For the first time, LinkedIn has ranked the “Cities on the Rise,” spotlighting 25 mid-size U.S. cities where jobs are growing, new talent is moving in, and local economies are gaining momentum.
What Is LinkedIn’s “Cities on the Rise”?
The list tracks where people are moving, jobs are booming, and hiring is heating up. It focuses on metros with fewer than 2.5 million LinkedIn members, using their exclusive labor market data along with insights from Lyft, Realtor.com, and the Bureau of Economic Analysis to show not just where people work, but how they live. To make the cut, cities had to show year-over-year growth in job postings, hiring activity, and talent migration.
So why mid-size cities? LinkedIn says they’re proving they can compete with larger metro areas by offering a lower cost of living, more cultural amenities, and better access to the outdoors.
At the very top of the list: Grand Rapids, ranked the No. 1 city on the rise in the U.S.
Why Grand Rapids Stands Out in 2025 for Jobs and Talent
The report credits Grand Rapids with shedding its industrial past and building momentum in tech and insurance. Young professionals are drawn by the strong job market, a lively downtown, and the city’s proximity to Lake Michigan.
Key industries fueling growth include manufacturing, healthcare, and professional services. Major employers like Corewell Health, Grand Valley State University, and Meijer are leading the way. The study also notes bookstores and movie theaters as popular local spots, a nod to Grand Rapids’ cultural scene…