Raleigh Named Best-Performing Large City in 2025

News Summary

Raleigh, North Carolina, has been recognized as the best-performing large city in the United States for 2025 by the Milken Institute. The city boasts impressive statistics, including a 15.5% average job growth and a wage increase of over 47% since 2018. While the population has surged, leading to housing challenges, the tech sector is thriving with new job opportunities. The city’s vibrant economic growth is attracting new residents, making Raleigh a notable contender in the nation’s urban landscape.

Raleigh Rises to the Top in 2025 City Rankings!

Grab your party hats, folks! Raleigh, North Carolina, has been crowned the “best-performing large city” in the United States for 2025, surpassing last year’s remarkable second-place finish according to the reputable Milken Institute. Talk about a glowing achievement!

A City on the Upswing

Why is Raleigh receiving all this love? Well, it’s all about prosperity and opportunity. The Milken Institute assesses cities based on economic performance and identifies those that are flourishing amid various challenges. Raleigh is shining bright due to some impressive stats: an average job growth of 15.5% and an astounding wage increase of over 47% from 2018 to 2023. Not too shabby, right?

Rankings that Tell a Story

When you take a closer look, Raleigh has performed in the top quarter for a whopping 11 out of 13 metrics analyzed. These include factors like job growth, wage growth, and surprisingly, community resilience. The city even ranked seventh for its high-tech impact and labor market performance. It’s no wonder people are buzzing about this city’s potential!

Competition in the Carolinas

Raleigh is not the only city in North and South Carolina making headlines. Charleston snagged the 11th spot, while Myrtle Beach came in at 12th among large cities. If you’re looking for smaller cities, Jacksonville at 8th and Burlington at 17th are worth a mention as well.

Housing: A Double-Edged Sword

30% since 2010, driving demand for housing through the roof. Unfortunately, there’s currently a hefty shortage of about 65,000 units in Wake County. The median home price in Raleigh reached around $450,000 in November 2024, a noticeable jump from $305,000 just four years earlier in November 2020.

Mayor Janet Cowell has stepped up to remind everyone that it’s crucial to balance all this exciting growth with the need for affordable housing. Luckily, there’s a silver lining: the latest report shows that three-quarters of Raleigh residents spend less than 30% of their income on housing—definitely a good sign!

Exciting Job Opportunities on the Horizon

If you’re searching for job opportunities, Raleigh is the place to be. The tech sector continues to thrive, and a new player is hitting the scene: Ralliant Corp. This cutting-edge technology firm focusing on precision technologies will set up its headquarters in Raleigh and is expected to create 180 jobs with an average salary of—wait for it—$189,479. That’s a nice paycheck!

Ralliant’s move is bolstered by state job development investment grants (JDIG), which could provide up to $2.6 million in incentives. Raleigh’s appeal to businesses isn’t just about numbers; it’s also because of the area’s strong educational institutions, including local universities that pump out a skilled workforce.

People are Moving Here!

The hype doesn’t stop there. Raleigh is experiencing a significant influx of new residents, with approximately 51 people moving to the area daily—34 of them relocating here! It’s a testament to the city’s growing charm and opportunity.

Conclusion: Raleigh’s Bright Future

As the economy continues to flourish, and the city grapples with the challenges of managing growth, it’s vital for local leaders to focus on retaining graduates from regional universities. Keeping that fresh talent pool ready for local industries is crucial to maintaining Raleigh’s status as a leading city in America.

With a thriving economy and exciting job prospects galore, it’s easy to see why Raleigh has grabbed the spotlight! The future looks promising, and we can’t wait to see how this vibrant city continues to grow and develop in the years to come.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• Aerospace Manufacturing and Design: Ralliant to Establish Global Headquarters in North Carolina
• Wikipedia: Raleigh, North Carolina
• U.S. News: Job Growth in Carolina Cities
• Google Search: Raleigh Real Estate Market
• ABC11: Raleigh Tops List of Best-Performing Large Cities
• Google Scholar: North Carolina Economy 2025
• News Observer: Raleigh’s Business Landscape
• Encyclopedia Britannica: North Carolina
• WRAL: Economic Plans Unveiled in Raleigh
• Google News: 2025 Raleigh Job Market