Greensboro, NC vs. Top Mid-Sized U.S. Cities in 2025: Ultimate Comparison Guide
Curious how Greensboro, NC compares to mid-sized U.S. cities like Madison, WI, Boise, ID, Lincoln, NE, and more in 2025? Dive into population growth, affordability, jobs, and lifestyle to find the best city for you!
Greensboro, North Carolina, a dynamic mid-sized city with ~306,263 residents in 2025, thrives in the Piedmont Triad, boasting affordability, rich history, and cultural vibrancy. But how does it stack up against other U.S. cities of similar size (200,000–350,000 population), including Spokane, Washington, Madison, Wisconsin, Boise, Idaho, Lincoln, Nebraska, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Des Moines, Iowa, Rochester, New York, Akron, Ohio, Aurora, Colorado, Grand Rapids, Michigan, Huntington Beach, California, Overland Park, Kansas, and Providence, Rhode Island? This SEO-optimized 2025 guide analyzes population trends, cost of living, economy, and quality of life with fresh data and links to help you pick the perfect mid-sized city.
Population and Growth: Greensboro’s 2025 Trajectory
Greensboro’s population has grown 3.35% since 2020, with a 0.65% annual increase, driven by its appeal and investments like Toyota and ZOOM (World Population Review). A North Carolina housing shortage has slowed its pace (The Rhino Times).
Spokane, WA (~228,013 in 2023): Spokane grows slowly at 0.4% annually, with a 1.2% rise from 2020 to 2023, fitting its regional hub status (U.S. Census Bureau).
Madison, WI (~269,840 in 2023): Madison’s 0.9% annual growth, with a 2.7% increase from 2020 to 2023, is fueled by its university and tech sectors (U.S. Census Bureau).
Boise, ID (~236,634 in 2023): Boise’s rapid 1.2% annual growth, driven by tech and outdoor appeal, outpaces Greensboro (U.S. Census Bureau).
Lincoln, NE (~291,082 in 2023): Lincoln’s 0.8% annual growth aligns with Greensboro, with a 2.5% rise from 2020 to 2023 (U.S. Census Bureau).
Winston-Salem, NC (~254,200 in 2022): Winston-Salem’s 1.9% growth from 2020 to 2022 surpasses Greensboro, with a 34.7% rise since 2000 vs. Greensboro’s 33.2% (City-Data).
Des Moines, IA (~212,333 in 2023): Des Moines grows at 0.5% annually, with a 1.5% increase from 2020 to 2023 (U.S. Census Bureau).
Rochester, NY (~211,328 in 2023): Rochester’s population is stable, with a -0.1% annual change (U.S. Census Bureau).
Akron, OH (~190,469 in 2023): Akron declines slightly at -0.3% annually (U.S. Census Bureau).
Aurora, CO (~399,763 in 2023): Aurora’s 1.1% annual growth, with a 3.3% rise from 2020 to 2023, reflects its proximity to Denver (U.S. Census Bureau). Note: Aurora is slightly above the 350,000 threshold but included for its mid-sized characteristics.
Grand Rapids, MI (~197,146 in 2023): Grand Rapids grows at 0.6% annually, with a 1.8% increase from 2020 to 2023 (U.S. Census Bureau).
Huntington Beach, CA (~198,711 in 2023): Huntington Beach’s growth is slow at 0.2% annually, with a 0.6% rise from 2020 to 2023 (U.S. Census Bureau).
Overland Park, KS (~197,726 in 2023): Overland Park grows at 0.7% annually, with a 2.1% increase from 2020 to 2023 (U.S. Census Bureau).
Providence, RI (~190,934 in 2023): Providence’s growth is flat, with a 0.1% annual change (U.S. Census Bureau).
Key Takeaway: Boise, Aurora, and Winston-Salem lead for rapid growth, while Greensboro, Lincoln, Madison, and Overland Park show steady increases. Spokane, Des Moines, Grand Rapids, and Huntington Beach grow slowly, and Rochester, Akron, and Providence are stable or declining. Search terms: mid-sized U.S. cities population growth 2025, Greensboro NC population trends.
Cost of Living: Greensboro’s Budget-Friendly Advantage
Greensboro’s cost of living is ~20% below the national average, with a median household income of $58,884 and median rent of $867/month in 2023 (Biggest US Cities; Salary.com). Its top-ranked driving commute enhances affordability.
Spokane, WA: Spokane’s cost of living index is 99.1, with median rent of $1,050 and homes at $350,000 vs. Greensboro’s $225,000 (Greater Spokane Inc.; Realtor.com).
Madison, WI: Madison’s index is 100.8, with median rent of $1,150 and homes at $337,500 (Numbeo; Realtor.com).
Boise, ID: Boise’s index is 101.1, with median home prices of $425,000 and rent of $1,200/month (Realtor.com).
Lincoln, NE: Lincoln’s cost of living is similar to Greensboro’s, with median household income of $62,566 and rent of $900/month. Homes average $250,000 (U.S. Census Bureau).
Winston-Salem, NC: Winston-Salem is slightly cheaper, with $50,000 matching $51,642 in Greensboro. Median home prices are $244,376 (Journal Now).
Des Moines, IA: Des Moines’ index is 90.3, with median rent of $875 and homes at $210,000 (Numbeo; Realtor.com).
Rochester, NY: Rochester’s index is 91.4, with median rent of $950 and homes at $200,000 (Numbeo; Realtor.com).
Akron, OH: Akron’s index is 89.2, with median rent of $800 and homes at $190,000 (Numbeo; Realtor.com).
Aurora, CO: Aurora’s index is 103.2, with median rent of $1,300 and homes at $400,000 (Numbeo; Realtor.com).
Grand Rapids, MI: Grand Rapids’ index is 92.5, with median rent of $925 and homes at $230,000 (Numbeo; Realtor.com).
Huntington Beach, CA: Huntington Beach’s index is 131.4, with median rent of $2,000 and homes at $850,000 (Numbeo; Realtor.com).
Overland Park, KS: Overland Park’s index is 98.7, with median rent of $1,100 and homes at $325,000 (Numbeo; Realtor.com).
Providence, RI: Providence’s index is 105.6, with median rent of $1,200 and homes at $350,000 (Numbeo; Realtor.com).
Key Takeaway: Akron, Des Moines, Rochester, and Greensboro lead for affordability, with low rent and home prices. Winston-Salem, Lincoln, and Grand Rapids are close, while Huntington Beach, Aurora, Boise, and Providence are pricier. Search terms: affordable mid-sized U.S. cities 2025, Greensboro NC cost of living.
Economy and Job Market: Greensboro’s Diverse Opportunities
Greensboro’s economy employs ~149,000 in health care, retail, and manufacturing, with employers like Guilford County Schools and Moses H. Cone Hospital. Its 6.1% unemployment rate is above average (Data USA; Biggest US Cities).
Spokane, WA: Spokane’s health care, education, and trade sectors, with employers like Providence Health, have a 4.2% unemployment rate (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Madison, WI: Madison’s tech, education, and government sectors, led by the University of Wisconsin, yield a 3.0% unemployment rate (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Boise, ID: Boise’s tech and agriculture sectors, with Micron Technology, have a 3.5% unemployment rate (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Lincoln, NE: Lincoln’s education, government, and insurance sectors, anchored by the University of Nebraska, maintain a 2.8% unemployment rate (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Winston-Salem, NC: Winston-Salem’s health care, education, and finance sectors employ ~130,000, with a 5.8% unemployment rate (City-Data).
Des Moines, IA: Des Moines’ insurance, finance, and government sectors have a 3.2% unemployment rate (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Rochester, NY: Rochester’s health care, education, and optics sectors, with the University of Rochester, have a 4.8% unemployment rate (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Akron, OH: Akron’s manufacturing and health care sectors face a 5.5% unemployment rate (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Aurora, CO: Aurora’s diverse economy, including health care and aerospace, has a 3.8% unemployment rate (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Grand Rapids, MI: Grand Rapids’ manufacturing, health care, and furniture sectors have a 4.0% unemployment rate (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Huntington Beach, CA: Huntington Beach’s tourism, retail, and tech sectors have a 4.5% unemployment rate (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Overland Park, KS: Overland Park’s tech, finance, and health care sectors have a 3.3% unemployment rate (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Providence, RI: Providence’s education, health care, and manufacturing sectors have a 4.7% unemployment rate (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Key Takeaway: Lincoln, Madison, Des Moines, and Boise lead with low unemployment and strong job markets. Overland Park, Aurora, and Grand Rapids are solid, while Greensboro, Winston-Salem, and Akron lag. Search terms: mid-sized U.S. cities job market 2025, Greensboro NC employment.
Quality of Life: Greensboro’s Cultural Appeal
Greensboro offers cultural gems like the Greensboro Science Center, International Civil Rights Museum, and North Carolina Folk Festival, but its 18.41% poverty rate and higher crime rates are challenges (Wikipedia; Niche).
Spokane, WA: Spokane’s Spokane River outdoor recreation and lower crime rates shine, with a 13.2% poverty rate (Visit Spokane; U.S. Census Bureau).
Madison, WI: Madison’s vibrant culture, low crime, and University of Wisconsin scene have a 10.5% poverty rate (Travel Wisconsin).
Boise, ID: Boise’s low crime, Boise River Greenbelt, and 10.2% poverty rate boost appeal (Visit Boise).
Lincoln, NE: Lincoln’s safe, family-friendly vibe and Lied Center pair with a 12.8% poverty rate (Visit Lincoln).
Winston-Salem, NC: Winston-Salem’s Reynolda House Museum and similar crime rates to Greensboro have a 16.5% poverty rate (U.S. Census Bureau).
Des Moines, IA: Des Moines’ low crime, Pappajohn Sculpture Park, and 14.5% poverty rate are attractive (Travel Iowa).
Rochester, NY: Rochester’s George Eastman Museum is tempered by higher crime and a 19.7% poverty rate (Visit Rochester).
Akron, OH: Akron’s Akron Art Museum is offset by higher crime and a 20.3% poverty rate (Destination Akron).
Aurora, CO: Aurora’s low crime and recreational amenities come with a 10.8% poverty rate (Visit Aurora).
Grand Rapids, MI: Grand Rapids’ arts scene and moderate crime pair with a 15.2% poverty rate (Experience GR).
Huntington Beach, CA: Huntington Beach’s beaches and low crime shine, with an 8.5% poverty rate (Visit Huntington Beach).
Overland Park, KS: Overland Park’s safe suburbs and parks have a 7.8% poverty rate (Visit Overland Park).
Providence, RI: Providence’s cultural scene and higher crime come with a 20.8% poverty rate (Visit Rhode Island).
Key Takeaway: Overland Park, Huntington Beach, Madison, Boise, Lincoln, and Aurora lead for safety and low poverty. Des Moines and Grand Rapids are solid, while Greensboro, Winston-Salem, Rochester, Akron, and Providence face poverty and crime challenges. Search terms: best mid-sized U.S. cities to live 2025, Greensboro NC quality of life.
Conclusion: Which Mid-Sized U.S. City Wins in 2025?
Greensboro, NC, excels in affordability and cultural diversity, ideal for budget-conscious families and professionals. Overland Park, KS, Madison, WI, and Lincoln, NE, lead for safety, jobs, and quality of life. Boise, ID, and Aurora, CO, shine for growth but are pricier. Des Moines, IA, and Grand Rapids, MI, balance affordability and jobs, while Winston-Salem, NC, is a close rival to Greensboro. Spokane, WA, offers outdoor appeal, and Huntington Beach, CA, boasts coastal charm at a high cost. Rochester, NY, Akron, OH, and Providence, RI, are affordable but face economic and safety hurdles.
Ready to choose? Explore Greensboro at Greensboro-NC.gov, compare cities at City-Data, or check local vibes at VisitBoise.com and TravelWisconsin.com. Share your top mid-sized city in the comments!
Keywords: Greensboro NC, mid-sized U.S. cities 2025, population growth, cost of living, job market, quality of life, Madison WI, Boise ID, Lincoln NE, Spokane WA, Winston-Salem NC, Des Moines IA, Rochester NY, Akron OH, Aurora CO, Grand Rapids MI, Huntington Beach CA, Overland Park KS, Providence RI
