Quick answer
By highest income relative to rent, the top five are Iowa (7.3×), Massachusetts (7.0×), Indiana (6.9×), Arkansas (6.7×), Illinois (6.6×). Rankings use the Smart Movers Club app's top-scoring places in each state; verify the specific city and county before you decide.
| # | State | Income ÷ annual rent | Home value | Rent | Growth | Places to research |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Iowa | 7.3× | $297,800 | $1,185 | +1.2% | Ankeny, Johnston, Urbandale |
| 2 | Massachusetts | 7.0× | $710,250 | $1,813 | +0.3% | Franklin Town, Reading, Burlington |
| 3 | Indiana | 6.9× | $312,150 | $1,347 | +1.9% | Brownsburg, Fishers, St. John |
| 4 | Arkansas | 6.7× | $248,500 | $1,007 | +2.0% | Centerton, Bryant, Bentonville |
| 5 | Illinois | 6.6× | $367,750 | $1,592 | +0.4% | Bloomington, Plainfield, South Elgin |
| 6 | Kansas | 6.6× | $336,750 | $1,305 | +0.6% | Olathe, Leawood, Lenexa |
| 7 | North Dakota | 6.6× | $258,550 | $978 | +0.7% | West Fargo, Mandan, Williston |
| 8 | Wyoming | 6.5× | $257,200 | $943 | +0.5% | Cheyenne, Gillette, Casper |
| 9 | Pennsylvania | 6.4× | $229,250 | $1,207 | +0.6% | Murrysville, Plum, King of Prussia |
| 10 | Ohio | 6.4× | $323,450 | $1,473 | +1.3% | Hudson, Hilliard, Pickerington |
Verdict factors to check before you decide
- 1Price the whole address: taxes, insurance, utilities and HOA, not just the listing.
- 2Confirm the exact city, county and school assignment for the address.
- 3Drive the commute at the hours you will actually travel.
- 4Check flood, heat and storm exposure on official maps.
- 5Compare crime at the jurisdiction level, then visit at night.
Frequently asked questions
Where Are Young Professionals Moving?
By highest income relative to rent, the top five are Iowa (7.3×), Massachusetts (7.0×), Indiana (6.9×), Arkansas (6.7×), Illinois (6.6×). Rankings use the Smart Movers Club app's top-scoring places in each state; verify the specific city and county before you decide.
Where does this data come from?
Figures come from the Smart Movers Club app, which compiles U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates and FBI state crime rates. Census figures are survey estimates, not live listing prices.
