As part of its ongoing regional series examining technology ecosystems across the United States, CommercialCafe found the highest-ranked metros in the Midwest for tech workers.
The ranking is defined by metro areas that have a population of over 200,000 people, as well as a point system based on nine metrics:
- Tech establishments density
- Tech establishments growth
- Tech employment density
- Tech employment growth
- Median tech earnings
- Median tech earnings growth
- Life quality index
- Patents granted during 5 years
- Contributors to patents during 5 years
Top 10 Best Midwestern Metros for Tech Workers
Here is a list of the top 10 Midwestern metros where its tech workforce has the strongest foundations to success. You can also read the full report here.
1. Madison, Wis.
Madison stands out as the Midwest’s most balanced tech ecosystem, with a high share of tech jobs and strong salaries. Its pipeline of talent—driven by the University of Wisconsin—keeps both startups and established firms well supplied.
2. Ann Arbor, Mich.
Ann Arbor is a density-driven tech hub, meaning tech companies make up a large share of its business base. It punches above its size thanks to research, startups, and university-driven innovation.
3. Chicago, Ill.
Chicago is the Midwest’s scale player: massive talent pool, top wages, and unmatched patent output. It functions as a national-level innovation hub rather than a niche tech market.
4. Sioux Falls, S.D.
Sioux Falls is a breakout performer—jumping into the top tier on the strength of explosive tech job and company growth, especially in fintech. Tech employment surged nearly 77% since 2019, paired with low unemployment and below-average living costs, making it one of the Midwest’s most accessible high-growth markets.
5. Lafayette, Ind.
Lafayette reflects the power of a university-anchored innovation economy, with Purdue driving engineering, research, and startup activity. It’s less about scale and more about specialization—producing highly skilled talent and steady tech ecosystem growth relative to its size.
6. Minneapolis, Minn.
Minneapolis blends corporate strength with tech growth, especially in health tech and enterprise innovation. It offers strong wages and a diverse employer base anchored by major companies.
7. Columbus, Ohio
Columbus is a fast-growing tech market gaining momentum through new company expansion and major investments like semiconductor manufacturing. It reflects a “next wave” Midwest tech city scaling quickly.
8. Lincoln, Neb.
Lincoln stands out as a stable, affordability-driven tech market with consistent job growth and a strong quality-of-life profile. Its ecosystem is supported by state government, higher ed, and a growing base of startups, making it attractive for early-career talent and companies seeking cost efficiency.
9. Detroit, Mich.
Detroit is leveraging its industrial legacy into tech, particularly mobility and advanced manufacturing innovation. Its strength lies in large-scale employment growth and patent activity.
10. Des Moines, Iowa
Des Moines is an emerging tech workforce hub with a high concentration of tech jobs relative to its size. It signals strong growth potential tied to affordability and business-friendly conditions.
About the Author
Quinn Purcell
Quinn Purcell is the Managing Editor for Building Design+Construction. He is a graduate of Idaho State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication, and an emphasis in Multiplatform Journalism. He specializes in video, photography, copywriting, feature writing, and graphic design.