The top 10 U.S. cities for Gen Z workers, according to new report

Move to coastal hubs: Many of the best cities for Gen Z workers are in the Midwest, according to a new report from HR tech company Checkr.

Checkr uses data from the US Census Bureau and the Bureau of Economic Analysis. ranked the best cities For Generation Z employees, it is determined based on their scores in three key areas: employment, economy and social life.

Checkr calculated each city’s employment score based on its unemployment rate and labor force participation. To determine the affordability score, Checkr analyzed the income-to-rent ratio, actual personal income, and the percentage of renters paying more than 30% of their income.

Each city’s social life score is determined by the Generation Z ratio of the population in each city and the number of Generation Z members per entertainment establishment. Employment and affordability are each weighted at 40%, while social life is weighted at 20%.

According to Checkr research and content strategist Sam Radbil, “it’s going to be really hard to survive and save money” for Gen Z workers earning entry-level salaries in big cities like Los Angeles and New York.

Cities like Des Moines and Milwaukee may not have the same hustle and bustle, but they can offer lower costs of living and slower-paced lifestyles, Radbil says.

He says the cities on this list provide both “career acceleration and lifestyle fit in one package.”

These are the 10 best U.S. cities for Gen Z workers, according to data from Checkr.

1. Madison, Wisconsin

Radbil says Madison earned the top spot because of its proximity to the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Radbil says students from all over the country are drawn to the school for its academic, sporting and social environment, and that the city is a “great starting point” for graduates to begin their careers.

Beyond college, Madison’s proximity to Chicago and Milwaukee means young people have access to “very strong job opportunities” in the area, according to Radbil.

2. Minneapolis, Minnesota

One of the larger cities in the Midwest, Minneapolis offers urban convenience with a low cost of living.

Radbil says Minneapolis is also attractive to Gen Z workers because of its progressive values ​​and welcoming social environment.

3. Des Moines, Iowa

Radbil says Des Moines has a thriving insurance industry and offers ample job opportunities for Generation Z employees interested in this industry.

Beyond that, the city offers affordability and a low cost of living, making it “increasingly attractive to young workers who want a meaningful start without big-city fatigue.”

4.Omaha, Nebraska

Omaha “blends Midwestern charm with very real economic momentum,” according to Radbil.

Radbil says Generation Z workers can find ample jobs in the insurance, finance and education sectors, and a “small startup ecosystem” is also developing.

He says legendary investor Warren Buffett calls Omaha home.

5.Nashville,Tennessee

Radbil says Nashville is best known for its music roots, but the city also has a growing tech presence and a “very great entrepreneurial environment.”

Radbil compares Nashville to Austin, which “doesn’t have crazy rent prices yet,” but says the city’s popularity will likely increase the cost of living.

Still, Gen Z workers are drawn to Nashville because “the lifestyle there is so appealing,” he says.

6th St. Louis, Missouri

Radbil, St. He says the most important thing for St. Louis is affordability.

According to Radbil, the low cost of living is attractive to young workers looking to settle down and buy a home.

“St. Louis gives you the opportunity to start at maybe a lower price point, and you really feel like you have some roots and you own something, which is important to people,” he says.

7. Austin, Texas

Austin is a “Generation Z magnet,” according to Radbil.

The city’s atmosphere is “very young and culturally rich, and there’s so much to do outside,” he says.

Austin is also thriving economically: its business-friendly environment attracts major companies like Tesla and Apple, and its startup scene is booming, according to Radbil.

As a result, Radbil says, “the job market is incredible.”

8. Milwaukee, Wisconsin

According to Radbil, Milwaukee is an attractive option for Gen Z workers due to its strong job market and reasonable cost of living.

While young professionals can afford small studios in big cities like Milwaukee, “you can get an apartment overlooking Lake Michigan,” Radbil says.

The city also offers a solid social scene and “gorgeous” summer weather, he says.

9. Salt Lake City, Utah

Radbil says Salt Lake City is “one of the most stable cities for Gen Z workers” due to its growing economy, access to nature, and relative affordability.

It’s also a “great location” for young professionals working remotely, he says: “All the mountain towns and cities in the West have really grown in popularity.”

10.Boston, Massachusetts

Boston is home to “world-class” universities such as Harvard University and MIT, which attract thousands of young professionals from different industries.

“Universities are very important in terms of creating jobs for people,” he says. “I think the job opportunities there are great, whether it’s science, biotechnology, or just working at the university.”

Want to level up your AI skills? Sign up for CNBC Make It’s new online course Smarter, How to Use Artificial Intelligence to Communicate Better at Work?. Get custom prompts to optimize emails, notes, and presentations based on tone, context, and audience.

Plus, Sign up for CNBC Make It’s newsletter get tips and tricks for success in business, money and life and Request to join our private community on LinkedIn connecting with experts and peers.