09 Apr Great Lakes Metros Driving Innovation & Business Opportunities: These Are the Best Places for Tech Workers in the Midwest

Posted at 15:20h in URP News by

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Throughout the last decade, the Midwest has done everything in its power to shake off the urban and industrial decline label that the region had been saddled with since the early 1980s. And, as with many areas of the U.S. economy, the expansion of the tech industry has played a key role in the former Rust Belt’s revival, as well.

Having previously documented the performances of the top 20 Midwestern metros for tech workers and businesses, we’ve updated the study with the most recently available data on metrics, such as tech business, employment and earnings growth, as well as general quality-of-life indicators.

Key highlights

  • Madison, Wis. finishes #1 with top performances for tech business density and employment
  • Sioux Falls, S.D. leads ranking for highest percentage of new tech businesses added
  • More than 8,200 tech patents issued in Chicago since 2020, Detroit runner-up with 5,590
  • 89% increase in tech employment in Fargo, N.D.; 35,000 new tech jobs added in Chicago
  • Rochester, Minn. outranks Chicago among Midwestern metros with the highest earnings for tech professionals
  • Median tech earnings in Wichita, Kan. grow by 37% since 2019
  • Dakota entries lead across quality-of-life metrics, boasting low unemployment and cost of living

 

For a breakdown of all of these indicators, along with data sources and other details, please consult our methodology.

Keep reading to find out more about the overall score of each metropolitan statistical area (MSA).

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