News Summary
Grand Rapids has earned recognition from LinkedIn as the leading midsized ‘City on the Rise’ for its growth in hiring and employment opportunities. The city’s vibrant downtown and successful public-private partnerships have attracted attention, with key developments enhancing its economic landscape. The influx of young graduates and growth in the tech and healthcare sectors contribute to the city’s promising job market and workforce retention. As Grand Rapids advances in urban development and economic diversification, it solidifies its position as a burgeoning employment hub.
Grand Rapids has been recognized as the nation’s top midsized “City on the Rise” for 2025 by LinkedIn, based on substantial growth in hiring and employment opportunities. This distinction highlights cities with a population under 2.5 million LinkedIn members that exhibit promising trends in job availability and economic development. Grand Rapids’ notable progress in these areas has garnered attention not only from LinkedIn but also from various media outlets, including a feature on the Today Show.
The city’s City Manager, Mark Washington, attributes this accolade to the vibrant atmosphere of Grand Rapids and its thriving downtown environment, which have been significantly enhanced by successful public-private partnerships. Key developments that have elevated the city’s profile include the construction of the Amway Soccer Stadium and the Acrisure Amphitheater. These projects reflect a collaborative effort involving the City of Grand Rapids, Kent County, Grand Action 2.0, and the Grand Rapids-Kent County Convention/Arena Authority, showcasing the community’s commitment to progress and growth.
The recognition by LinkedIn comes amid a surge in the city’s tech and insurance sectors. The publication’s Editor-in-Chief highlighted the considerable expansion in these industries, alongside an influx of young professionals moving to the area. Grand Rapids boasts a steady stream of talent entering the job market, with over 10,000 graduates entering each year; approximately 80% of these graduates choose to stay in the region after completing their studies. This retention is a pivotal factor contributing to the city’s workforce dynamics.
Since 2019, Grand Rapids has experienced a remarkable 19% growth in the population of individuals aged 25 to 34 possessing at least a bachelor’s degree, surpassing the statewide average growth of 9%. This statistic underlines the city’s potential for fostering a knowledgeable and skilled workforce. The development of the Medical Mile on Michigan Street—including expansions such as Corewell Health’s Butterworth Hospital and the Van Andel Institute—highlights the city’s focus on healthcare and education, adding to the area’s appeal for new residents and businesses alike.
Grand Rapids continues to provide a diverse range of job opportunities across various sectors, including manufacturing, healthcare, and professional services. The area is recognized for its affordability compared to larger metropolitan cities, making it an attractive location for both established businesses and startups. The Grand Rapids Chamber has emphasized the importance of marketing the city as a burgeoning employment hub to attract external talent and investment.
In conjunction with these advancements, initiatives like Tech Week Grand Rapids are being organized to further enhance the local tech job market. Events planned during this week will feature prominent speakers, such as Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak, aimed at inspiring and engaging the local workforce while encouraging collaboration among tech professionals in the region.
LinkedIn’s report also recognized other flourishing cities, including Boise, Idaho, and Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, ranking No. 2 and No. 3, respectively. Other notable mentions in the Midwest included Milwaukee, Kansas City, Indianapolis, and Fort Wayne, drawing parallels with Grand Rapids in terms of economic opportunities and growth potential.
As Grand Rapids steps into the future as a top “City on the Rise,” the ongoing efforts in urban development, workforce engagement, and economic diversification position it as a key player in the national landscape for growth and opportunity.
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Additional Resources
- WOODTV: Grand Rapids named top spot for jobs in LinkedIn cities on the rise list
- Grand Rapids Magazine: Grand Rapids named No. 1 city on the rise by LinkedIn
- WWMT: Grand Rapids job market for young professionals and tech
- Fox 17: Grand Rapids listed as fastest-growing city for jobs by LinkedIn
- Wikipedia: Grand Rapids, Michigan
