Grand Rapids named No. 1 “City on the Rise” by LinkedIn

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The City of Grand Rapids has been named the No. 1 “City on the Rise” in the U.S. by LinkedIn News in its inaugural 2025 ranking of the 25 fastest-growing metro areas for jobs and new talent.

The ranking, released Tuesday, recognizes mid-size cities with fewer than 2.5 million LinkedIn members where hiring is accelerating, job postings are surging and talent migration is reshaping local economies.

“This recognition affirms what we’ve long known – Grand Rapids is a city on the move,” said City Manager Mark Washington. “Our city is attracting top talent, growing key industries and offering a high quality of life that rivals larger metro areas. We’re proud to be leading the way as the top city on the rise in the country.”

According to LinkedIn, Grand Rapids is redefining its industrial identity with a growing tech sector and a booming insurance industry, while continuing to build on its strong foundations in manufacturing, healthcare and professional services. The city’s downtown energy, proximity to Lake Michigan and expanding cultural amenities are also drawing a new generation of professionals to the region.

Several top local employers contribute to a robust job market across the Grand Rapids metro area in healthcare, higher education, retail and professional services.

The LinkedIn Cities on the Rise list combines exclusive labor market data with insights from Lyft, Realtor.com, and the Bureau of Economic Analysis to create a snapshot of opportunity in growing regions. Bookstores and cinemas top the list of local destinations, reflecting the city’s strong appetite for arts, culture and entertainment.

“This ranking is a testament to the hard work of our public and private partners in fostering economic development, investing in innovation and building a city where people want to live and work,” said Economic Development Director Sarah Rainero. “We’re thrilled to see our momentum once again recognized on a national stage. Grand Rapids continues to shine as a premier destination for professionals looking for meaningful work and an exceptional lifestyle.”

The full list and methodology are available at linkedin.com/news.