- According to the Veterans Association, there are currently more than 19.2 million veterans living in America.
- However, when it comes to adjusting to civilian life, some areas of the country are better for veterans than others.
- WalletHub ranked the 100 largest US cities in four major categories – employment, economy, quality of life, and health – to determine the best cities for veterans to live in after leaving the service.
- The top three best US cities for veterans to call home are Tampa, Florida; Austin, Texas; and Orlando, Florida.
- Visit Business Insider’s homepage for more stories.
For the more than 19 million veterans currently living in the United States, where you live can be essential to your access to healthcare, good employment, and a strong quality of life.
WalletHub conducted a report of the best US cities for veterans, analyzing 20 key indicators of livability, affordability, and veteran-friendliness. The study then provided rankings – out of 100 – for each category.
Employment rankings took into account the number of veteran-owned businesses per veteran population and opportunities for job growth, as well as the availability of jobs that utilize military-learned skills. Economy rankings considered factors such as the median veteran income and veteran homelessness rates, while quality of life was determined by analyzing veteran population, restaurants with military discounts, and more.
The study found that Tampa, Florida, triumphed as the best major US city for veterans, earning a total score of 72.44 out of a possible 100. Boston, Massachusetts, despite ranking at No. 68 overall, earned the highest ranking for veteran employment.
Keep reading to find out the top 25 best US cities for veterans.
25. Lincoln, Nebraska
Total score: 60.69
Employment (ranked out of 100): 49th
Economy (ranked out of 100): 8th
Quality of life (ranked out of 100): 29th
Health (ranked out of 100): 94th
24. Durham, North Carolina
Total score: 60.72
Employment: 15th
Economy: 55th
Quality of life: 28th
Health: 42nd
23. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Total score: 60.85
Employment: 14th
Economy: 10th
Quality of life: 18th
Health: 84th
22. Chesapeake, Virginia
Total score: 61.25
Employment: 57th
Economy: 13th
Quality of life: 26th
Health: 61st
21. San Antonio, Texas
Total score: 61.34
Employment: 29th
Economy: 27th
Quality of life: 19th
Health: 47th
20. Denver, Colorado
Total score: 61.79
Employment: 6th
Economy: 50th
Quality of life: 12th
Health: 79th
19. Laredo, Texas
Total score: 61.80
Employment: 33rd
Economy: 1st
Quality of life: 78th
Health: 20th
18. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Total score: 61.96
Employment: 20th
Economy: 72nd
Quality of life: 25th
Health: 30th
17. Columbus, Ohio
Total score: 62.16
Employment: 24th
Economy: 14th
Quality of life: 37th
Health: 54th
16. Boise, Idaho
Total score: 62.71
Employment: 21st
Economy: 36th
Quality of life: 4th
Health: 89th
15. San Diego, California
Total score: 62.75
Employment: 47th
Economy: 78th
Quality of life: 2nd
Health: 35th
14. Plano, Texas
Total score: 63.23
Employment: 82nd
Economy: 44th
Quality of life: 10th
Health: 20th
13. Fort Worth, Texas
Total score: 63.35
Employment: 70th
Economy: 5th
Quality of life: 32nd
Health: 20th
12. Irvine, California
Total score: 63.66
Employment: 50th
Economy: 40th
Quality of life: 41st
Health: 1st
11. Madison, Wisconsin
Total score: 64.50
Employment: 27th
Economy: 6th
Quality of life: 21st
Health: 40th
10. Jacksonville, Florida
Total score: 65.50
Employment: 23rd
Economy: 20th
Quality of life: 36th
Health: 13th
9. St. Petersburg, Florida
Total score: 65.67
Employment: 51st
Economy: 18th
Quality of life: 23rd
Health: 13th
8. Gilbert, Arizona
Total score: 67.73
Employment: 40th
Economy: 3rd
Quality of life: 15th
Health: 64th
7. Virginia Beach, Virginia
Total score: 68.13
Employment: 62nd
Economy: 2nd
Quality of life: 11th
Health: 61st
6. Colorado Springs, Colorado
Total score: 70.06
Employment: 17th
Economy: 24th
Quality of life: 5th
Health: 49th
5. Scottsdale, Arizona
Total score: 71.45
Employment: 12th
Economy: 9th
Quality of life: 3rd
Health: 64th
4. Raleigh, North Carolina
Total score: 71.78
Employment: 5th
Economy: 4th
Quality of life: 14th
Health: 70th
3. Orlando, Florida
Total score: 71.94
Employment: 3rd
Economy: 16th
Quality of life: 9th
Health: 32nd
2. Austin, Texas
Total score: 72.22
Employment: 11th
Economy: 17th
Quality of life: 7th
Health: 20th
1. Tampa, Florida
Total score: 72.44
Employment: 8th
Economy: 12th
Quality of life: 6th
Health: 16th
