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Kansas City Ranks Among Best Midwest Metros for Millennial Generation

A CommercialCafe study analyzed which metropolitan areas are best for millennials' living, employment and health opportunities in 2025. FILE PHOTO.

Posted June 16, 2025

A study has ranked the Kansas City metropolitan area 2nd among Midwest destinations for millennials looking to earn more, advance their careers and commit to long-term goals.

A recent study from CommercialCafe found the top 5 Midwest metropolitan areas for millennials — who are entering their 30s and 40s — ranked Minneapolis, MN (1); Kansas City, MO (2); Milwaukee, WI (3); Columbus, OH (4) and Indianapolis, IN (5).

The addition to the top Midwest metros, the study also included the best metros, including the Southern, Western and Northeastern regions of the country. To determine which metros are best-positioned to attract the Millennial Generation, CommercialCafe analyzed 103 U.S. metro areas with populations over 500,000. Rank placement was found using data on population trends, income, cost of living, employment, health coverage and educational attainment.

In the Midwest, Kansas City is great in affordability with costs 6.7% below the national average, although incomes are slightly lower at $109,200. Additionally, Kansas City’s millennial population grew by 5.8% from 2019 to 2023, the 3rd-largest increase among the Midwestern metros. Also in Kansas City, 43.4% of its millennial population holds a bachelor’s degree or higher, the 5th-largest share of educated millennials among Midwestern metros.

Kansas City, MO statistics:

  • Share of Millennials: 22.5%
  • Millennials 2019 vs. 2023: 5.8%
  • Regional Price Parity: 93.3
  • Millennial Household Income: $109,158
  • Unemployment Rate: 3.2%
  • Millennials Health Insurance Coverage: 71.3%
  • Millennials Educational Attainment: 43.4%

The Midwest region’s living costs across the region’s top 10 metros are nearly 5% below the national average — the lowest of any region — and employer insurance coverage is the highest in the country at 71.8%, according to the study. Across all regions, the Kansas City metropolitan area ranked No.12, while Austin, TX, San Jose, CA, and Raleigh, N.C., ranked as the best destinations for millennials in 2025.

View the full study here.