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Greater Richmond named a Top 15 U.S. Metro in Cities on the Rise report
July 18, 2025
Greater Richmond continues to gain national recognition as a competitive metro for workforce growth and talent attraction. In its inaugural Cities on the Rise report, LinkedIn ranked the Greater Richmond region No. 13 among the 25 fastest-growing U.S. metros for jobs and new talent in 2025.
Greater Richmond outranked other high-performing metros such as Raleigh (19), Austin (18) and Portland (20), reflecting a national shift toward opportunity rich secondary cities that offer upward mobility without the high costs and congestion of larger urban centers.
This ranking is based on LinkedIn’s proprietary labor market data, including hiring trends, job postings growth and net migration of LinkedIn members in the past year.
A shifting trend
According to LinkedIn data, nearly half (46 percent) of the U.S. workforce lives in a different city from where they grew up. Today’s workers no longer need to relocate to expensive larger cities to advance their careers. As companies increasingly invest in more affordable markets with strong talent pipelines, the workforce is following suit.
LinkedIn cited Greater Richmond megaprojects like the LEGO Group, which selected the region in 2022 for its North American manufacturing facility, as helping power the city’s growing workforce and attract new talent.
Greater Richmond has long been a magnet for the younger workforce as employment in the region trends upward. Between 2013 and 2023, the Richmond MSA experienced a nearly 20 percent increase in population among individuals aged 25 to 34. Additionally, nearly 70,000 new jobs were created in the Richmond MSA in the last 10 years (JobsEQ).
Greater Richmond has ranked multiple times as a top destination for millennials and young professionals. Offering the benefits of a major metro at a fraction of the cost, Greater Richmond boasts vibrant neighborhoods, a rich cultural and arts community, as well as abundant outdoor amenities, which attract an average of 245 net new residents a year (JobsEQ).
Why Richmond
LinkedIn’s analysis identified mid-sized metros where opportunity is accelerating, and Richmond stands out for several key reasons:
- Steady growth in hiring and job postings: Local employers are expanding across sectors including professional services, healthcare and financial services.
- Migration of skilled talent: Professionals from higher-cost areas around the globe are relocating to Richmond in search of strong career prospects and an affordable lifestyle.
- Affordable cost of living with strong amenities: Richmond offers a rare balance of urban amenities, cultural assets and natural beauty, combined with housing costs that remain competitive compared to major coastal cities on the East Coast.
- A sense of community: Richmond locals utilize public spaces like libraries and civic centers at higher rates than other metros, signaling strong community collaboration.
Looking ahead
As companies rethink their location strategies in a post-pandemic economy, mid-sized regions like Greater Richmond are gaining traction for their talent pipelines, livability and affordable business climate.
Richmond’s steady job growth, new talent and sense of community will remain key drivers of its appeal to both individuals and investors as workforce dynamics continue to shift.
