15 Best US Cities for Job Seekers in 2022

Updated: December 19, 2022

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There are many factors that go into making a city the “best” for job seekers. Some things are intangible, like museums, beaches or a community’s vibe. But many of a city’s qualities are easier to measure and analyze.

MoneyGeek took a look at a number of factors — including job and wage growth and housing affordability — to find the best and worst cities for job growth in the U.S. If you’re unemployed or looking for a job and thinking of moving to a new state — perhaps in search of a more affordable mortgage or lower cost of living — you’ll want to take a look at our list of the 15 best U.S. cities for job seekers in 2022.


  • 15. Portland, Oregon
    Overall Score: 59.1
    Portland, Oregon

    • 60Overall Growth (Jobs & Wages)
    • 37Job Competition (Lower is Better)
    • 30Housing Affordability

  • 14. Salt Lake City, Utah
    Overall Score: 59.3
    Salt Lake City, Utah

    • 53Overall Growth (Jobs & Wages)
    • 12Job Competition (Lower is Better)
    • 55Housing Affordability

  • 13. Denver, Colorado
    Overall Score: 64.0
    Denver, Colorado

    • 60Overall Growth (Jobs & Wages)
    • 31Job Competition (Lower is Better)
    • 36Housing Affordability

  • 12. Phoenix, Arizona
    Overall Score: 66.3
    Phoenix, Arizona

    • 55Overall Growth (Jobs & Wages)
    • 23Job Competition (Lower is Better)
    • 49Housing Affordability

  • 11. Boise, Idaho
    Overall Score: 66.5
    Boise, Idaho

    • 65Overall Growth (Jobs & Wages)
    • 16Job Competition (Lower is Better)
    • 54Housing Affordability

  • 10. Seattle, Washington
    Overall Score: 67.8
    Seattle, Washington

    • 62Overall Growth (Jobs & Wages)
    • 21Job Competition (Lower is Better)
    • 29Housing Affordability

  • 9. Tampa, Florida
    Overall Score: 72.0
    Tampa, Florida

    • 64Overall Growth (Jobs & Wages)
    • 14Job Competition (Lower is Better)
    • 37Housing Affordability

  • 8. Raleigh, North Carolina
    Overall Score: 72.5
    Raleigh, North Carolina

    • 68Overall Growth (Jobs & Wages)
    • 26Job Competition (Lower is Better)
    • 57Housing Affordability

  • 7. Atlanta, Georgia
    Overall Score: 72.5
    Atlanta, Georgia

    • 58Overall Growth (Jobs & Wages)
    • 18Job Competition (Lower is Better)
    • 51Housing Affordability

  • 6. Nashville, Tennessee
    Overall Score: 78.1
    Nashville, Tennessee

    • 70Overall Growth (Jobs & Wages)
    • 19Job Competition (Lower is Better)
    • 55Housing Affordability

  • 5. Dallas, Texas
    Overall Score: 79.5
    Dallas, Texas

    • 66Overall Growth (Jobs & Wages)
    • 31Job Competition (Lower is Better)
    • 52Housing Affordability

  • 4. Orlando, Florida
    Overall Score: 84.5
    Orlando, Florida

    • 80Overall Growth (Jobs & Wages)
    • 21Job Competition (Lower is Better)
    • 33Housing Affordability

  • 3. Jacksonville, Florida
    Overall Score: 86.7
    Jacksonville, Florida

    • 77Overall Growth (Jobs & Wages)
    • 14Job Competition (Lower is Better)
    • 62Housing Affordability

  • 2. Austin, Texas
    Overall Score: 94.7
    Austin, Texas

    • 87Overall Growth (Jobs & Wages)
    • 19Job Competition (Lower is Better)
    • 46Housing Affordability

  • 1. North Port, Florida
    Overall Score: 99.0
    North Port, Florida

    • 99Overall Growth (Jobs & Wages)
    • 11Job Competition (Lower is Better)
    • 39Housing Affordability

About Geoff Williams


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Geoff Williams has been a professional writer for over three decades and a personal finance journalist for over 15 years. He contributes financial content to MoneyGeek, with expertise in personal finance, real estate, entrepreneurship, credit cards and loans. He has been writing for various publications, including The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post and CNNMoney. He also authored several books, including “Living Well with Bad Credit.”

Williams earned his creative writing degree from Indiana University Bloomington.