Best Cities for Working Women [2025]

Welcome to March, celebrating all things Women's History Month! We're taking the time to observe the powerful impact of women's past, present, and future with the latest data from Apartment List’s Women’s Employee Resources Group (“Women@ ERG”).

We took a poll with Women@ ERG to gain a greater understanding of what factors are important to them and what to consider for our latest report. They shared that everything from income equity to employment opportunities, and being surrounded by a fulfilling and diverse community are among the most important factors when considering a new place to start apartment hunting.

Our ranking takes into account the most recent data that reflects economic equity, business representation, affordability, and community satisfaction for women. Here are some of the best cities for working women:

1. Minneapolis, MN
2. Raleigh, NC
3. Atlanta, GA
4. Washington, DC
5. Austin, TX
6. Richmond, VA
7. Columbus, OH
8. Columbia, SC
9. Denver, CO
10. Oklahoma City, OK

Why This Matters

Women's History Month isn't even 40 years old yet and was passed by U.S. Congress in 1987. It became Public Law 100-9 on March 12, 1987. Today, Women’s History Month is a way to spark important conversations about equal pay, gender equality, being aware of micro-aggressions and fostering a more inclusive and equitable environment. Paying homage to this month means acknowledging the inequities in the workplace that persist between male and female workers. Women only earn 83 cents for every dollar men make. Women are also susceptible to the "broken rung" phenomenon where they are promoted to manager at far lower rates than men.

Despite data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics showing that 65.3% of the college enrollment rate for young women was higher than the rate for young men, the trends are showing senior level roles are still going disproportionately to men.

Take a look at a report by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, with eye-opening stats showing that only 26% of women hold C-Suite roles, 28% are in Senior Vice President roles, and 36% are in Senior Manager or Director roles. Their data also shows that women tend to be 10% more likely than men to serve in lower paying jobs than men.

Ranking Methodology

To identify the top 10 U.S. cities for working women, we looked over data and criteria to determine a score across four jey categories: Economic Opportunity, Communication Satisfaction, Business Representation, and Housing & Affordability. The full methodology incorporates sentiment from our Women@A-List colleagues.

• The Economic Opportunity score highlights cities where women thrive professionally, factoring in key metrics like female employment rates, college graduation rates, median earnings for women, and the wage gap between men and women.
• The Community Satisfaction highlights communities where women and their families can flourish, taking into account factors like violent crime rates, school enrollment levels, racial and ethnic diversity, and women's satisfaction with social and dating opportunities.
• The Business Representation highlights areas where women play a significant role in key societal functions, measuring factors like the percentage of women-owned businesses, female physicians, and women in public administration roles, such as local government.

• The Housing & Affordability score highlights areas where women face the least financial strain from rising living costs, factoring in homeownership rates among women living alone, median rent for a one-bedroom apartment, and women's satisfaction with local affordability.

Each of these four scores, and the data and statistics that we used to come up with them, are equally-weighted. Added together, they come up with a final composite score between 0-100 for each city. A higher score reflects areas that provide stronger economic opportunities for women, greater gender equality, and higher overall community satisfaction.

We did consider racial and ethnic diversity in our scoring, but we want to recognize and express transparency that this ranking does not account for all forms of diversity, including ability, sexuality, or religion. It also does not capture all of the factors that encourage or discourage gender equality at a local level. You can get a more detailed look at the numbers behind the rankings by look over the data section below.

Key Findings

We analyzed data from over 80 cities to come up with the Best Cities for Working Women. Here are our key findings and highlights for each of the cities that made it into the Top 10.

• Minneapolis, Minnesota took the award for the the overall best city for working women, with high scores in across all categories while still receiving a relatively high affordability compared to other large cities across the country.
• Cities with a high female physician and female public administration score high. All top 10 cities have a high presence of female physcians female public administration professionals.
• Capital cities in particular offer good opportunities for working women. Nine of the cities in the top 10 are capitals: Raleigh, Atlanta, Austin, Washington DC, Richmond, Columbus, Columbia, Denver, and Oklahoma City.
• Cities that have a high business score are great for female professionals. Three out of the cities in the top 10 ranked in the top quartile for their business scores.
• Washington D.C. and Atlanta are the best places for Black female professionals. These two metropolis both scored in the top 10 for our Best Cities for Black Professionals and this report!

Here's a closer look at why some of our top ten choices are among the top cities for working women.

1. Minneapolis, MN

Number one on our list is Minneapolis, MN. With a final score of 68.01, Minneapolis attracts working women to its strong economic opportunity score (#7). The business representation score (#15) and community satisfaction score (#24) isn’t too shabby either, though the housing and affordability score falls at a reasonable #27.

Beyond gender representation, Minneapolis comes with a low racial and ethnic diversity index, currently at 39.19%, unlike some of the other cities that you'll find coming in on our top ten list. You'll still find that Minneapolis is still fairly well-represented among its female population, with 26.32% of businesses being women-owned. Enjoy some much-needed relaxation at Watershed Spa, pick-up some hand-poured, luxury candles at Kobi Co., or dress in luxury at Queen Anna House of Fashion.

Average female incomes in Minneapolis are comparable to those of Raleigh, Hartford, and Denver. Our data shows a 55.57% females feeling satisfied with the dating scene in Minneapolis, making it a desirable community for this demographic. Keeping that in mind, Minneapolis has just one historically women’s college, Saint Catherine University.

The share of female renters who are at least "somewhat satisfied" with the affordability of their city is only 57.34% in Minneapolis, but the female homeownership rate is 91.71%.

2. Raleigh, NC

Raleigh, NC got knocked down to second place since our last report of Best Cities for Working Women. It's still a solid choice with a final score of 67.46. It ranks well on all scores, including a #12 position for economic opportunity, #10 for community satisfaction, and #10 for business representation. Raleigh’s lowest ranking is for its housing and affordability, which ranks #46.

Raleigh is also home to Historically Women's Colleges and Universities, including Meredith College. With nearly 88% of women holding at least a bachelor's degree, there's no shortage of tech jobs and high salaries available at Raleigh's Research Triangle with access to the University of North Carolina, Duke University, and North Carolina State University.

Fortunately, the job market in Raleigh is strong, and so is the average income when compared to the rest of the country. Unfortunately, there is still an income inequality, as the female income in Raleigh is still 19% lower than their male counterparts.

The good news is women-owned businesses are growing in Raleigh. Just a few years ago, 45% of businesses in Raleigh were woman-owned, and today that figure climbed to 47%. Grab some Mediterranean food at Ajja, get fit at 9 Ground Fitness & Kickboxing, or freshen up your apartment with plants at Copperline Plant Co.

In addition, while the median income for women in Raleigh is on the higher end at $52,818, although it does follow below the national average for women, which may be the reason it contributes to the lower number of homeownership across the city.

3. Atlanta, GA

Atlanta is a rapidly growing city for working women with a final score of 66.31! Atlanta ranks well for most factors, such as #3 for its business representation and #8 for community satisfaction. However, Atlanta’s economic opportunity ranks at #25, and its lowest ranking is for housing and affordability at #65.

Atlanta is home to one of the most renowned historically Black women’s college, Spelman College. It's also a factor that probably contributed to its rank as #2 for best cities for Black professionals. However, it does lack women-focused colleges. This could explain the city's lagging economic opportunity and its rank in the middle ground of other cities on our list.

Women-owned businesses are climbing the ranks in Atlanta at 48%. Make sure to support them at The Village Market, showcasing over 25 different Black-owned brands, find a nice bottle at Perrine’s Wine Shop, or grab a fresh, culinary breakfast at Buttermilk. Of course, you can't live in Atlanta without picking up something from Spanx, owned by Sarah Blakely.

Lastly, 51% of women who live alone in Atlanta are homeowners, which is a 2% decline since our last report. The median income for women in Atlanta is $49,000, which unfortunately is well below the national average for women. Like many other cities on our list, the lower figure probably contributes to the lower homeownership for women across the city.

4. Washington, DC

Washington, DC stayed solidly at the #4 rank on our list with a final score of 63.64. The city continues to earn bragging rights with a solid economic opportunity score (#2) and community satisfaction (#3). The business representation is solid also solid with a rank of #19. It's probably no surprise that Washington DC's higher housing costs hurt its housing and affordability score, ranking at #82.

The female community is strong in DC and well-represented in occupations including doctors (44%), with 90% of women holding college degrees. DC was also ranked #1 as Top Cities for Black Professionals, making it an incredible place to live for minority women.

Like many cities on our top 10 list, Washington, DC is also home to historically women’s colleges, like Trinity Washington University. Not surprisingly, the median income for women in Washington, DC, is $70,000, which is at the top of our list of the major cities throughout the country. Still, women in Washington DC earn 13% less than men, which is at least closing the gap from 25% less from our last report.

45% of local businesses are women-owned in Washington DC, which is about average on our list. Grab some books at East City Bookshop, pick-out decor and handmade items for your apartment at Steadfast Supply, and pick out some fresh flowers at Flowers by Alexes for your coffee table.

5. Austin, TX

The only city in the Lone Star State on our list is Texas, with Austin at #5 on our list with a final score of 64.36 and the #1 ranking in community satisfaction, ranks third. Austin's community score is an impressive 2, and it ranks 14 for economic score, 12 for business, and it probably comes to no surprise to locals that it's 71 for housing and affordability.

Unsurprisingly, Austin has been ranked #6 in the best cities for Black professionals. Women in Austin also show a dating satisfaction of 34% and an impressive social satisfaction of 66%.

Austin's share of female college enrollment is only 49%. Texas has long been a mecca for historically women’s colleges and universities and is home to 15 across the state. Although there are none in Austin, Huston-Tillotson University was formerly a historically Black women’s college from 1926 to 1935 and remains an HBCU.

Fortunately, there is no lack of female-owned businesses in Austin to spend your money at. Soak up some art at atxGALS & The Cathedral before grabbing a drink and enjoying German-style brews at The Brewtorium. Adelante Boutique is the perfect stop for chic women's apparel and accessories or home decor for your apartment.

The female employment rate is high at 95%, and the female homeownership rate is 51%, which has climbed from 45% since our last report, but is still low. The median income for women ($51,670) is below the national average, and 19% lower than what men in Austin are earning. The gap is closing, but it could still use work.

6. Richmond, VA

Next up we have Richmond, VA, with a final score of 63.60. Richmond has a solid mid-range rank, with a #14 position for business representation, #14 for business, #20 for economic opportunity, and #21 for community satisfaction. Richmond’s lowest ranking is for its housing and affordability, which ranks #50.

Richmond is home to one historically women's college, Westhampton College, but only 41% of the female population has a college degree in this region. That's still somewhat of an improvement since our last report when it was only 38%. Unfortunately, inequalities still persist, with data showing that incomes for females in Richmond ($49,722) are nearly 15% lower than those of their male counterparts.

You'll find 46% of businesses in Richmond are woman-owned. You can pick up a collection of curated antiques, gifts, and accessories at 422 E. Main Street, enjoy some natural products like bath bombs and hair care at Adiva Naturals, or hit up 4 galleries and 80 artists studios at Art Works. There's no shortage of women-owned businesses around Richmond.

There's plenty to go see and do, but how about to go do it with? If you're single, the dating satisfaction is only 29% in Richmond, but on the upside, the social satisfaction data shows a reasonable 53%.

In Richmond, 55% of the female households own their homes, below the national average across the major cities. The high cost of living could contribute to this, but fortunately the employment rate for females is 95%.

7. Columbus, OH

Columbus, OH is a newcomer to our top 10 list with a final score of 62.24. It holds its own across the board with an economic score of 13 and community score of 22. It gets hurt where it comes to business (40) and housing affordability (37).

Columbus, OH, has a history of women's education with Ohio Dominican University, originally founded in 1911 as the all-women College of St. Mary of the Springs, and Columbus School for Girls, established in 1898 as a rigorous college preparatory school for young women. The Ohio State University also played a role in advancing women's education, admitting its first female students after a legal battle. Despite this, only 41% of females are enrolled in college, but the employment rate is 96%.

The social satisfaction rate in Columbus is 57% and dating is 34%, which is higher than most cities on our list. You can make the most of our social life with some of the women-owned businesses on our list, like Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams or transfform your health and wellness at AccelWell before before picking up handcrafted items at 3rd and Sycamore.

In Columbus, 53% of the female households own their homes, below the national average across the major cities. Females earn $50,000 in Columbus and earn 14% less than their male counterparts. The income is also less than the median household income in the rest of the country, which could account for the lower home ownership numbers.

8. Columbia, SC

Columbia, SC, is next with a final score of 61.52, an impressive #2 ranking in the business representation, but dropped to #21 ranking in housing and affordability. Other mid-range scores include #74 for economic opportunity and #67 for community satisfaction.

The share of female graduates is low, but still climbed somewhat from 34% to 36%% since our last report. South Carolina was once an appealing option for females looking to attend historically women's colleges, but over the past decade, most of them have closed or switched to co-ed models.

Fortunately, you can find plenty of women-owned businesses around Columbia at 48%. Start your day with a Betty White inspired latte at Azaleas Coffee Bar, have a vegan treat at A Peace of Soul Vegan Kitchen, or strategize your next creation with Ophidian Tattoo Shop.

Female homeownership rate is 57%, showing a relatively strong foothold among major cities throughout the country. Even though the local female employment rate is relatively high (94%), the median income for women ($42,086) is well below the national average. Additionally, female incomes are nearly 17% lower than males in Columbia.

9. Denver, CO

Denver clocks in on our list with a final score of 61.42. The city holds a solid rank, with an economic rank of 5, a community score of 18, and a business rank of 23. Like most cities on our list, its housing affordability rank of 75 brought down its score.

Denver is only home to one historically women’s college, Colorado Women’s College, which is a division of the University of Denver. The college enrollment rate is only 49% but Denver's employment rate is holding strong at 96%.

With nearly year-round sunshine and access to urban amenities, mountains, biking, breweries, and more, it's easy to see why its social satisfaction level is 60%. On the downside, it's dating satisfaction is only 29%.

There's good news for women entrepreneurs. Women-owned businesses are pretty common in Denver at a 45%. Grab a bite and beer at Brewability, a brewery and pizzeria designed intentionally for patrons and staff with disabilities. Or try Konjo Ethiopian Food before shopping at Adornments for fashion finds.

Lastly, 55% of the female population in Denver are homeowners. That data looks similar to other cities on our list, but still falls below the national average. The median income for women in Denver is $56,657, which is above average compared to the other median incomes we took a look at and probably accounts for some of the reason for lower home ownership. Unfortunately, women are still earning 16% less than men in Denver.

10. Oklahoma City, OK

Oklahoma City is another newcomer to our top ten list with a final score of 61.35. It's most impressive rank is a 7 for housing affordability score, followed by a 20 for community. It doesn't fare as well for business (50) or economy (71).

Oklahoma City isn't home to any historical women colleges or universities.The college enrollment rate also isn't that impressive for women at 32%, but the employment rate is high at 96%. The percentage of female physicians is also relatively high at 41%.

Social satisfaction remains high in Oklahoma City at 55% and dating satisfaction is higher than many of the other cities are on list at 34%.

If you want to support women-owned businesses in Oklahoma City, there are plenty to choose from. 46% of businesses are owned by women, which is about average to our list. Cool off with a scoop (or two) at Boom Town Creamery, pick-up some jewelry at Cheyenne Sky Studio, or play like a kid at Factory Obscura.

We also found that, like Denver, 55% of the female population in Oklahoma City are homeowners. It's similar to most of the cities on our list, but still below the national average. The data shows the median income for females in Oklahoma City falls at $40,917, which is far below national average, but the cost of living is also lower. However, women are also earning 21% less than men in Oklahoma City.

Best Cities for Working Women Data

You can also take a look at the table below to compare the cities and their respective scores. Below the Rankings table you'll find even more granular data and information about how our scores were calculated.

Best Cities for Working Women Rankings

Best Cities for Working Women by Weighted Factor

Women@A-List Collaboration

We wrote this report in collaboration with the Apartment List Women ERG, also known as, "Women@A-List.” Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) at Apartment List are meant to serve as a safe space for Apartment List employees. They meet frequently to chat about their shared experiences, plan company-wide events, and form allyship across the company. Apartment List has 5 different ERGs that each represent a different identity group: Women, Black, Asian, Latinx, and LGBTQ+.