Midwest

Columbus, OH

Balanced growth, affordability, and education pipeline.

Best overall: 25Population: 2,175,788Median home: $276,541

Score breakdown

How this metro wins

family affordability index0

remote worker advantage18

wealth accumulation potential31

school to cost ratio37

climate comfort score0

career mobility score30

raising kids score35

safety score67

disaster resilience score0

migration momentum score31

best overall score25

Tradeoffs

Median rent$1,322

Median income$81,945

School score74

Housing remains comparatively accessible for a growth-oriented metro.

Job growth is steadier than explosive, which can appeal to households prioritizing stability.

Migration is positive but measured, which can mean fewer boomtown distortions.

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