Best cities for Gen Z workers revealed — did yours make the cut?

April 2, 2024

They should be quiet quitting major cities.

New research has identified the best places for Gen Z workers — and these areas predominantly share two traits: they’re empty and cold.

A report from background check company Checkr found that many small population centers in frigid areas in the Midwest and Great Lakes regions are optimal for 18- to 27-year-olds.

Checkr looked at Gen Z unemployment rates, income-to-rent ratios, and the percentage of renters who spend less than 30% of their income on housing, among other factors.

When tallied, Fargo, North Dakota — with an estimated population of 131,444 — was deemed the prime place for young people to start their dream jobs. The Minnesota-bordering city was lauded for its affordability, among other high-ranking employment factors, plus “entrepreneurial spirit.”

Rent Cafe reports that the median Fargo rent runs just north of $1,000.

It also got a pat on the back from Checkr for having a “thriving art scene” and lots of outdoor space. North Dakota’s capital of Bismarck, a three-hour drive west, came in fourth place.

Farther east, cheesy Wisconsin had four population centers in the top 10: Oshkosh (No. 2), Madison (No. 5), Appleton (No. 8), and the fun-to-pronounce Sheboygan, (No. 9).

And the University of Nebraska’s hometown of Lincoln scored sixth, while chilly Fairbanks, Alaska, took 12th.

A handful of Pennsylvania places made the top 100: Chambersburg (40), Lancaster (43), Bloomsburg (57), capital Harrisburg (72), York (89), and finally, Pittsburgh (92).

In New England, Portland, Maine, was 76th; the Nashua area of New Hampshire was listed at 88th; and Boston, home to Interstate I-93, took 93rd. New York and New Jersey didn’t make the cut.

Still, Gen Zers continue to storm the Big Apple’s rental scene — despite typically only making around $57,000 a year. At least the ones who show up to work do.