Forget the big cities. Georgia is stealing the spotlight when it comes to the best job markets in the country. A new study from Aurora University analyzed hundreds of small and mid-sized metro areas and found that Georgia cities are leading the way in employment growth, rising salaries, and overall job market strength. The rankings were based on federal labor data and focused on metros with populations between 50,000 and 250,000.

Key Takeaways:

• Athens-Clarke County, GA is the 6th best small to mid-sized metropolitan area in the U.S. for job opportunities.

• Athens-Clarke County ranks #1 nationwide for salary growth, with a 9.6 percent year-over-year increase, the highest in the country.

• 10 other Georgia cities rank among the best in the country for job opportunities, some including Gainesville, Brunswick, Warner Robins, and Dalton.

• Rome, Athens-Clarke County, and Brunswick rank among the best in the country for employment increase.

Today’s job seekers are finding opportunities in unexpected places, as smaller U.S. cities prove to be competitive job markets. Rising employment numbers and growing salaries are making mid-sized regions especially attractive for professionals seeking career growth and an improved quality of life.

On behalf of Aurora University, this analysis examined employment trends in cities with populations ranging from 50,000 to 250,000. Using federal data, this report explores the metropolitan areas that experienced the strongest job growth and the highest salaries. The findings highlight opportunities for students, recent graduates, and other workers considering relocation to smaller communities.

For the full the study click here.