Midwest's Largest and Most Livable Cities: Where Middle-Class Families Thrive in 2024

The Midwest continues to draw middle-class families seeking affordability, community stability, and quality of life. A comprehensive analysis examined 21 of the most livable Midwest cities that strike the ideal balance between reasonable cost of living and strong household incomes, revealing which largest cities in the Midwest offer the best value for families.

What Makes These Midwest Cities Stand Out?

The research evaluated numerous metrics across American cities to identify communities where middle-class families can genuinely flourish. By examining livability scores, population size, household earnings, and annual living expenses, analysts pinpointed the largest cities in the Midwest that consistently deliver high quality of life without breaking the bank.

Locations scoring 90 or higher on the livability index were prioritized, as these represent communities with exceptional infrastructure, schools, safety, and amenities. Cities with median household incomes aligned with the middle-class range—defined as two-thirds to double the national median income—were essential to the selection.

Top Performers: Ohio’s Excellence

Worthington, Ohio leads the pack with a livability score of 94 and a median income of $119,408. With just under 15,000 residents and an annual cost of living around $65,906, this community exemplifies the Midwest’s promise for middle-class prosperity.

Upper Arlington, Ohio commands the highest median income at $144,705, serving 36,500 residents with a livability score of 90. Despite higher annual expenses of $76,837, the earning potential justifies the investment.

Bexley, Ohio rounds out Ohio’s trifecta with 13,537 residents, a median income of $138,929, and a livability score of 92. Annual living costs sit at $70,161, making it accessible yet upscale.

Additional Ohio standouts include Solon (livability score 90, median income $128,470) and Perrysburg (livability score 90, median income $98,419), both offering strong economic foundations.

Wisconsin’s Hidden Gems

Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin demonstrates why Wisconsin competes with Ohio, boasting the second-highest livability score of 93, a population of 14,804, and median income of $142,356. Annual costs of $74,862 reflect the premium quality.

Shorewood, Wisconsin attracts 13,707 residents with a median income of $87,161 and livability score of 92. The annual cost of living reaches $68,479, positioning it as a moderate-expense alternative.

Middleton, Wisconsin serves 21,864 residents with a livability score of 90 and median household income of $87,333. Annual expenses of $75,762 appeal to those prioritizing community amenities over low costs.

Verona and Wausau complete Wisconsin’s representation, with Verona offering a 90 livability score and $109,960 median income, while Wausau impresses with the lowest annual cost of living at $45,071 alongside a livability score of 90.

Michigan and Iowa’s Balanced Options

Traverse City, Michigan (population 15,468) and Berkley, Michigan (population 15,150) represent Michigan’s appeal, both scoring 91 for livability. Traverse City residents earn a median of $70,700 annually, while Berkley households average $108,125—showing the diversity within the state.

Clawson, Michigan and Farmington, Michigan maintain the livability trend at 92 and 91 respectively, with annual living costs between $52,564 and $56,566.

Iowa’s Ankeny (population 68,392) stands as the largest city in this analysis, achieving a livability score of 92 with a median income of $101,151 and annual costs of just $55,600.

Ames, Iowa caters to budget-conscious families with the lowest median income ($57,428) among top scorers, yet maintains a 91 livability score and $53,541 annual expense level.

Urbandale, Iowa serves 45,591 residents with a 90 livability score, $111,888 median household income, and affordable $55,277 annual cost of living.

Minnesota and Illinois Complete the Landscape

Rochester, Minnesota (120,848 residents) represents the largest city by population in this study, delivering a 92 livability score, $83,973 median income, and $53,476 annual living costs.

Edwardsville, Illinois rounds out the list with 26,622 residents, a 90 livability score, $87,094 median income, and $53,675 annual expenses.

Key Takeaway for Middle-Class Families

These 21 largest cities in the Midwest demonstrate that comfortable middle-class living remains achievable. Whether prioritizing minimal cost of living or maximizing income potential, families can find communities that align with their financial goals and lifestyle preferences. The data underscores why the Midwest continues attracting those seeking prosperity without the expense of coastal alternatives.