Find a Job You Really Want In
If you’re seeking a new job and have the flexibility to choose your location, you’ve landed in the right spot. Mid-sized cities, often overlooked for their larger counterparts, can offer vibrant job markets and a high quality of life.
We conducted a thorough analysis of employment data across the United States to pinpoint mid-sized cities that excel in job opportunities but don’t boast the high-pressure environment of major metropolitan areas.
These hidden gems may not have the same name recognition as New York or Los Angeles, but they provide ample opportunities for job seekers looking for high-paying and fulfilling careers.
In our study, we focused on 250 cities categorized as “mid-sized,” defined as those with populations ranging from 68,000 to 108,000. This category typically includes cities ranked between 250th and 500th in terms of population size.
After analyzing the data, we identified the top mid-sized cities for job seekers. Boca Raton, Florida, stood out as the best choice, demonstrating that it’s not just a haven for retirees but also a premier destination for employment:
- Boca Raton, Florida
- Davie, Florida
- Carmel, Indiana
- Fishers, Indiana
- Highlands Ranch, Colorado
- Alafaya, Florida
- Sandy, Utah
- League City, Texas (Tie)
- Sugar Land, Texas (Tie)
- Pearland, Texas
Continue reading to discover how Boca Raton earned its top position on our list and get more insights about each of the top ten cities.
If you’re eager to see more, scroll to the bottom of the article for a complete list of the top 100 mid-sized cities for job opportunities.
How We Determined the Best Mid-Sized Cities for Jobs
We defined “mid-sized” cities as those ranked between the 250th and 500th largest in the U.S., which offers a diverse range of living environments, from standalone cities to suburbs of larger metropolitan areas.
For our analysis, we gathered data on the following criteria for each of the 250 cities:
- Unemployment rate
- Recent job growth
- Future job growth
- Sales tax
- Income tax
- Median household income
Our sources include the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and Sperling’s Best Places.
We believe these criteria strike a balance between:
- Quality of jobs (Median Income)
- Job accessibility (Unemployment rate, recent job growth, and future job growth)
- Financial retention (Sales tax and income tax)
Each city was ranked based on these criteria from one to 250, with one being the best. The city with the lowest overall score was awarded the title of “Best Mid-Sized City for Jobs in America.”
If your town didn’t make the top 10, check out the detailed chart of the top 100 cities at the bottom of the post.
Now, let’s delve into how these cities achieved their esteemed status.
1. Boca Raton, Florida
Population: 85,738
Median Income: $94,627
Unemployment Rate: 4.5%
Leading the pack is Boca Raton, which surprised many with its robust employment statistics. It ranks in the top 5% for both recent job growth and projected future job growth. With a 0% income tax in Florida, Boca Raton solidifies its reputation as an excellent choice for job seekers.
2. Davie, Florida
Population: 92,587
Median Income: $74,414
Unemployment Rate: 3.7%
Just south of Boca Raton, Davie ranks second due to its proximity to major universities and strong job growth potential. Its unemployment rate is impressively low, although its median income is slightly below Boca Raton’s.
3. Carmel, Indiana
Population: 80,060
Median Income: $125,536
Unemployment Rate: 3.3%
Carmel frequently appears on best-lists, and its third-place position here is no exception. The city boasts the sixth-highest median income and a healthy job market.
4. Fishers, Indiana
Population: 76,835
Median Income: $105,189
Unemployment Rate: 3.3%
Fishers, often seen as Carmel’s counterpart, deserves recognition for its strong economic performance and job opportunities.
5. Highlands Ranch, Colorado
Population: 98,977
Median Income: $118,530
Unemployment Rate: 4.4%
This Denver suburb excels with a top-ranking median income and low sales tax, making it a prime location for job seekers in Colorado.
6. Alafaya, Florida
Population: 82,196
Median Income: $73,755
Unemployment Rate: 5.3%
Alafaya, while lesser-known, showcases impressive job growth metrics that make it an attractive option for job seekers.
7. Sandy, Utah
Population: 87,952
Median Income: $85,317
Unemployment Rate: 3.0%
Sandy’s low unemployment rate and strong job growth potential make it a noteworthy contender. Major corporations have long recognized its advantages.
8. League City, Texas
Population: 83,026
Median Income: $101,264
Unemployment Rate: 3.9%
League City ranks high due to its solid median income and future job growth, even with Texas’s higher sales tax.
8. Sugar Land, Texas
Population: 79,475
Median Income: $119,001
Unemployment Rate: 3.5%
Tied for eighth, Sugar Land is marked by its excellent job market and contributions from major employers.
10. Pearland, Texas
Population: 90,347
Median Income: $103,400
Unemployment Rate: 3.5%
Pearland rounds out the top ten with a vibrant job market and low unemployment rate, positioning itself as a growing hub for businesses.
List of Top 100 Best Mid-Sized Cities For Jobs
Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
