Top 10 U.S. Metros Attracting Job Seekers from long distances

What’s going on:     

While U.S. Census Bureau data reveals that the amount of people moving across state lines has been on the decline since the 1950’s, job seekers are still willing to look beyond their local regions for employment opportunities, according to research by LinkedIn.  

LinkedIn’s Economic Graph team analyzed data to develop a top ten list of U.S. metropolitan areas that are attracting the longest distance job seekers (based in miles). That list is: 

1. Cape Coral, Florida

• • Median Distance: 592 

2. Colorado Springs, Colorado

• • Median Distance: 515 

3. North Port-Sarasota, Florida

• • Median Distance: 478 

4. Charleston, South Carolina

• • Median Distance: 266 

5. Las Vegas, Nevada

• • Median Distance: 224 

6. Nashville, Tennesse 

• • Median Distance: 203 

7. Jacksonville, Florida

• • Median Distance: 187  

8. Austin, Texas

• • Median Distance: 180 

9. Tampa Bay Area, Florida

• • Median Distance: 165  

10. Charlotte, North Carolina 

• • Median Distance: 114 

Why it matters:    

Job seekers who search for work outside of their local metro area might open up new possibilities for professional advancement. Exploring these possibilities might encourage professionals to consider relocating for better job prospects. Some of the cities in the top 10 list are also listed as metro areas that are recording rapid economic expansion and population booms.  

How it’ll impact the future:       

Companies in the top ten U.S. metros that are successfully attracting long-distance talent might witness increased competition for their job openings, leading to a more diverse and skilled workforce. Additionally, remote work options and technological advancements in virtual collaboration may become even more prevalent as companies cater to the needs of long-distance job seekers. Employers may also have to adapt their recruitment strategies to attract and retain talent from different regions. 

Cities and regions that were not previously considered major job hubs might experience an increase in skilled workers, which ultimately contributes to economic growth. On the other hand, metro areas experiencing a net outflow of workers may face challenges in retaining talent and sustaining local economies amid high inflation and the rise in cost of living.