Veterans find more opportunities, support in Austin: 2025 study

Bastrop High School Navy Junior ROTC cadets take part in the veterans parade.

We have good news for local veterans: Austin is the best place for veterans to live, according to a new study.

While Texas ranks in the middle for the best states for military retirees, its capital stands out for its veteran-friendliness. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs estimates there are nearly 17.6 million veterans currently living in the country. Despite their service, veterans often face a myriad of challenges when returning to civilian life: from housing to employment and beyond.

Veteran unemployment rates remain low ( 3.1% in August) even while overall unemployment rates climb (4.2%). Veteran homelessness rates are also seeing a decline, but this remains an issue for the roughly 33,000 veterans who do not have stable housing conditions.

Such statistics reflect national trends, but veterans can also have drastically different experiences depending on where they live. To determine the best homes for veterans, WalletHub gathered data from the 100 largest U.S. cities across 19 key measures of livability, affordability and veteran-friendliness. These measures include the share of military skill-related jobs to veteran income growth to the availability of VA health facilities.

"When veterans return home from serving our nation, it’s important for them to live in a place that provides good education and employment opportunities, along with access to quality care for their physical and mental health," WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo said. "The best cities for veterans have all these characteristics, plus added bonuses like large veteran populations for community support, plus many restaurants and entertainment venues that offer veteran discounts."

What makes Austin the No. 1 home for veterans?

Several factors were involved in WalletHub's declaration of Austin being the best place for veterans to live.

Economically, the Texas capital sets veterans up for success. WalletHub reports Austin has the country's best colleges for veterans. Veterans in the city also enjoy the 10th-highest median salary at around $62,000, and see the seventh-best job growth rate.

Veterans can also find a supportive community in Austin, with those with similar experiences. The country's overall veteran population is expected to decrease significantly in coming years, due in part to the aging war veteran population and changes in military service trends, according to the Pew Research Center. But Austin is projected to have the third-smallest decrease between 2024 and 2053, so the population is likely to keep receiving support among peers.

Along with peer support, Austin offers a variety of financial perks to veterans. WalletHub reports it has the 12th-highest number of restaurants and the 10th-most arts/entertainment establishment per capita with military discounts.

Texas cities have mix of highs, lows for veterans: WalletHub

A few other Texas cities also made notable appearances in WalletHub's analysis, for better or worse.

Irving had the lowest veteran unemployment rate, tying with four other places (Fremont, California; Lincoln, Nebraska; Chesapeake, Virginia; and Greensboro, North Carolina). It also had the fifth-lowest share of veterans living in poverty, while Garland had the fifth-highest veteran income growth of the cities studies.

Despite its positive rankings in veteran unemployment and poverty, Irving also had the fifth-lowest share of military skill-related jobs. Corpus Christi had the fourth-lowest veteran income growth.

No. 1: Austin

• Total score: 68.54
• Employment rank: 19
• Economy rank: 20
• Quality of life rank: 5
• Health rank: 35

No. 10: Fort Worth

• Total score: 64.66
• Employment rank: 8
• Economy rank: 6
• Quality of life rank: 39
• Health rank: 35

No. 11: Plano

• Total score: 64.63
• Employment rank: 31
• Economy rank: 50
• Quality of life rank: 7
• Health rank: 35

No. 25: Dallas

• Total score: 58.96
• Employment rank: 44
• Economy rank: 44
• Quality of life rank: 41
• Health rank: 20

No. 30: Garland

• Total score: 57.57
• Employment rank: 29
• Economy rank: 15
• Quality of life rank: 63
• Health rank: 35

No. 31: Arlington

• Total score: 57.52
• Employment rank: 40
• Economy rank: 10
• Quality of life rank: 65
• Health rank: 35

No. 32: Laredo

• Total score: 57.44
• Employment rank: 9
• Economy rank: 7
• Quality of life rank: 81
• Health rank: 35

No. 34: San Antonio

• Total score: 57.28
• Employment rank: 65
• Economy rank: 12
• Quality of life rank: 31
• Health rank: 53

No. 39: Irving

• Total score: 55.33
• Employment rank: 34
• Economy rank: 31
• Quality of life rank: 70
• Health rank: 35

No. 46: Lubbock

• Total score: 53.24
• Employment rank: 23
• Economy rank: 51
• Quality of life rank: 78
• Health rank: 35

No. 59: Houston

• Total score: 51.40
• Employment rank: 69
• Economy rank: 45
• Quality of life rank: 57
• Health rank: 56

No. 67: El Paso

• Total score: 49.98
• Employment rank: 84
• Economy rank: 28
• Quality of life rank: 59
• Health rank: 70

No. 74: Corpus Christi

• Total score: 48.41
• Employment rank: 63
• Economy rank: 69
• Quality of life rank: 76
• Health rank: 35

Top 15 places for veterans to live, 2025: WalletHub

1. Austin, Texas
2. Tampa, Florida
3. Madison, Wisconsin
4. Raleigh, North Carolina
5. Colorado Springs, Colorado
6. Virginia Beach, Virginia
7. Orlando, Florida
8. St. Petersburg, Florida
9. Irvine, California
10. Fort Worth, Texas
11. Plano, Texas
12. Gilbert, Arizona
13. Miami, Florida
14. Chesapeake, Virginia
15. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania