Jan 28, 2025
Columbia topped WalletHub’s 2025 list for best places in Maryland to find a job and came in third in the nation for the same category. Scottsdale, Arizona took the top spot nationally, while Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania came in second, according to the personal finance platform’s rankings.“Time and time again, Columbia is recognized nationally for being an excellent place to live, work, play, grow, and thrive for all,” said Howard County Executive Calvin Ball. “This latest recognition is a welcome affirmation of our ongoing commitment to making Columbia a premier destination for job seekers and employers alike. Whether it’s our Columbia Gateway Master Plan or the revitalization of Downtown, Columbia continues to be a welcoming place for those who choose to live and work here.” Comparing 182 cities in the U.S., WalletHub used 31 criteria to measure job market strength, like job opportunities, employment growth, and monthly average starting salary. Columbia’s high ranking is due, in part, to having the highest median household income in the nation at nearly $124,000, adjusted for the cost of living.Other measures included rent prices being relatively affordable given the high quality of life and amenities available, which helps mitigate the costs of living. In Columbia, average annual fair market rent for a two-bedroom apartment is only around 16% of the median household income, which is the sixth-lowest percentage in the country.“Columbia’s recognition as one of the top places in the nation to find a job reflects the strength of our local economy, the innovation of our businesses, and the resilience of our workforce,” said Jennifer Jones, CEO of the Howard County Economic Development Authority. “Howard County continues to create an environment where businesses can thrive, and employees can build meaningful careers. This ranking underscores our commitment to fostering economic opportunity and maintaining a dynamic job market.”WalletHub also found Columbia has the ninth-lowest share of jobs that are likely to be automated in the near future, which is reassuring to people who fear their jobs being eliminated by AI or other advanced technology. This ranking is a measure of tangible job security. “We are thrilled, but not surprised, that Columbia ranks so highly as one of the best cities for jobs,” said Stephanie Adibe, administrator for the Howard County Office of Workforce Development. “Our Office of Workforce Development has worked diligently to create and promote programs, like our Youth Apprenticeship Program, to make sure our job force is trained and ready for the workforce. Working together with the Howard County Economic Development Authority, we are tackling it from all angles to unite workers with jobs to create meaningful employment.”Last year, Columbia was ranked Best U.S. City to Live in Maryland and Best City to Live and Raise a Family in Maryland. In September 2024, it was also rated the top city in the nation for women by WalletHub. In that study, Columbia was ranked first for women’s economic status, health, and safety.For WalletHub’s complete listings of the best and worst cities in the nation to find a job, click this link. ...read more read less
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