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The Cities That Are Attracting Young Talent in 2026
Evaluating the trajectory of a city can be approached in various ways. While job availability, employment rates, and notable companies in the area are essential factors, one of the most telling indicators is population growth—especially among young professionals.
A robust tax base is crucial for urban development, and cities thrive when they cultivate a vibrant community of young workers. However, not all urban areas are experiencing growth, and even those that are may not be seeing an influx of the desired demographic.
To identify cities making significant strides in attracting young adults, we analyzed data on the increase of residents aged 25 to 29. In 2026, Frisco, Texas, emerged as a standout with an impressive 19% increase in this age group. Other well-known cities such as Atlanta, Knoxville, and Cleveland also ranked among the top 25 cities witnessing substantial growth in their 25-to-29-year-old populations.
As younger individuals increasingly choose where to live and work, it’s evident that these cities offer more appealing opportunities compared to others.
Conversely, some cities are experiencing a notable decline in their population of 25-to-29-year-olds. For instance, Mesquite, Texas, recorded the largest decrease among the 275 cities analyzed. These cities struggle to retain their younger workforce, which poses challenges for long-term economic stability.
How We Conducted Our Analysis
Our analysis utilized data from the Census Bureau’s American Community Survey, comparing the number of individuals aged 25 to 29 in 2023 with previous years. A greater increase indicates a thriving population of younger residents, while a significant decrease suggests challenges in retaining this vital demographic.
We focused on the 275 cities with the largest number of households, emphasizing the 25-to-29 age group. This age range is significant, as individuals typically complete their education and begin pursuing their careers around age 25.
Why Population Decline is Concerning
Population decline is a troubling sign for any city. A growing population, along with an expanding tax base, is essential for funding infrastructure, education, and community services. Moreover, a talented workforce is crucial for attracting major companies that can drive regional growth.
While we cannot guarantee that all cities with an influx of young talent will offer plentiful job opportunities, their appeal to younger workers suggests they possess qualities that make them desirable places to live and work.
Author
Kathy is the head of content at Zippia with a knack for engaging audiences. Prior to joining Zippia, Kathy worked at Gateway Blend growing audiences across diverse brands. She graduated from Troy University with a degree in Social Science Education.
