Midwest

Madison, WI

Education and health anchors create resilient family economics.

Best overall: 37Population: 45,119Median home: $235,996

Score breakdown

How this metro wins

family affordability index0

remote worker advantage24

wealth accumulation potential30

school to cost ratio42

climate comfort score38

career mobility score30

raising kids score50

safety score79

disaster resilience score45

migration momentum score28

best overall score37

Tradeoffs

Median rent$708

Median income$56,815

School score84

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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