Find a Job You Really Want In
While major cities like New York, Boston, and San Francisco are often the first places that come to mind for job seekers, the U.S. is home to many hidden gems. These emerging cities are quietly enhancing their job markets, offering exciting opportunities and competitive salaries.
The job search can often feel like a daunting and lengthy process. Therefore, discovering cities that are actively improving their job prospects can be a refreshing change. Recently, Zippia analyzed data to identify cities that have seen significant salary increases alongside decreasing unemployment rates. Here’s a look at the top contenders:
The 10 Most Up-and-Coming Cities
- Perris, California
- York, Pennsylvania
- Detroit, Michigan
- DeKalb, Illinois
- East Providence, Rhode Island
- Gary, Indiana
- Kannapolis, North Carolina
- Bonita Springs, Florida
- Mount Vernon, New York
- Bountiful, Utah
Fortunately, these cities are fostering career opportunities across the United States, allowing job seekers to explore options beyond traditional hubs. The complete list of up-and-coming cities is detailed in the table at the end of this article.
How We Determined This
To identify the most promising cities for job seekers, we examined recent data highlighting locations with notable wage increases and declining unemployment rates.
Our analysis utilized the latest 5-year Census ACS data, comparing it with previous reports to gauge trends accurately.
While the unemployment data reflects broader economic conditions rather than pandemic-related fluctuations, it offers valuable insights into regional economic health. We focused on census-designated areas with a working population exceeding 20,000.
Each metric was weighted equally, and we selected the city in each state demonstrating the most significant gains.
1. Perris, California
This historic railroad city is embracing modern career perspectives.
Wage Increase: 11%
Unemployment Decrease: 2.90%
Perris, California, tops our list as the most promising city for job seekers. The city has recently experienced an 11% increase in average salaries and a steady decline in its unemployment rate.
2. York, Pennsylvania
York blends a revolutionary spirit with a strong business acumen.
Wage Increase: 13%
Unemployment Decrease: 1.80%
The second city on our list, York, Pennsylvania, has successfully reduced its unemployment rate by 1.8%. This, combined with a remarkable 13% wage increase, makes York a notable destination for job seekers.
3. Detroit, Michigan
Detroit’s vibrant arts and automotive industries are just the beginning.
Wage Increase: 10%
Unemployment Decrease: 1.60%
Detroit, often recognized as a hub for music and manufacturing, is also making waves in the job market. With a 10% rise in average wages and a 1.6% drop in unemployment, it’s becoming a city to watch for career growth.
4. DeKalb, Illinois
DeKalb is focused on fostering productivity and innovation.
Wage Increase: 14%
Unemployment Decrease: 1.30%
DeKalb is capturing attention with a significant 14% wage increase, alongside a 1.3% reduction in unemployment. It’s an excellent option for those seeking career advancement.
5. East Providence, Rhode Island
East Providence is thriving with career opportunities.
Wage Increase: 8%
Unemployment Decrease: 1.90%
East Providence is another city that’s making strides, with an 8% wage increase and a 1.9% decrease in unemployment, showcasing its growing job market.
6. Gary, Indiana
Gary is revitalizing its job market and community.
Wage Increase: 9%
Unemployment Decrease: 1.40%
In Gary, Indiana, residents have seen a 9% rise in salaries and a 1.4% drop in unemployment, marking its emergence as a promising job market.
7. Kannapolis, North Carolina
The home of the Cannon Ballers baseball team is also a rising career hub.
Wage Increase: 8%
Unemployment Decrease: 1.60%
Kannapolis, North Carolina, boasts an 8% wage increase and a 1.6% decrease in unemployment, reinforcing its position as an up-and-coming city for job seekers.
8. Bonita Springs, Florida
Bonita Springs combines a sunny atmosphere with a growing job market.
Wage Increase: 8%
Unemployment Decrease: 1.40%
In Bonita Springs, Florida, the job market is heating up with an 8% wage increase and a 1.4% drop in unemployment, making it an attractive location for job seekers.
9. Mount Vernon, New York
Mount Vernon offers a vibrant downtown and promising job opportunities.
Wage Increase: 8%
Unemployment Decrease: 1.40%
Mount Vernon is increasingly becoming a favorite among job seekers. With an 8% increase in wages and a 1.4% drop in unemployment, it’s gaining attention as a great place to work.
10. Bountiful, Utah
Bountiful lives up to its name with a wealth of job opportunities.
Wage Increase: 8%
Unemployment Decrease: 1.30%
In Bountiful, Utah, job seekers are met with an 8% wage increase and a 1.3% decline in unemployment, solidifying its reputation as a city full of opportunities.
Cities Worth Your Time
As a job seeker, your time is invaluable. With the average job application process taking a significant amount of time, it’s crucial to focus your efforts on cities that are actively improving their job markets.
These up-and-coming cities are making substantial strides in enhancing their employment opportunities, and it’s time for you to take notice. They represent the best prospects for job seekers in 2026.
Most Up-and-Coming City in Each State
| State | City | Wage Increase | Unemployment Decrease |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Birmingham | 4.3% | 1.2% |
| Alaska | Anchorage | 2.5% | -0.1% |
| Arizona | Casa Grande | 6.0% | 1.4% |
| Arkansas | Conway | 3.3% | 0.8% |
| California | Perris | 11.3% | 2.9% |
| Colorado | Fort Collins | 7.9% | 0.5% |
| Connecticut | West Hartford | 4.6% | 1.0% |
| Delaware | Wilmington | 2.4% | 1.2% |
| Florida | Bonita Springs | 8.3% | 1.4% |
| Georgia | Atlanta | 6.9% | 1.3% |
| Hawaii | Pearl City | 3.8% | 0.2% |
| Idaho | Pocatello | 6.7% | 0.6% |
| Illinois | DeKalb | 14.3% | 1.3% |
| Indiana | Gary | 9.2% | 1.4% |
| Iowa | Cedar Falls | 7.2% | 0.3% |
| Kansas | Kansas City | 5.1% | 0.8% |
| Kentucky | Richmond | 6.4% | 1.7% |
| Louisiana | Metairie | 4.2% | 0.5% |
| Maine | Portland | 8.2% | 0.6% |
| Maryland | Wheaton | 7.3% | 1.7% |
| Massachusetts | Westfield | 10.0% | 1.1% |
| Michigan | Detroit | 10.1% | 1.6% |
| Minnesota | Richfield | 8.0% | 0.6% |
| Mississippi | Hattiesburg | 4.6% | 2.5% |
| Missouri | St. Charles | 9.1% | 1.0% |
| Montana | Bozeman | 8.0% | 0.6% |
| Nebraska | Omaha | 7.4% | 0.4% |
| Nevada | Whitney | 2.5% | 1.4% |
| New Hampshire | Nashua | 4.4% | 0.4% |
| New Jersey | New Brunswick | 6.6% | 1.8% |
| New Mexico | Roswell | 5.2% | 0.9% |
| New York | Mount Vernon | 8.2% | 1.4% |
| North Carolina | Kannapolis | 7.9% | 1.6% |
| North Dakota | Grand Forks | 6.7% | -0.1% |
| Ohio | Findlay | 10.8% | 1.0% |
| Oklahoma | Enid | 6.4% | 0.4% |
| Oregon | Medford | 6.5% | 1.1% |
| Pennsylvania | York | 12.7% | 1.8% |
| Rhode Island | East Providence | 7.9% | 1.9% |
| South Carolina | North Charleston | 6.4% | 1.6% |
| South Dakota | Sioux Falls | 5.7% | 0.5% |
| Tennessee | Hendersonville | 5.7% | 0.9% |
| Texas | Hurst | 12.0% | 1.0% |
| Utah | Bountiful | 8.3% | 1.3% |
| Vermont | Burlington | 6.6% | 0.5% |
| Virginia | Richmond | 6.4% | 1.7% |
| Washington | Puyallup | 7.8% | 1.0% |
| West Virginia | Charleston | 8.6% | 0.7% |
| Wisconsin | Milwaukee | 6.8% | 1.0% |
| Wyoming | Laramie | 10.8% | -0.1% |
Author
Amanda Postma is a writer for the Zippia Career Advice blog with a focus on creating entertaining content to help you through your job search. She received her BA from the University Of Missouri-Columbia.
