN; Des Moines, IA; Omaha, NE; and Nashville, TN—a powerful mix of Midwestern metros and a southern standout.

These cities offer a winning combination of workforce participation, income potential, and growing Gen Z populations, along with an expanding slate of entertainment, dining, and cultural offerings. For young professionals seeking career momentum without the crushing cost of coastal life, these metros deliver.

Other high performers in the top ten include St. Louis, MO; Austin, TX; Milwaukee, WI; Salt Lake City, UT; and Boston, MA. From tech hubs like Austin and Salt Lake to cultural strongholds like Boston and Milwaukee, these cities provide a mix of opportunity, community, and access to thriving job markets across industries such as healthcare, technology, finance, and the arts.

While some of these cities may not offer year-round sunshine, they more than make up for it with economic opportunity, livability, and a track record of attracting Gen Z talent. And as affordability continues to drive relocation decisions, these top cities stand out for offering value without compromise.

Next, let’s break things down by city size—starting with the best large cities (population over 300,000) for Gen Z workers in 2025.

In 2025, large cities continue to attract Gen Z workers with their dynamic mix of job opportunities, cultural energy, and social connectivity. These metros offer access to fast-growing industries such as technology, healthcare, sustainability, and creative fields—making them especially appealing to Gen Z professionals looking to grow both professionally and in their communities.

Beyond the job market, large cities provide vibrant lifestyles that align with Gen Z values: walkable neighborhoods, diverse food scenes, music and arts culture, and endless networking opportunities. These urban environments foster collaboration, innovation, and mentorship, all of which are priorities for Gen Zers entering or navigating the workforce.

So, where are the best large cities for Gen Z workers in 2025?

*Data analyzed by Checkr from US Census Bureau & Bureau of Economic

Leading the list once again is Madison, Wisconsin. With its strong labor market, progressive energy, and youthful atmosphere fueled by the University of Wisconsin, Madison strikes a balance between affordability and livability. Its lakefront views, bike-friendly infrastructure, and lively downtown make it a top pick for Gen Z professionals who want access to both nature and opportunity.

Rounding out the top five are Anchorage, AK; Minneapolis, MN; Des Moines, IA; and Portland, ME. From Minneapolis’ booming healthcare and tech sectors to Des Moines’ financial and insurance opportunities, these cities offer strong employment options without the high costs of coastal giants. Portland and Anchorage add outdoor adventure and environmental consciousness into the mix—both key interests for Gen Z workers prioritizing sustainability and work-life balance.

Also featured in the top 10 are Manchester, NH; Omaha, NE; Nashville, TN; St. Louis, MO; and Salt Lake City, UT. These cities bring together affordability, expanding job markets, and Gen Z-friendly amenities, including music festivals, social venues, and innovation hubs.

Next, we’ll explore the top mid-sized cities that offer an ideal mix of professional opportunity and small-city charm for Gen Z workers.

Mid-sized cities continue to shine in 2025 as ideal destinations for Gen Z workers seeking a well-rounded lifestyle. With populations between 150,000 and 300,000, these cities strike a powerful balance between economic opportunity and livability—offering lower costs of living, strong job markets, and a close-knit sense of community that’s often missing in larger metros.

These cities also tend to boast thriving startup ecosystems, access to universities, and proximity to outdoor recreation—all of which align closely with Gen Z values around purpose, flexibility, and well-being. For young professionals looking to build their careers without sacrificing quality of life, mid-sized cities are an increasingly attractive option.

*Data analyzed by Checkr from US Census Bureau & Bureau of Economic

Leading the pack in 2025 is Fargo, North Dakota. Home to North Dakota State University, Fargo offers an affordable cost of living, high labor force participation among Gen Z workers, and a growing startup and tech scene. Its investment in green spaces and sustainability also speaks to Gen Z’s desire for a healthy work-life balance and environmentally conscious communities.

Joining Fargo in the top five are Sioux Falls, SD; La Crosse, WI; Green Bay, WI; and Oshkosh, WI. These midwestern cities offer Gen Z workers impressive employment metrics—especially low unemployment rates and strong income-to-rent ratios—making them ideal for young professionals starting out financially.

Rounding out the top 10 are Appleton, WI; Rochester, MN; Burlington, VT; Cedar Rapids, IA; and Peoria, IL. Many of these cities are anchored by universities or medical centers and provide access to nature, walkable downtowns, and vibrant local culture—essentials for Gen Zers who value community and connection.

Next up, we’ll take a look at the best small cities where Gen Z workers can thrive in 2025.

Small cities offer something uniquely appealing to Gen Z workers in 2025: community, simplicity, and affordability. In an era defined by rising rents and burnout in major metros, smaller cities with populations under 150,000 offer a refreshing alternative where Gen Zers can build careers, find purpose, and enjoy a better work-life balance.

These towns often offer tight-knit communities, scenic backdrops, and easier access to outdoor activities—along with less financial stress. For Gen Z workers looking to prioritize mental well-being, personal development, and a slower pace of life, small cities can be the ideal launchpad for both professional and personal growth.

Taking the top spot among small cities in 2025 is Grand Forks, North Dakota. Home to the University of North Dakota, Grand Forks combines a low cost of living with strong employment metrics and a youthful energy that makes it especially attractive to early-career professionals. Its walkable downtown, community events, and access to nature make it a standout for Gen Z workers seeking more than just a paycheck.

Coming in close behind are Bismarck, ND; Wausau, WI; Sioux City, IA; and Sheboygan, WI. These small cities may not grab national headlines. Still, they consistently deliver on the factors that matter most to Gen Z—like affordable rent, low unemployment, and access to meaningful work in education, healthcare, public service, and local entrepreneurship.

Rounding out the top 10 are Missoula, MT; Dubuque, IA; Fairbanks, AK; Fond du Lac, WI; and Cape Girardeau, MO. From mountain towns to riverside communities, each of these cities offers its own unique flavor—along with job opportunities, arts and culture, and the kind of lifestyle Gen Zers increasingly seek in today’s workforce.

Check out the full list of the top 100 best cities for Gen Z workers below to discover where opportunity and quality of life intersect in 2025.

For more information on Check’s research or to request graphics or commentary about this study, please contact press@checkr.com. 

To rank America’s best cities for Gen Z workers in 2025, Checkr analyzed seven key factors from the US Census Bureau & Bureau of Economic Analysis. The factors include Gen Z unemployment rate, labor force participation rate, income-to-rent ratio, percentage of renters paying <30% of income in rent, real personal income, Gen Z portion of the population, and Gen Z members per entertainment establishment. Each factor was weighted appropriately by Checkr and scaled, resulting in the final rankings of the best cities in the country for Gen Z workers.

About the author

As the Senior Content Marketing Manager at Checkr, Kate is passionate about developing resources that educate employers and job candidates about background checks, hiring insights, and the opportunity to build a better future through fair chance hiring.