The search for cities that truly support African Americans goes beyond basic metrics—it’s about finding places where opportunity meets community. The right city isn’t just a home; it’s a launchpad for success, stability, and generational wealth.
Based on a detailed analysis of income, education, homeownership, and employment, these 10 cities emerge as leaders in creating environments where Black communities can thrive. Here’s how they stand out.
1. Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C., boasts a median household income of $82,045, offering robust financial opportunities. Notably, 40.5% of Black households earn $100,000 or more annually, reflecting access to high-paying jobs and economic prosperity.
Among Black residents, 37.2% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, 51.3% own their homes, and the unemployment rate is 8.1%. These figures highlight strong educational attainment, financial security, and opportunities for upward mobility in the District.
2. Austin, Texas
Austin’s median household income of $61,272 provides a solid foundation for economic stability and a comfortable standard of living. Among Black households, 26.8% earn $100,000 or more annually, and 33.1% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, highlighting strong financial and educational achievements.
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With a 44.2% homeownership rate and a 6.0% unemployment rate, Black residents in Austin demonstrate economic resilience and access to job opportunities. These figures reflect a thriving community with growing opportunities for prosperity.
3. Provo, Utah
Provo’s median household income of $59,471 supports a solid standard of living for its residents. Among Black households, 27.7% earn $100,000 or more annually, and 34.1% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, showcasing educational and financial progress.
With a 39.5% homeownership rate and a low 3.6% unemployment rate among Black residents, Provo offers strong job opportunities and economic stability, contributing to reduced financial insecurity and community growth.
4. Poughkeepsie, New York
Poughkeepsie’s median household income of $66,894 supports a strong standard of living, with 33.6% of Black households earning $100,000 or more annually. Additionally, 25.2% of Black residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, reflecting solid educational attainment.
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With a 45.7% homeownership rate—higher than Provo’s—and a manageable 7.2% unemployment rate, Poughkeepsie offers economic stability. Its combination of higher median income and strong homeownership underscores financial opportunities for its Black community.
5. Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta’s median household income of $58,684 supports a reasonable standard of living while maintaining affordability compared to other major cities. Among Black households, 24.9% earn $100,000 or more annually, and 32.6% of Black residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, reflecting strong financial and educational progress.
With a 49.8% homeownership rate, nearly half of Black residents in Atlanta own their homes, contributing to long-term wealth and community stability. Although the unemployment rate for Black residents is 7.6%, the city’s economic opportunities and high homeownership rates underscore its potential for prosperity.
6. Oxnard, California
Oxnard’s median household income of $83,873 supports a high standard of living, with 42.4% of Black households earning $100,000 or more annually. This highlights a strong presence of high-income earners within the Black community, alongside 38.5% of Black residents holding a bachelor’s degree or higher.
With a 44.2% homeownership rate, a significant portion of Black residents have achieved homeownership, contributing to financial stability. Although the unemployment rate is 8.7%, Oxnard’s high median income and educational attainment emphasize its economic opportunities.
7. San Antonio, Texas
San Antonio has a median household income of $53,988. This relatively lower income level compared to other cities makes San Antonio an affordable option for residents. Also, about 25.7% of Black households in San Antonio earn $100,000 or more annually, with 31.4% of Black residents in San Antonio having a bachelor’s degree or higher.
The city also has strong homeownership rates at 45.7%, which reflects the ability of many African Americans in San Antonio to purchase and own homes. The unemployment rate among Black residents is 6.4%.
8. Raleigh, North Carolina
Raleigh’s median household income of $54,432 provides a solid financial foundation, with 23.3% of Black households earning $100,000 or more annually. Additionally, 32.3% of Black residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, reflecting strong educational attainment.
With a 46.6% homeownership rate, nearly half of Black residents own their homes, contributing to long-term stability. The unemployment rate among Black residents is 7.2%, highlighting steady job opportunities alongside growing economic progress.
9. Baltimore, Maryland
Baltimore has a decent median household income of $59,374. This income level supports a reasonable standard of living and reflects the city’s affordability compared to some major urban centers. However, Baltimore experiences strong high-income households, with about 27.8% of Black households in Baltimore earning $100,000 or more annually.
The data also shows 28.4% of Black residents in Baltimore have a bachelor’s degree or higher and the homeownership rate among Black residents is 46.8%. The unemployment rate among Black residents is at a higher 8.0%.
10. Ogden, Utah
Ogden boasts a high median household income of $62,000. This higher income level provides a stronger financial foundation and supports a better standard of living. About 26.2% of Black households in Ogden earn $100,000 or more annually, with 23.8% of Black residents in Ogden having a bachelor’s degree or higher.
The homeownership rate among Black residents is 43.0%, reflecting a portion of the community able to own homes. The unemployment rate among Black residents is 3.9%, which suggests a strong job market and better economic opportunities, benefiting the Black community’s employment prospects.
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.