Madison Ranks Second for Veteran Life After Service, WalletHub Data Shows

Madison, Wisconsin, ranked as the second-best city in the United States for veterans to settle after military service, according to a new analysis by personal finance website WalletHub. The city earned its position based on strong income growth and low rates of veteran homelessness. This ranking places Madison behind Austin, Texas, which claimed the top spot due to its educational and employment resources.

WalletHub evaluated the 100 most populated U.S. cities using 19 measures across four categories: employment, economy, quality of life, and health. The data, collected as of Oct. 5, 2026, drew from sources including the U.S. Census Bureau, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the Department of Veterans Affairs. The study focused on factors such as job availability matching military skills, median veteran income, unemployment rates, and access to Veterans Affairs health facilities.

Madison’s veterans experienced an average annual median income growth of about 8%, marking the sixth-highest percentage in the nation. The city also recorded one of the lowest veteran homelessness rates, with two homeless individuals per 1,000 veterans. In contrast, Austin, Texas, ranked first for colleges serving veterans and seventh for job growth. Veterans in Austin have a median annual income exceeding $66,000, the ninth-highest among the cities evaluated.

Scottsdale, Arizona, secured the third position in the ranking. Veterans there earn a median annual income of about $68,000, the sixth-highest figure in the study. Scottsdale also ranked seventh for its low unemployment rate and third for having the fewest homeless veterans. Other cities making the top five list include Plano, Texas, and Fort Worth, Texas.

Chip Lupo, a WalletHub analyst, noted that returning service members need locations with strong education, employment, and healthcare access. In a statement, Lupo said the best cities for veterans offer these core benefits alongside large veteran populations for community support and venues providing veteran discounts.

Despite favorable rankings for specific cities, national challenges remain for the 17.2 million veterans living in the U.S. A separate report indicated that more than 32,000 veterans are currently experiencing homelessness. Additionally, over 26,000 veterans face higher monthly mortgage payments after the Trump administration eliminated the Veterans Affairs Servicing Purchase program.

The VASP program previously helped veterans behind on VA-backed home loan payments by moving missed payments onto a new mortgage with a 2.5% interest rate. This rate was far lower than current average rates, which hover around 7%. Many affected veterans now see monthly increases of $1,000 or more. The overall veteran unemployment rate stands at 3.6%, compared with 4.2% for the general population.