The Best Cities For The 50+ Workforce

In recent decades, workforce researchers have noticed a trend among older workers: they’re working for longer, and retiring later. Since 1983, workforce participation for adults over 65 has risen substantially, even doubling in some cases. Economists speculate that this is due to multiple factors, including improved health and changes to social security and pension plans. Often, working longer in life is due to a combination of want and need. Either way, this trend doesn’t seem to be going anywhere any time soon.

At Coventry Direct, we frequently analyze trends and report on useful tools for older Americans, whether it’s taking a look at the most affordable cities to retire or looking at ways to cut back on healthcare costs. In terms of the trend of older adults participating in the workforce longer, we also know that older adults tend to have more difficulty getting hired should they be laid off. Inspired by the incredible work the AARP Foundation does regarding this issue, we decided it might be useful to take a look at cities across the U.S. that have the most 50+ friendly job markets.

To do so, we decided to look at a combination of economic and social factors in order to determine the best cities for the 50+ workforce in the United States. Interested in learning more? Check out our methodology, top 25 cities map, and full data study below.

Methodology

We collected data from the U.S. Census, AARP, and Numbeo to determine the best cities for the 50+ workforce based on a combination of factors, including the job market, livability, cost of living, the relative population of fellow folks over 50, and more.

For each of the 50 largest metropolitan areas in the U.S., we collected data on the following factors:

1. Percentage of population over age 45
   1. Source: U.S. Census
   2. Weight: 2.00
2. Average unemployment rate over age 45
   1. Source: U.S. Census
   2. Weight: 2.00
3. Average geographic mobility of citizens over 45
   1. Source: U.S. Census
   2. Weight: 1.25
4. Livability Score
   1. Source: AARP
   2. Weight: 1.25
5. Open jobs in companies pledged to hire older workers as of 4/20/2020
   1. Source: AARP
   2. Weight: 2.25
6. Cost of living
   1. Source: Numbeo
   2. Weight: 1.25

The Top 25 U.S. Cities for the 50+ Workforce

According to our analysis, Denver, Tampa, and Minneapolis are the best cities for the 50+ workforce in the United States right now. These cities got the highest scores because they combine low unemployment with thousands of open jobs in companies pledged to hire older workers. They also have a relatively cheap cost of living and high livability scores when compared to other cities across the country. In fact, there are particular initiatives in Colorado to combat ageism as a way to address the state’s tight labor market. The Centennial State might be the best place to be a working older adult right now! 

However, in general, any of these top 25 cities are likely to provide a decent experience to older workers looking for a new job. Whether you’re looking to relocate or explore the options available in your city, we hope this list is useful to you.

Full Data

Interested in diving deeper into the numbers for the top 25 cities, or wanting to see how your city stacks up if it’s not on the above map? We’ve compiled our full data study for the 50 largest metropolitan areas in the United States into the interactive data table below. Just click on the heading of each column to sort by that category!

At Coventry Direct, we know the challenges facing older Americans are unique. Financial decisions made decades ago may no longer be relevant, but it is not always easy to cash in on your policies and investments. That’s why we provide straight-forward solutions to sell your life insurance policy, so you can better support yourself in retirement funding, medical care, or maybe, relocation to a new exciting career!