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.
10 best cities for Gen Z workers
- Fargo, North Dakota
- Oshkosh, Wisconsin
- Cedar Rapids, Iowa
- Bismarck, North Dakota
- Madison, Wisconsin
- Lincoln, Nebraska
- Sioux Falls, South Dakota
- Appleton, Wisconsin
- Sheboygan, Wisconsin
- Missoula, Montana
