The Surprising Small Cities Where Americans Are Finding Jobs
A Forbes analysis of LinkedIn's 2026 'Cities on the Rise' ranking reveals that U.S. job growth is shifting from traditional Sun Belt hubs to smaller metros, state capitals, and college towns. The ranking, which excludes metros with over 2.5 million LinkedIn members, highlights 25 small and mid-sized cities with strong hiring growth and positive net migration. Top metros include Augusta, Ga. (defense/cyber), Richmond, Va. (internet infrastructure), Reno, Nev., Sarasota, Fla., and Harrisburg, Pa. (affordable housing). Notable trends include Portland, Maine's life sciences expansion, Fort Wayne's high remote work rate, and Myrtle Beach's appeal to retirees. The article notes the broader fragmentation of job growth away from traditional economic centers.
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The Surprising Small Cities Where Americans Are Finding Jobs
A Forbes analysis of LinkedIn's 2026 'Cities on the Rise' ranking reveals that U.S. job growth is shifting from traditional Sun Belt hubs to smaller metros, state capitals, and college towns. The ranking, which excludes metros with over 2.5 million LinkedIn members, highlights 25 small and mid-sized cities with strong hiring growth and positive net migration. Top metros include Augusta, Ga. (defense/cyber), Richmond, Va. (internet infrastructure), Reno, Nev., Sarasota, Fla., and Harrisburg, Pa. (affordable housing). Notable trends include Portland, Maine's life sciences expansion, Fort Wayne's high remote work rate, and Myrtle Beach's appeal to retirees. The article notes the broader fragmentation of job growth away from traditional economic centers.