LinkedIn Ranks Emerging Mid-Size Cities for Job Growth

LinkedIn's 2025 "Cities on the Rise" report highlights several small and mid-sized U.S. cities as top emerging job markets, with Nashville ranking ninth due to corporate expansions like Oracle's headquarters relocation. Indianapolis and Fort Wayne also appear on LinkedIn's list, praised for significant construction projects, investments in manufacturing and healthcare, and affordable living costs that attract young professionals. This trend reflects a broader shift where job seekers are favoring cities that offer a combination of career opportunities, affordability, and quality of life, accelerated by changes in the labor market post-pandemic. Complementing this, a separate ranking targeting Gen Z graduates emphasizes metros like Ann Arbor, MI, Lincoln, NE, and Des Moines, IA, for their balance of economic growth, cultural amenities, and affordability. These findings suggest that emerging urban hubs with strong community features and economic momentum are becoming increasingly attractive for career starters and job switchers alike. Additionally, LinkedIn's editor-in-chief discussed these trends in a recent TODAY show interview, underscoring the growing importance of such cities in workforce migration and hiring demand.