NerdWallet, a consumer advocacy website, recently conducted a study to identify the best places in the U.S. for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) graduates – and theLas Cruces metro area ranked among the top 30, coming in at no. 26.
To determine this ranking, NerdWallet examined the 354 largest U.S. metropolitan areas and analyzed Bureau of Labor Statistics and U.S. Census data on the following key factors:
1. STEM employees per 1,000 total jobs.
2. Annual mean wage for STEM jobs.
3. Median gross rent.
The Las Cruces metro area features 67.29 STEM employees per 1,000. With a median rent of $650 – lower than many other top cities on this list - the Las Cruces area is an attractive destination for STEM graduates seeking a lower cost of living.
Las Cruces Mayor Ken Miyagishima said, “This confirms our belief that Las Cruces is a great place for young people looking for high-tech careers. With the advanced work in aerospace and other advanced manufacturing here, and the entrepreneurial environment that fosters business creation, we’re the place to be.”
Gary Camarano, City of Las Cruces Economic Development Coordinator added, “This isn’t a total surprise to us. New Mexico ranks #1 in the nation for PhDs per capita, and 6th in science and engineering graduate students. There are a lot of educated and talented people here, and it reinforces that the workforce in Las Cruces is competitive nationally. Las Cruces is a great place for businesses to locate to or expand.”
The full study can be found at nerdwallet.com/cities.