Move over, San Antonio. Despite being dubbed the Military City, San Antonio lost out to another Texas city named the best in America for veterans, according to a new study released by WalletHub on Monday, November 3.
The financial analysis outlet published its roundup of the 100 best cities in the U.S. that are best for vets in terms of livability, affordability, access to VA health clinics, income growth and overall veteran-friendly atmosphere. Leading the pack was Texas’ capital city, with Austin taking the crown as the best city in America for veterans.
Earning a score of nearly 69, Austin’s quality of life ranking was a premier standout asset, earning a No. 5 listing. Its employment and economy statuses received No. 19 and No. 20 ranks, respectively, while its health resource offerings listed at No. 35.
“Austin, TX, is the best city for veterans, in large part because it has the best colleges for veterans in the country, along with the 10th-highest median annual income for veterans, at around $62,000. In addition, Austin has the seventh-best job growth rate in the country,” the report read in part. “It’s also good for veterans to live in a place where they can form a community of support with others who have gone through similar experiences. Austin has the third-smallest projected decrease in veterans between 2024 and 2053, so that will certainly help veterans meet each other and forge friendships.”
When comparing Austin to San Antonio, the Texas capital area does have a substantially smaller veteran population than the Alamo City, where an estimated 156,000 veterans live in Bexar County. By contrast, Travis County is home to approximately 56,000 veterans as of 2024.
Elsewhere in Texas, fellow Lone Star cities Fort Worth, Plano and Dallas joined the upper-tier rankings at No. 10, No. 11 and No. 25, respectively. But what about Military City? San Antonio clocked in at No. 34, with an overall score of roughly 57 and lower employment and health rankings (No. 65 and No. 53). However, the Alamo City did snag a No. 12 spot for its economy, while the quality of life analysis earned San Antonio a No. 31 ranking.
This article originally published at Texas city saluted as most vet-friendly in US – and it’s not San Antonio.