Austin Retains Top Spot for Veteran Housing and Income
WalletHub data places the Texas capital first among 100 U.S. cities for 2026, citing strong college access and a median veteran income exceeding $66,000.
By Ella Cox ·
A new national assessment of urban living conditions released on November 2 places Austin at the top of the list for veterans. The WalletHub report identifies the Texas state capital as the best U.S. city for former service members to live in 2026.
The study analyzed the 100 largest American cities using 19 specific metrics. Analysts measured factors including the percentage of jobs that match military skills, veteran income growth, and access to VA health facilities. Austin maintained its position as the leading city, continuing a long trend of high livability scores for the veteran population.
The report attributes Austin's top ranking to its educational infrastructure and financial stability. It notes that the city offers the best colleges for veterans in the nation. Additionally, Austin provides the ninth-highest median annual income for veterans, with earnings surpassing $66,000.
Beyond education and income, the data shows Austin ranks fifth in overall quality of life for veterans. The city also holds the 11th best economic standing. This economic score is based on housing affordability, median income, income growth, educational opportunities, and the percentage of veterans living in poverty.
The report notes that health and employment metrics also contribute to the city's high standing. Austin ranked 25th in health, reflecting the quality of local VA facilities. It placed 44th in employment, indicating strong job benefits for service members. The study emphasizes that community support is a key factor, as veterans benefit from living near others with similar experiences.
Texas dominates the national rankings, with the most cities in the top 10. Plano and Fort Worth, both in North Texas, took the fourth and fifth spots, respectively. Other Texas cities appearing in the report include Dallas at No. 22, Garland at No. 24, San Antonio at No. 25, Laredo at No. 28, Lubbock at No. 32, Irving at No. 33, Arlington at No. 34, Houston at No. 51, Corpus Christi at No. 58, and El Paso at No. 67.
Madison, Wisconsin, finished second in the national rankings, followed by Scottsdale, Arizona, in third. Virginia Beach, Virginia, Gilbert, Arizona, Raleigh, North Carolina, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Irvine, California, completed the top 10 list.
Source: Culturemap Austin
