New Report Reveals the Best and Worst U.S. Cities for Veterans

Austin, Tampa, and Madison Lead the Way
A new WalletHub study ranks Austin, Texas as the best city in America for veterans to live in 2025, followed by Tampa, Florida, and Madison, Wisconsin. The analysis compared the 100 largest U.S. cities using 19 key indicators — including employment, affordability, quality of life, and access to health care — to identify which places best support those who’ve served.

According to the Veterans Association, roughly 17.6 million veterans live in the U.S., many of whom continue to face challenges in employment, housing, and health care. The report found that while veteran unemployment is relatively low at 3.1%, homelessness remains a serious issue, with over 33,000 veterans still without housing.

Top Performers for Veterans
WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo noted that the best cities share several characteristics: strong job markets, accessible VA facilities, and vibrant communities that honor service. Austin stood out for its veteran income levels and community engagement, while Tampa ranked high for its VA medical quality and military-friendly amenities. Madison excelled in veteran income growth and low homelessness rates.

Where Veterans Struggle Most
At the other end of the list, Newark, New Jersey, Detroit, Michigan, and Baton Rouge, Louisiana were ranked the worst cities for veterans due to weaker employment prospects, higher poverty rates, and limited access to veteran health services.

The report underscores how location can play a major role in post-service quality of life — from finding stable employment to accessing mental health care and community support.