4 US Cities Where Gen Z Makes More Money Than the Median Household
Being young often correlates with making less money compared to older generations. It usually takes time to advance in your career and gain your financial footing -- so in other words, it's totally normal. But in some cities with high-paying jobs in areas like engineering, tech and media, Gen Z earns more than the average household.
As of the latest Census data from 2024, the median U.S. household income is $83,730. And while in some cities higher wages still make it difficult for Gen Z to get by due to higher costs of living, there are several places where the average Gen Zer makes more money than the median household in both that city and the U.S. overall.
Here are four such examples across the country, according to a SmartAsset analysis of Census data.
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Hollywood, Florida
Gen Z median income: $121,317
Overall median income: $71,067
Hollywood is one of the best places for Gen Z to strike it big, but that doesn't just apply to young actors in Los Angeles. Hollywood is also the name of a city in the Miami metro area where Gen Zers earn well above the city's overall median income.
Hollywood, Florida, is home to major businesses such as Heico, a large manufacturing company serving industries such as aerospace and defense. It's also home to Memorial Healthcare System, one of the largest public health networks in the U.S. There's a big tourism industry in Hollywood and the surrounding area, as well, which could provide high-paying opportunities for entrepreneurial Gen Zers, such as those with the ability to start a restaurant or own vacation rentals.
Rio Rancho, New Mexico
Gen Z median income: $140,907
Overall median income: $98,374
Rio Rancho is a city in the Albuquerque metro area where the average Gen Zer earns $140,907. Not only is that significantly higher than the U.S. median income, but it's also about 43% higher than the above-average $98,374 overall median income in Rio Rancho.
Intel is a major employer in Rio Rancho, and the area is also a great place to find advanced tech and manufacturing work, such as with rocket company Castelion, which is planning a new facility there. The broader Albuquerque area has a burgeoning film industry, too, as Netflix has a presence there.
Lynn, Massachusetts
Gen Z median income: $90,314
Overall median income: $73,340
While residents in this Boston suburb don't earn quite as much as the U.S. median household income, Gen Zers earn about 23% more than the city's average, while also being above the national average.
Although Lynn itself doesn't necessarily have booming industries, it could be a relatively central and affordable point for young people working in the North Shore area of Boston, which is home to a wide range of high-paying jobs, particularly in areas like tech and healthcare. Plus, it's within commuting distance of Boston itself, which similarly has lots of high-quality jobs in sectors like life sciences, finance and tech.
Moreno Valley, California
Gen Z median income: $127,262
Overall median income: $92,716
Roughly halfway between L.A. and Palm Springs lies Moreno Valley, a city in Riverside County where the average Gen Z income is about 37% higher than the already above-average city income of $92,716.
One of the top draws of Moreno Valley and the surrounding area is that it's a big distribution/logistics hub, with large companies such as Amazon, Procter & Gamble and Skechers having facilities there. Plus, the cost of living in Moreno Valley is less burdensome than in L.A.
This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.
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