Veterans march down Main Street.
Terry Hagerty/Special to American-Statesman
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.
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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.”
Which factors make Austin an ideal place for veterans to live, and how do other Texas cities compare? Here’s what WalletHub found.
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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.
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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.
Veteran Don Fannin, left, adjusts the collar of Marine veteran Mike Keppler, who was named Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year for his “outstanding contribution and service to Bastrop County,” during a ceremony on the courthouse lawn.
Terry Hagerty/Special to American-Statesman
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.
Free H-E-B gift bag, Starbucks coffee among Veterans Day 2025 deals near Austin
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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.
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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.
Total score: 68.54
Employment rank: 19
Economy rank: 20
Quality of life rank: 5
Health rank: 35
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Total score: 64.66
Employment rank: 8
Economy rank: 6
Quality of life rank: 39
Health rank: 35
Total score: 64.63
Employment rank: 31
Economy rank: 50
Quality of life rank: 7
Health rank: 35
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Total score: 58.96
Employment rank: 44
Economy rank: 44
Quality of life rank: 41
Health rank: 20
Total score: 57.57
Employment rank: 29
Economy rank: 15
Quality of life rank: 63
Health rank: 35
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Total score: 57.52
Employment rank: 40
Economy rank: 10
Quality of life rank: 65
Health rank: 35
Total score: 57.44
Employment rank: 9
Economy rank: 7
Quality of life rank: 81
Health rank: 35
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Total score: 57.28
Employment rank: 65
Economy rank: 12
Quality of life rank: 31
Health rank: 53
Total score: 55.33
Employment rank: 34
Economy rank: 31
Quality of life rank: 70
Health rank: 35
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Total score: 53.24
Employment rank: 23
Economy rank: 51
Quality of life rank: 78
Health rank: 35
Total score: 51.40
Employment rank: 69
Economy rank: 45
Quality of life rank: 57
Health rank: 56
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Total score: 49.98
Employment rank: 84
Economy rank: 28
Quality of life rank: 59
Health rank: 70
Total score: 48.41
Employment rank: 63
Economy rank: 69
Quality of life rank: 76
Health rank: 35
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Austin Police Pipe and Drum Corps plays “Amazing Grace” before Austin’s 100th honor flight departs from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Austin, Friday, Sept. 19, 2025. The flight hosted 62 veterans on a trip to Washington, D.C. to visit the memorials built in their honor.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Top 15 places for veterans to live, 2025: WalletHub
Austin, Texas
Tampa, Florida
Madison, Wisconsin
Raleigh, North Carolina
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Orlando, Florida
St. Petersburg, Florida
Irvine, California
Fort Worth, Texas
Plano, Texas
Gilbert, Arizona
Miami, Florida
Chesapeake, Virginia
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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