The Best Cities To Start Your Career In Each State

As you embark on your professional journey in 2026, whether fresh out of college or switching careers, choosing the right city to kickstart your career is crucial. Should you remain in your hometown or venture to new opportunities elsewhere?

Fortunately, Zippia has conducted extensive research on the best cities across the U.S. to launch your career, revealing some unexpected results.

You don’t have to relocate to major urban centers like New York City or Los Angeles to thrive. In fact, many lesser-known cities can provide significant advantages for early-career professionals.

If you’re considering a new start in a different state or want to stay closer to home, here are the top 10 cities in 2026 that can help you kickstart your career effectively:

1. Fargo, ND
2. Madison, WI
3. Midland, TX
4. Lincoln, NE
5. Columbia, MO
6. Norman, OK
7. Anchorage, AK
8. Lafayette, LA
9. Provo, UT
10. Duluth, MN

Still questioning the appeal of cities in the Midwest and South? These locations are brimming with vitality and are increasingly recognized as prime spots for launching your career in the U.S.

Whether you’re drawn to snow-covered landscapes like Fargo or Madison, or perhaps the culinary delights of Lafayette or Midland, Zippia has identified a city that can align with your career aspirations.

HOW WE IDENTIFIED THE BEST CITIES TO START YOUR CAREER IN EACH STATE

To conduct our analysis, we established a minimum population threshold of 50,000 residents, leading us to data from 831 cities across the U.S.

We ranked these cities based on several criteria, scoring them from one to 831, with one representing the best ranking.

The average rank across all criteria determined the overall score, with the lowest score identifying the “Best Cities in Each State for Jobs.”

The criteria considered included:

• Population
• Unemployment Rate
• Percentage of Millennials in the Population
• Cost of Living

The data source for these criteria was the Census’s American Community Survey.

1. Fargo, ND

Unemployment Rate: 3.6%
Median Rent: $727
Median Income: $48,060

Fargo ranks #1 for the best city to launch your career. With low unemployment, an affordable cost of living, and a vibrant millennial community, it’s an attractive option for any recent graduate.

Here, you can pay off your student loans faster while enjoying the winter wonderland. Plus, the Red River Zoo is home to adorable red pandas, perfect for stress relief after a busy day.

2. Madison, WI

Unemployment Rate: 4.8%
Median Rent: $959
Median Income: $56,464

Madison is a paradise for nature lovers, featuring 200 miles of hiking and biking trails. It’s a hub for health and healthcare technology careers, hosting major companies like Epic Systems and UW Hospital.

Once you settle in, you might find it hard to leave. Madison has been recognized as one of the best places to live and work, making it a smart choice for your professional journey.

3. Midland, TX

Unemployment Rate: 4.0%
Median Rent: $1,143
Median Income: $71,500

Midland thrives in the oil industry but also offers diverse career paths in agriculture, aerospace, and healthcare. Its small-town charm combined with robust job opportunities makes it an excellent choice for any career starter.

If you’re a fan of history, visit George W. Bush’s childhood home, preserved to its 1950s glory.

4. Lincoln, NE

Unemployment Rate: 4.6%
Median Rent: $750
Median Income: $51,126

Lincoln is a vibrant city with a unique blend of culture and affordability. It’s home to the Nebraska Cornhuskers and offers a variety of activities, from concerts to tranquil yoga spots.

With studio apartments often under $400/month, Lincoln provides a fantastic opportunity to live comfortably while launching your career.

5. Columbia, MO

Unemployment Rate: 4.2%
Median Rent: $803
Median Income: $45,221

Columbia is teeming with young professionals, featuring over 600 restaurants and numerous museums. If you enjoy outdoor activities, Columbia offers ample lakes and trails for recreation.

With its affordable living costs and burgeoning job market, it’s an ideal place for recent graduates in fields like education and healthcare.

6. Norman, OK

Unemployment Rate: 5.4%
Median Rent: $802
Median Income: $52,484

Norman is home to the National Weather Center, offering excellent opportunities for earth sciences, engineering, and meteorology professionals. With a vibrant cultural scene, including theaters and music venues, it offers a rich lifestyle for young professionals.

7. Anchorage, AK

Unemployment Rate: 6.0%
Median Rent: $1,231
Median Income: $80,862

Anchorage offers stunning natural beauty and is home to the Alaska Native Heritage Center. With job opportunities in various sectors, including tourism and cultural heritage, it’s a unique place to build your career.

For insights into major employers in the region, check out our research on the 100 Largest Companies in Alaska.

8. Lafayette, LA

Unemployment Rate: 5.2%
Median Rent: $824
Median Income: $47,940

Lafayette is a vibrant city known for its rich culinary scene and cultural heritage. With a strong emphasis on education and healthcare sectors, it’s perfect for those looking to start their careers in a lively environment.

After work, you can explore creole plantations or indulge in the local BBQ culture in this charming southern city.

9. Provo, UT

Unemployment Rate: 5.8%
Median Rent: $764
Median Income: $42,600

Provo, known for its youthful population and proximity to Brigham Young University, has a booming economy driven by tech startups and established businesses. Despite its cultural reputation, it offers breathtaking natural scenery and excellent job opportunities.

Experience the best of both worlds with outdoor adventures and high-speed internet connectivity, often found in major tech hubs.

10. Duluth, MN

Unemployment Rate: 5.6%
Median Rent: $752
Median Income: $45,950

Duluth is a picturesque port city on Lake Superior, making it a hub for transportation and trade. It offers a vibrant job market, particularly in manufacturing and IT.

Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate Duluth’s skiing opportunities, making it an ideal location for work-life balance.

Your Career Adventure Awaits!

Now that you’ve discovered our top 10 cities to launch your career, it’s clear that opportunities exist beyond the traditional powerhouses of New York, D.C., and Los Angeles.

At Zippia, we understand that starting a new career can be financially challenging, so why not save on living expenses while immersing yourself in a beautiful environment or enjoying diverse local cuisines?

No matter your preferences, there’s a city ready to support your career ambitions without straining your finances.

Detailed List Of The Best City To Start Your Career In Each State

Author

Heidi Cope

Heidi Cope is a former writer for the Zippia Career Advice blog. Her writing focused primarily on Zippia's suite of rankings and general career advice. After leaving Zippia, Heidi joined The Mighty as a writer and editor, among other positions. She received her BS from UNC Charlotte in German Studies.