According to The Wall Street Journal, Millennials now hold more wealth than Gen X or Baby Boomers did at the same age — a shift that’s giving them more freedom to choose where and how they want to build stable, rewarding lives. And, the cities they choose stand to benefit.
So, to determine which metros are best-positioned to attract and support this generation, we analyzed 103 U.S. metropolitan areas with populations of more than 500,000. Our ranking highlights where Millennials are finding the best balance of opportunity and affordability by using data on their population trends, income, cost of living, employment, health coverage and educational attainment.
Keep reading for our national ranking of best metros for Millennials or jump to the top metros in each region with these links:
Austin Holds #1 Spot for Millennials; South Dominates Top 20 with 8 Metros
1 – Austin, Texas
Austin claims the top spot again this year by earning 75.8 points — well ahead of the rest. Millennials now make up 27.6% of the metro’s 2.5 million residents (the highest share in the study). And, that number is rising fast: The Millennial population grew 16% from 2019 to 2023 — the second-largest jump among our top 20.
Of course, the wider appeal of this metro is no secret. Fueled by tech relocations, a strong cultural identity and a fast-growing economy, Austin remains a magnet for ambitious young adults. Additionally, Millennial households here earn an average of $138,500 and 55.9% hold at least a bachelor’s degree. Meanwhile, despite growing affordability concerns, Austin’s cost of living remains just below the national average with an index of 97.6. Employer-sponsored health coverage is also strong as 72% of Millennials have it. It’s that rare mix — economic opportunity, relative affordability and a large peer cohort — that keeps Austin at the top of the list.
2 – San Jose, Calif.
San Jose takes second place with 69.6 points, offering a distinct profile that’s likely to resonate with the most career-driven Millennials. In fact, it’s the only metro in the study to earn maximum points in three separate categories, and it leads in both income and educational attainment. Here, Millennial households earn an average income of $248,200 — by far, the highest in the ranking — and 63.3% hold at least a bachelor’s degree. Health coverage is also strong with 80% receiving employer-sponsored insurance.
But, the advantages come at a price. San Jose’s cost of living is 13% above the national average — second only to San Francisco — and its 4% unemployment rate ranks high among the top 20. To that end, the local economy shed more than 21,000 tech jobs in 2023 in a significant shift for the region. Still, for high-earners, the benefits often outweigh the costs. That’s because San Jose offers a different path to the top — one defined by intense opportunity and equally high expectations.
3 – Raleigh, N.C.
Third place belongs to Raleigh, N.C., with 68.8 points to match its podium finish from last year. A magnet for Millennials working in industries like tech and health care across the Research Triangle, the metro stands out for its educated workforce: 56.5% of Millennials here hold at least a bachelor’s degree, which is the third-highest share in the top 20 and up from 53.3% last year. That small bump suggests that talent continues to move in. More broadly, Raleigh’s overall Millennial population grew by 10.6% between 2019 and 2023 with a noticeable uptick starting around 2021 — a year that saw many young adults relocate to Southern hotspots offering both opportunity and lifestyle.
Like Austin, San Jose and other top metros attracting major employers, Raleigh offers solid workplace benefits: 73.3% of Millennials here have employer-sponsored health insurance, which is the highest share in the South. And, the numbers line up: With top-10 average incomes and a cost-of-living index of 98 (2% below the national average), Raleigh sits comfortably in that sweet spot where earnings meet affordability.
4– Huntsville, Ala.
Huntsville moves up a spot this year to land at #4 due to its standout momentum. Specifically, it posted the fastest Millennial population growth in the top 20, rising 17.8% between 2019 and 2023. Although the overall share is still smaller than it is in larger metros, the pace of change signals a shift — and a growing appeal to younger workers looking for practical options.
Affordability is also part of the draw. With a cost of living 5.6% below the national average, Huntsville gives Millennials room to breathe financially, which is a bigger deal in an uncertain economy. The job market doesn’t hurt, either. Long anchored by aerospace and defense, the metro is diversifying, and its 2.7% unemployment rate is one of the lowest in the study. At the same time, educational attainment is also on the rise: Nearly half of Huntsville Millennials now have a bachelor’s degree or higher (up from 41.2% in last year’s data). Granted, average household income still trails the pack at $107,700 — the lowest among our top 20 — but, for many, the lower costs and strong job prospects help close that gap.
5 – Northwest Arkansas
Northwest Arkansas jumps four spots to break into the top five, riding a wave of steady growth and economic fundamentals that continue to work in its favor. Notably, its Millennial population rose 12.8% in the last five years — third-fastest among top metros — and its affordability stands out even more than before. Moreover, with a cost of living 9% below the national average, this metro offers the most budget-friendly environment in the entire top 20.
Plus, that low overhead doesn’t come at the expense of opportunity. Anchors like the Walmart headquarters in Bentonville and growing industries like tourism and construction keep the job market steady with an unemployment rate of just 2.5% to tie for second-lowest in the ranking. Clearly, it’s a region that’s kept its growth manageable and its quality of life high — making it increasingly attractive for Millennials who want economic upside without big-city prices.
6 – Seattle
Seattle has long been a Millennial stronghold, and that hasn’t changed in 2025. Now, Millennials make up 26.9% of the metro’s more than 4 million residents (second only to Austin, Texas) and the area continues to offer a rare balance of career opportunity, outdoor access and high pay. In fact, average Millennial household income stands at $168,500 (third-highest in our ranking), and 74.2% have employer-sponsored health insurance — another top-three stat. More than half of Seattle’s Millennials (52.8%) hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and the unemployment rate has eased to 3.5%, down from 4.5% last year.
Although growth has slowed in the Emerald City, it certainly hasn’t stopped. Seattle’s Millennial population rose 3.5% from 2019 to 2023 — a smaller bump than earlier in the decade, but still upward. And, while it ranks as the most expensive metro in our top 20 — with a cost of living about 13% above the national average — the math still works for many.
7 – Richmond, Va.
Richmond makes a big move this year after jumping from 15th into the top 10. More precisely, the metro saw a 10.9% increase in its Millennial population in the last five years — one of the fastest climbs in the top 20. Growth like that shows up in places like Scott’s Addition, a former industrial area turned apartment-heavy hotspot that’s been drawing younger residents in recent years.
The job market is another strong point: Unemployment came in at just 2.7% to tie for fourth-lowest in the study. And, while Richmond does lean on government work, it’s also home to plenty of jobs in law, health care, biotech and finance. What’s more, living costs are 2% below the national average, and Millennial household incomes hit $117,300. Even though the share of degree-holders is lower here than in some other metros, overall, Richmond offers a good mix of stability and affordability — and it’s clearly gaining ground.
8 – Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City climbs one spot to eighth, continuing its run as one of the West’s most balanced metros for Millennials. Here, roughly 25% of the 1.3 million residents fall into the age group — and while growth has leveled off, retention remains strong. Clearly, the cohort that moved here early last decade seems to be staying, reinforcing a longer-term trend of rootedness versus rapid churn.
The numbers also bear that out: Average Millennial incomes hover around $125,000, and the cost of living is 3.6% below the national average — a combination that stretches buying power in ways that coastal hubs can’t match. At the same time, unemployment sits at a low 3%, and 72.3% of Millennials have employer-sponsored health insurance. With reliable job access, reasonable prices, and year-round access to outdoor recreation, Salt Lake City still checks all the right boxes — even if the growth curve isn’t as steep as it once was.
9 – Provo, Utah
Provo makes one of the biggest moves this year, climbing from 21st to 9th. It’s the second-highest-ranked Utah metro in the top 20 and part of a growing corridor, alongside Salt Lake City and Ogden. Interestingly, Provo’s Millennial numbers had started to dip a few years back, but they’ve since reversed course, rising 2.8% since 2019.
Affordability continues to be a standout here: Prices are 5% below the national average (fourth-lowest in the top 20), and that margin goes a long way, especially in today’s housing market. Plus, Provo also leads among Utah metros for Millennial educational attainment: 47.6% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. While the overall age skew leans younger due to the presence of Brigham Young University, the university is also the metro’s top employer — a factor that has helped keep many grads, or younger Millennials, local. With a 3% unemployment rate and strong community ties, Provo’s climb reflects more than just affordability — it’s about continuity.
10 – Nashville, Tenn.
Nashville breaks into the top 10 after finishing just outside of it last year. Once again, the Southern growth story holds true: Millennials now make up 24% of the metro’s 2.1 million people — one of the highest shares in the South. Furthermore, numbers of the age cohort are still rising and are up 4.8% since 2019, which is more than twice the pace of the previous five years.
Nashville is a metro with momentum, and the fundamentals continue to maintain it. For instance, unemployment is low at 2.9%, and average Millennial household incomes rose again this year to reach $118,500. Furthermore, living costs come in just below the national average (not cheap, but not punishing). The job mix is also broad enough to support steady inflows with health care, finance, publishing and a tech presence that keeps growing at the margins. Even if Nashville doesn’t lead in any one metric, its consistency across the board is what lands it in the top 10.
Regional Rankings: Best Places for Millennials in the South, West, Midwest & Northeast
The national top 20 leaned heavily South, with eight Southern metros making the cut — more than any other region. The West followed with six, while the Midwest and Northeast each landed three spots. To get a fuller picture of regional trends, we also broke out the 10 highest-scoring metros in each area, based on their overall rankings in the study.
Select a region to see which metros ranked highest for Millennials in that area
The South came out ahead in this year’s Millennial rankings — not just with Austin, Texas, in first place, but with five more metros in the national top 10. Most of that strength came from rapid population gains: Every metro in the study with double-digit Millennial growth was from the South.
Charlotte, N.C., (eighth in the region, 17th nationally) was one of them with a 10.3% rise in five years. Here, living costs run about 3% below the national average, and the job base includes a strong finance sector. Yet, incomes still lag behind some peers, and unemployment (at 3.3%) sits slightly higher than the regional norm.
Next, Dallas-Fort Worth (10th regionally, 29th nationally) also made the cut with a Millennial share near 24% and growth right on the South’s 9.8% average. But, a few weaker fundamentals — such as lower educational attainment, the region’s highest unemployment (3.5%) and minimal employer health coverage — kept it from climbing higher.
Notably, the region’s East Coast metros held their own, albeit with different profiles. Specifically, Washington, D.C. (seventh regionally, 13th nationally) led on education and income — averaging $154,900 for Millennials — with a job base tied closely to government. However, growth was slower at 3%, and costs are nearly 9% above the national average.
Nearby, Baltimore (ninth regionally, 25th nationally) was steadier than fast-moving, but nevertheless remained competitive on affordability and job metrics with 2.7% unemployment and Millennial incomes around $124,300.
Meanwhile, Atlanta slipped out of the regional top 10 as price increases and a slowdown in Millennial growth (now at just 3.6%) softened its edge.
The West has long symbolized opportunity for Millennials — and, in many ways, it still does. In fact, it leads all regions in both average Millennial income and Millennial population share across the metros we analyzed. As you might expect, much of that strength comes from its coastal cities. But, as costs climb in those larger hubs, momentum is starting to shift inward toward mid-sized metros with more room to grow.
In this case, San Francisco (seventh regionally) is the clearest example of the coastal tradeoff. Millennial incomes are among the highest in the country, topping $209,000, and nearly 60% hold a bachelor’s degree. Even so, with living costs more than 18% above the national average (the highest in the study), the metro’s Millennial share has dropped 5% since 2019.
Instead, the strongest growth is happening elsewhere: Boise, Idaho, (eighth regionally) leads the West in Millennial gains after rising 11.4% in five years. Here, costs are 6.6% below the national average, although incomes are more modest at $105,500 — the lowest in the region’s top 10. Similarly, the Ogden-Clearfield metro in Utah (fifth regionally, 14th nationally) posted 6.4% growth, along with low unemployment (2.9%) and affordable living. Colorado Springs, Colo., showed a similar story with its Millennial share up 4.8% and slightly higher costs, but its 4.6% unemployment and low insurance coverage (61.8%) kept it further down the list.
Notably, in more established metros, the pace has slowed. Namely, Denver (sixth regionally, 15th nationally) still has one of the country’s largest Millennial bases — 26.8% of its population — but growth has cooled to less than 2%. Even so, income levels remain strong at $142,200, although unemployment has crept up and the cost of living is now above the national average.
The Midwest stands out for its stability and financial upside, especially when it comes to affordability: Living costs across the region’s top 10 metros run nearly 5% below the national average — the lowest of any region — and employer insurance coverage is the highest in the country at 71.8%.
Minneapolis-St. Paul (first in the Midwest, 11th nationally) led the region this year after climbing from 20th in last year’s national rankings. It checks nearly every box — high incomes ($132,000), the region’s lowest unemployment (2.5%), top-tier insurance coverage (74.5%) and the only Midwest metro where more than half of Millennials have a bachelor’s degree. Its only drawback is cost — at 4.5% above average, it’s the region’s most expensive. Its Millennial population growth was also flat.
Not to be outdone, Kansas City, Mo., and Indianapolis tied for the region’s highest Millennial share gains, both up 5.8% since 2019. That said, KC holds an affordability edge with costs 6.7% below average, although incomes are slightly lower at $109,200. Indy then pulls ahead on earnings ($112,800), but lags a bit on education and insurance metrics.
Next, Columbus, Ohio, continues to punch above its weight, claiming the largest Millennial base in the region (24.2%) and posting steady growth (3.6%). As such, it remains a solid draw with a well-rounded profile.
Otherwise, Omaha, Neb., leans hard on affordability — its cost of living is 7.5% below average, which is the lowest in the regional top 10 — and has also kept unemployment low at 2.8%. Granted, Omaha’s education levels trail some peers (it recorded 40.6% bachelor’s attainment), but its job base may help close the gap. For comparison, Cincinnati takes a more balanced route, pairing low costs with the Midwest’s second-highest Millennial income ($113,500) and modest growth.
Notably, Des Moines, Iowa — last year’s Midwest leader — dropped to ninth this year. It’s still affordable and offers strong insurance coverage, but a slip in Millennial population and income brought it down in the rankings.
Further north, Milwaukee (third in the Midwest) reentered the national top 20 with a strong all-around profile — high insurance coverage (73.9%), low unemployment (3%) and solid education stats. Grand Rapids, Mich., also stood out for insurance (74.9%, the second-highest nationally) and education (46.6%), although its 4.1% unemployment was the highest among the region’s top 10.
For Millennials, the Northeast offers a compelling mix of economic strength: The region ranks second overall for both income and unemployment. Accordingly, metros like Bridgeport, Conn., are setting the pace by posting the lowest jobless rate in the study. Yet, high living costs remain a hurdle, especially along the coast, but the financial upside often offsets the squeeze.
In the Northeast, Boston takes the regional lead (16th nationally), driven by strong Millennial incomes ($165,100), low unemployment (2.5%) and the Northeast’s highest bachelor’s degree share (59%). However, with living costs 11.6% above the national average and a 3.1% drop in Millennial population numbers since 2019, retention might be an issue.
Then, in Bridgeport-Stamford, Conn., Millennial incomes climb even higher ($178,700 to rank third nationally), and the job market is even tighter (2.4% unemployment). The metro also posted a solid 5.5% Millennial population increase, which is rare for such a high-cost area.
To the south, Philadelphia anchors the region with scale: Millennials make up 22.1% of the population and incomes are solid at $120,000. With modest growth (1.1%) and above-average costs, it finished seventh in the Northeast.
Interestingly, smaller Pennsylvania metros bring balance: Pittsburgh leads on affordability (5.6% below average) and still delivers decent wages at $109,700, whereas Harrisburg (last year’s regional #1) dipped slightly, but remains a top performer with 8.5% Millennial growth and costs below average, even if incomes lag a bit at $108,100.
There’s also real movement in mid-sized metros combining affordability with steady gains. In particular, Portland, Maine, saw 9.1% Millennial growth — the second-fastest in the region — and offers strong insurance coverage, solid education levels and $125,200 average incomes. Costs land just 3.6% above average.
Lastly, Worcester, Mass., and Syracuse, N.Y., round out the top 10. Worcester posted the region’s fastest Millennial population growth (9.6%), likely boosted by its Boston-adjacent location, though it still lags on education and employment. Syracuse, on the other hand, offers some of the lowest costs in the Northeast (4.8% below average), but that comes with the lowest Millennial incomes in the region’s top tier ($100,400).
