Madison, Wisconsin, has been named the top U.S. city for Generation Z workers in 2025, according to a new analysis of affordability, employment opportunities, and social scene. The ranking, compiled by employer services platform Checkr, highlights cities offering a strong balance for young professionals navigating a challenging job market.

Other cities that performed exceptionally well for Gen Z include Minneapolis, Minnesota; Des Moines, Iowa; Omaha, Nebraska; and Nashville, Tennessee. Notably, the majority of these top-tier destinations for young workers are situated in the Midwest, bucking the trend of seeking opportunities on the East or West Coasts.

The analysis considered several key factors to determine suitability for Gen Z. These include income-to-rent ratios, the percentage of renters spending less than 30% of their income on housing, real personal income, and unemployment rates. The labor force participation rate and the proportion of the population that is Gen Z were also critical metrics.

Furthermore, the study evaluated the ratio of entertainment establishments to Gen Z residents, aiming to capture the vibrancy of a city’s social offerings. This comprehensive approach allowed for a detailed assessment of each city’s appeal to younger demographics.

Madison secured the top spot primarily due to its leading performance in employment opportunities, making it an attractive location for Gen Z individuals looking to establish their careers. While its affordability ranks at 22, its strong job market and lively social scene, ranking 11th, solidify its position.

Minneapolis, on the other hand, outshone Madison in social opportunities, ranking 8th overall. It also presents a compelling case with strong employment prospects and a more accessible cost of living, coming in at 15th for affordability.

Des Moines, Iowa, while not among the most affordable cities, significantly impresses with its high ranking in employment opportunities, placing 6th. Its thriving social scene, ranked 15th, further enhances its appeal to the younger generation.

Omaha, Nebraska, emerges as the second most affordable city within the top five, and third most affordable in the top ten. It boasts robust employment figures and a diverse array of social and cultural amenities for young professionals.

Nashville, Tennessee, though less affordable than other top contenders, offers a powerful draw with its strong employment outlook for young workers. The city’s renowned nightlife and music scene contribute significantly to its desirability.

The broader trend indicates that many of the ideal cities for Gen Z are located in the central United States. These regions typically offer a lower cost of living and potentially less competition for jobs compared to major coastal hubs.

This geographical concentration is evident across different city sizes. Even among mid-sized and smaller cities, the Midwest dominates, with coastal cities being rare exceptions in the top rankings. This suggests a strategic shift for Gen Z job seekers towards the heartland for career and lifestyle opportunities.

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Keywords: Gen Z workers, best cities for Gen Z, 2025 job market, career opportunities, city affordability, Midwest cities, young professionals, employment trends