It's a Good Time to Live in the Midwest

Did you know our own Omaha, Nebraska tops the list of the most recession-proof cities?



Omaha, Nebraska

The Brookings Institute Metro Monitor has been tracking the best (and worst) places to live during the recession based on unemployment rates, industry recovery, and the local housing market. And the research says: If you want a recession-proof city, check out the Midwest.

Omaha topped the list as the most recession-proof city because of its 5.5 percent unemployment rate, compared to the national average of 9.6 percent and the lowest change in unemployment in the past three years.

Other Midwest locales that round out the top 20 list for most recession-proof cities include Madison, Wis., Oklahoma City, and Kansas City, Mo., which made the list because its gross metropolitan product not only recovered, but jumped 2.6 percent from where it was before the recession. They say that the secret to the Midwest’s success is manufacturing jobs, which have been steadily recovering over the past year.