Arlington has claimed the crown in a new ranking of the most educated “cities” in the United States.
A new report from Northern Kentucky University found that 41.8% of Arlington residents over age 25 have a graduate degree — the highest number in the nation, above 38.3% of D.C. residents and 32% of residents in the Bay Area city of Fremont.
Arlington also has the greatest proportion of residents employed in the tech industry: 29.9%, even higher than 29.4% of people in San Francisco and 28.6% of Fremont residents. The D.C. area has previously been ranked just above the Bay Area for AI-related jobs.
“Cities that invest in technology, healthcare and education are expanding their job markets and attracting highly skilled professionals who sustain that growth,” the report says. “Arlington, Washington, D.C. and Fremont demonstrate how advanced education and industry development often progress together, shaping where new opportunities emerge.”
Arlington has consistently ranked high among roundups of the nation’s most educated localities. Forbes Advisor ranked the county as the No. 2 most educated in 2024 and No. 1 in 2023.
Arlington has also ranked as the best mid-sized “city” for college graduates to start their careers, while Arlington Public Schools tend to rank among the best in the state.
