Richmond climbs to No. 2 on LinkedIn's Cities on the Rise list

What they're saying: LinkedIn says Richmond is on the rise due to its population growth (fastest in the state) and comparative East Coast affordability, plus job and hiring gains.

• Another factor: the region's expanding tech infrastructure via fiber cable connectivity and data center investments.

Yes, but: Tech isn't among the industries leading the region's hiring, according to LinkedIn. The top sectors hiring locally, per its report:

• Credit intermediation, a la Capital One.
• Hospitals and healthcare, like VCU Health, HCA and Bon Secours.
• Higher education — VCU has long been among the region's top employers.

Flashback: LinkedIn's inaugural Cities on the Rise list came out last year with Richmond at No. 13.

• The region's growing "healthtech sector" and landing major manufacturers like Lego were credited for RVA's inclusion in 2025.

Zoom out: Augusta, Georgia, was No. 1 on the 2026 list. Reno, Nevada; North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota, Florida; and Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, rounded out the top five.

The bottom line: Richmond might be on the rise, but our local job economy is still powered by the institutions that have been around for decades.